Environmental modifications can significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities and age-related decline. To achieve this, occupational therapists need to be well-trained, well-supported, and working within their scope. Investing in formal environmental modification training is critical to ensuring safe, effective, and meaningful outcomes for clients and communities.

Undertaking training in environmental modifications assists in meeting capabilities as outlined in OTA’s Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists supporting people with Environmental and Home Modifications available here.

Why specialist training matters

Environmental and home modifications, especially complex or structural changes, carry significant clinical, safety, legal, and financial risks if not appropriately assessed and prescribed. Inadequate modifications can lead to injury, reduced outcomes, funding refusal, costly rectification work, and increased professional liability.

Specialist training supports occupational therapists to:

• Conduct accurate, defensible assessments for minor and complex modifications
• Prescribe safe, functional, and client-centred solutions
• Understand relevant legislation, building standards, and risk management principles
• Collaborate effectively with builders, tradespeople, and other stakeholders
• Produce high-quality documentation that supports funding approval and protects professional practice

Working across funding schemes, including the NDIS

Many funding schemes require occupational therapists to demonstrate specific competencies in environmental and home modifications. Under the NDIS, occupational therapists involved in Category B minor and complex home modifications must complete recognised training to meet eligibility requirements as Home Modification Assessors, particularly for complex modifications.

Without appropriate training, OTs may be unable to provide assessments or recommendations within the NDIS or other funding schemes. Environmental modification training enables therapists to work confidently across funding streams while meeting quality, safeguarding, and compliance requirements.

The value of training with OTA

Occupational Therapy Australia offers trusted, evidence-based environmental modification training delivered by Sandi Lighfoot-Collins, with over 40 years of occupational therapy experience. OTA courses equip therapists with practical, applicable skills to deliver safe and effective modification recommendations.

Key benefits include:

• In-person practical and interactive training
• Training aligned with funding scheme expectations, including meeting NDIS home modification training requirements
• Evidence-based, person-centred content
• Practical skill development, including accurate scale drawings and clear recommendations

Registrations are now open for 2026 courses – enrol today

Environmental Home Modifications – The Basics

• 20-21 February 2026 | Sydney
• 25-26 May 2026 | Melbourne
• 24-25 August 2026 | Brisbane
• 9-10 October 2026 | Sydney

Complex Home Modifications:

• 28 February 2026 | Sydney 
• 28 May 2026 | Melbourne
• 27 August 2026 | Brisbane
• 24 October 2026 | Sydney

If you have further questions or these dates don’t suit you, email info@otaus.com.au to be put on the wait list for future dates and locations.