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.

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.

Privacy Policy

Occupational Therapy Australia values highly the strong relationships we have with our customers. The collection of data at Occupational Therapy Australia is being handled with full and proper respect for the privacy of our customers. The data we collect is handled sensitively, securely and with proper regard to privacy. Occupational Therapy Australia does not disclose, distribute or sell the data we collect from our clients to third parties.

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.

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.

CEO Member Update February 2025

OTA CEO Samantha Hunter shares the latest updates on the outlook for Federal Election, her recent round table discussion with Senator Jordan Steele-John and WA members, capability framework announcements, and the use of AI in practice and how this technology may support, challenge and redefine aspects of the profession.

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.

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. ...

Exploring perceptions of the allied health role in palliative and end of life care

This study aims to explore how allied health professionals work with older adults receiving palliative care and at end of life, in Australia; what unique input the various disciplines can offer, and what learning or professional development informs clinical practice.

Understanding and addressing suicidality and self-harm after acquired brain injury

This project aims to understand the experiences, needs, and preferences of individuals with ABI, clinicians, and researchers in addressing self-injurious thoughts and behaviours after injury.

Culturally Safe & Responsive OT for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Australia-wide survey on OT’s perception of their capability to practice in a culturally responsive way with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Rollator Design and Functionality: a Health Professional Perspective

This study is part of a broader research initiative aimed at understanding the perspectives and real-world experiences of health professionals who work closely with rollator users, as well as the end users themselves.

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.

CEO Member Update December 2024

Hear from OTA CEO Samantha Hunter as she shares the latest updates on NDIS news, various policy and advocacy initiatives, upcoming events and the latest in CPD.

OTA Statement to Government Response to the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission

Occupational Therapy Australia is incredibly disappointed that the Commonwealth Government has not moved to urgently address the parlous state of the veteran health system.

VicRoads: Testing Routes (2017-18)

A list of suggested driving test routes developed by OTA and VicRoads in 2017-18.

VicRoads: Occupational Therapy Driving Test - Assessment Manual (March 2018)

This manual has been compiled by VicRoads to provide OT driver assessors with clear and precise guidance on VicRoads criteria for testing whether a person is able to drive safely, legally and independently and meets the requirements for a Victorian licence, detailed guidance on the type and number of driving tasks that should be included in a licence test route and where in the route they should occur, and additional information concerning testing procedures.

DHAC: National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management

The Action Plan will provide a key step towards a national and holistic policy framework that will support consumers, health practitioners and the wider community to improve the quality of life for people living with pain, their families and carers and minimise its impact.

DHAC: Progress Report - Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The report provides an objective and independent assessment by the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care on progress of the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. It identifies progress against each recommendation, presents stakeholder views and initial observations.

DHAC: Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan (2022-2032)

The Australian Government’s Future focused primary health care: Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022–2032 is about strengthening primary health care as part of the health system and providing an agenda for primary health care reform over a decade.

DHAC: Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications Scheme for in-home aged care

The content in this report reflects the output from a co-design process that sought input from older Australians and their families and informal carers, industry professionals and government stakeholders.

OTA Member Logo Terms and Conditions

The following membership logo terms and conditions apply to all Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) members. Please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions before you commence using the OTA member logo.

OTA National Conference and Exhibition 2025

Update your mobile number

Update your mobile number to access your services

Team and Governance

OTA is led by a team of dedicated professionals who seek to protect and progress the profession.

CPD and 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.

Advocacy

We work to make sure that decision makers understand the important and life-changing work that OTs do with their clients everyday across Australia. We engage with state and federal governments, stakeholders, providers and members to understand and overcome systemic issues and barriers impacting the OT scope and profession by working to change laws, policies and systems. Our policymaking and advocacy work is informed by engagement with our members.

Compensation Schemes

Our ongoing advocacy work helps protect the financial viability of OT services under compensation schemes and makes sure that people receive high-quality care under these schemes.