Crisis and Disaster Response for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists need to anticipate the potential for disasters. Establishing systems and organising activities beforehand can facilitate a prompt and efficient response, mitigating fear and anxiety in the process. Take proactive measures to ensure the effectiveness of your response and recovery. This includes developing plans and arrangements grounded in risk assessments to enable your core business to continue amidst critical incidents or disruptions. Consider incorporating technology, such as telehealth platforms, to ensure continuity of care during disruptions.

OTA Leadership meets with MPs

Ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, OTA has been actively engaging with government ministers, senators, advisors, crossbenchers, and opposition members to advance the calls to action outlined in OTA’s Federal Election Statement.

OTA's Federal Election Toolkit is now available!

With the 2025 Federal Election fast approaching, now is the time to advocate for occupational therapy. OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities.

Australian OTs use assessments & tools to improve BPD performance

To explore what assessments, tools and interventions occupational therapists in Australia are currently utilising to improve the occupational performance of people with BPD and the perceived limitations in current practice.

Announcing the 2025 Sylvia Docker Lectureship Recipient – Professor Mandy Stanley

Occupational Therapy Australia is proud to announce Professor Mandy Stanley as the recipient of the prestigious Sylvia Docker Award for 2025.

Appeals Process - OTA WFOT Program Approval Committee

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has a process to manage the review of a decision when an education program is not recommended for WFOT approval status.

OTA Submission: Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service

OTA was invited to meet with the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss our submission to the Aged Care Rules on the Residential Care Service list. The Chief OT, Michelle Oliver and senior OTA policy staff met with the Department on Monday 3 March.

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Playbook

The OTA 2025 Federal Election Playbook is a key resource for OTA members, OTs, supporters of the profession, and government officials seeking to understand and shape policies that impact healthcare, disability, aged care, mental health, veteran care and workforce planning from the perspective of the occupational therapy profession.

Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Jurisdictional Differences Guide 2024

The information provided in this guide has been developed by the OTA National Driving Taskforce to help occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) navigate the legislation, regulations, and guidelines relevant to driving assessment and rehabilitation in their jurisdictions. It is solely for the use of Occupational Therapy Australia and its members.

OTA's 2025 Federal Election Statement

The 2025 Federal Election is a critical opportunity to invest in the allied health workforce and strengthen healthcare services. This Statement outlines 27 strategic calls to action essential for addressing pressing issues. A detailed breakdown of each ask is available in OTA’s 2025 Federal Election Playbook.

British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT)

The British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT) provides researchers and practitioners with the means to access, share and guide the implementation of knowledge and evidence. As the official academic journal of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the BJOT aims to be the publication of choice for authors to publish research that advances knowledge in research, practice, education, and management in occupational therapy.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy fosters advancement and growth in occupational therapy scholarship. The journal provides a forum for leading-edge occupational therapy scholarship that advances theory, practice, research, and policy. 

New Resource: Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with People with Pain

OTA's new capability framework outlines the skills and knowledge occupational therapists can build to better understand the physical, psychological, environmental and societal factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT)

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) is an official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which represents the professional interests and concerns of nearly 213,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students. The primary mission of AJOT is to publish research examining the effectiveness and efficiency of occupational therapy practice so that occupational therapy professionals can make informed, evidence-based decisions about best practice.

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ) is a leading international publication presenting influential and innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The journal is the official research publication of the peak membership body, Occupational Therapy Australia.

Stronger Together. The New Face of OTA.

Today we unveil a bold new brand and member experience. The rebrand captures the inclusivity and connection that defines the profession and signifies Occupational Therapy Australia as the single, unifying connection point for occupational therapists across the country, and we are **Stronger Together**.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Neurodivergent Allied Health Professional: Barriers and Facilitators

The study aims to explore the experiences, needs, and contributions of neurodivergent professionals in the allied health field. ...

Maximizing Occupational Therapy in Residential Aged Care: Barriers & Enablers

This project aims to understand barriers and enablers to maximising occupational therapy's contribution in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with People with Pain

Occupational Therapists are uniquely placed to support clients who are experiencing acute or persistent pain by applying a holistic approach to assessment and therapeutic interventions that are focused on enhancing engagement and participation in meaningful occupation. Occupational therapists play a key role in multidisciplinary teams working in pain management across a range of settings from inpatient and sub-acute settings to specialist pain clinics, community rehabilitation centres, return to work programs, aged care settings and private practice, bringing an understanding of the physical, psychological, environmental and societal factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Children, Young People and Families proposes a set of key capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists working across a range of service settings. The framework recognises that paediatric practice is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

OTA 2025 Federal Election Toolkit

OTA’s Federal Election Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to engage with local candidates and highlight our profession’s priorities for the 2025 Australian Federal Election.

OTA National Conference and Exhibition 2025

OTA Mental Health Endorsement

The OTA Mental Health Endorsement program provides recognition of the additional knowledge, skills and experience of OTs focusing their scope of practice on mental health.

OT Notification Navigator Service

Full-Time, Part-Time and New Graduate members who receive a notification from industry regulators can utilise this service to access guidance from a qualified Occupational Therapist about how to navigate the notification process.

OTA Members’ EAP

We have partnered with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider TELUS Health. TELUS Health is a full-service assistance program providing confidential work, life and well-being consultations.

History

Occupational Therapy Australia was formed in 2009 after national members voted to consolidate all divisions within the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT) to form Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.

OTA Board

Occupational Therapy Australia is governed by a Board of Directors elected by members and/or through the Nominations Committee.