A new practical resource from OTA member Lorrae Mynard is supporting occupational therapists and the people they work with to navigate the ongoing impact of everyday disruption.

While disruption is often associated with major events, many people are now experiencing a quieter, ongoing form of disruption. Rising fuel and transport costs, alongside cost-of-living pressures, are changing the routines that underpin daily life – how people get to work, access services, maintain family life and stay connected with community.

These pressures can significantly affect occupational participation and wellbeing. When everyday routines are disrupted, so too are the structures that support health, identity and coping. Occupational therapists are well placed to respond using strengths-based approaches that help people identify and prioritise what matters most, conserve limited resources, problem-solve barriers and build workable routines that protect mental and physical health.

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings. It can be used as a handout, a discussion tool, or a simple framework for supporting clients, families, workplaces and communities to plan and adapt during times of uncertainty.

This resource is a follow-up to Lorrae Mynard’s popular original guide released in 2020, which was widely shared and translated into more than a dozen languages. This new guide reflects current challenges, including ongoing transport and fuel pressures and the rising impact of cost-of-living stressors on everyday routines. It helps people plan, adapt and stay well.

Importantly, the guide can be shared freely – the need for practical, grounded support extends well beyond clinical settings. 

Download the guide here.