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.

Don’t get caught out by new privacy laws (Maurice Blackburn)

Is your practice ready for the privacy amendments? The Australian Government has updated its privacy legislation to include significant changes to the 27-year-old Privacy Act as well as the Criminal Code. Some of the changes, which came into effect in December 2024, will affect the way businesses such as allied health practices operate. This is what you need to know.

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.

Connections Autumn 2023

Read Connections Autumn 2023 edition here.

Connections Winter 2023

Read Connections Winter 2023 edition here.

Connections Spring 2023

Read Connections Spring 2023 edition here.

Connections Summer 2023

Read Connections Summer 2023 edition here.

Connections Autumn 2024

Read Connections Autumn 2024 edition here.

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.

Education Programs Pending WFOT Approval

See the list of education programs pending WFOT approval.

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.

Meeting Your Local Member Guide

This guide is designed to support Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) members in preparing for one-on-one meetings with their local federal election candidates. It provides practical advice on how to prepare, conduct, and follow up after a meeting to effectively advocate for the occupational therapy profession ahead of the 2025 federal election.

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.

Search all CPD & Events

Our evidence-based CPD and events will prepare you for every situation and empower you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your practice. We offer learning opportunities across all practice areas and levels of experience.

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.

Mental Health Endorsement Application Guide

Download the Mental Health Endorsement Application Guide here.

Mental Health Endorsement - CPD & Supervision Summary

Download the Mental Health Endorsement - CPD & Supervision Summary form here.

Mental Health Endorsement Audit Guidelines

As an endorsed mental health occupational therapist, you are required to undertake activities to develop and maintain your mental health expertise in order to maintain your endorsement. OTA is required to ensure that all endorsed practitioners adhere to these requirements through regular audits.

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.

Terms and Conditions

The information provided on this website is for use of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon as, nor to be a substitute for, specific professional advice. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any persons acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this website can be accepted. This includes links to all external organisations.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

Practice Queries Service

Need advice? Our Practice Queries Service connects you with experienced occupational therapists from our Professional Practice Team. We provide general, in-principle guidance on professional practice matters to support your work.

Membership

We offer memberships that empower your career. Our memberships are designed to match your level of experience with benefits designed to help you and your practice.

Practice Support

Your practice doesn't stop at your clients. Our practice support is designed to help you with your day-to-day whether you're just starting out, an experienced practitioner or managing a business - OTA practice support has been designed to support you.

Legal Partner

Insurance Partner

Aon is the preferred insurance broker to Occupational Therapy Australia. Aon have worked with us and insurers to create insurance cover tailored for the risks commonly found in occupational therapy.

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.

2025 Tina Champagne Webinars

After a sell-out national tour in June 2024, Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce that world-renowned occupational therapist, Dr. Tina Champagne will be bringing back her expertise in Sensory Modulation, this time in the format of 7 live, 1-hour Webinars based on her Sensory Modulation Program.