Breaking: Major government announcement on new children’s early intervention services

This week's major announcement from NDIS Minister Mark Butler at the National Press Club has provided a roadmap for the future of early intervention services for children with mild and moderate developmental delay and autism aged under 9.

Advocating for improved access to occupational therapy services through Medicare

OTA is calling for better access to Medicare funded OT services for those with chronic conditions.

Submission: Department of Social Services consultation on NDIS Supports rule

OTA's submission provides feedback on the overall approach outlined in the NDIS Supports Lists, and specific inclusions and omissions in specific lists, which is detailed in this content.

MEDIA RELEASE: OTA backs calls to end placement poverty

OTA has called on the Federal Government to end placement poverty for students, backing Allied Health Professions Australia’s campaign to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to include all allied health students.

SA OTs secure stronger EBA

A new standalone Allied Health EBA has been endorsed by 80.1% of voters, delivering a 13.5% pay rise and improved conditions for South Australia’s allied health workforce.

Media Release. No relief for OTs: NDIS price freeze enters seventh year with services at breaking point

Thousands of NDIS participants are facing longer waitlists and reduced access to critical occupational therapy services after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today confirmed that therapy support prices will remain frozen into a seventh consecutive year.

Media Release: With ramping surging, South Australia risks losing vital OT workforce over pay gap

Patients across South Australia could face longer wait times and reduced access to care as the state risks losing its vital occupational therapy workforce due to an unresolved and unfair pay gap.

Neurodiversity – Exploring the knowledge and perspectives of Australian Allied Health Practitioners

Understanding where to seek information and how to implement evidence-based practice that is neurodiversity-affirming is currently presenting a significant challenge for allied health professions in Australia.

Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses

Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the Victorian Government to follow through on the Fair Work Commission (FWC)’s provisional recommendation and address the growing pay gap between occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses working in the state’s public mental health services.

Connections Winter 2022

Read Connections Winter 2022 edition here.

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice.

Connections Spring 2022

Read Connections Spring 2022 edition here.

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.

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: 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.

AHPA: What is needed for quality allied health in Australian aged care?

As the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety concluded, allied health is a fundamental element of the aged care system, and is essential for ‘reablement’.

Occupational Therapy Australia Oration

The OTA Oration is bestowed by the Occupational Therapy Australia Board in recognition of innovation and impact in the Australian occupational therapy profession which has led to positive outcomes for the profession or those who are recipients of occupational therapy services.

Occupational Therapy Australia Inaugural Members Commemorative Roll

The Inaugural Members Commemorative Roll is a list of members, who at the first occasion either joined or renewed their membership upon the forming of the single entity Occupational Therapy Australia.

Position Statement: Occupational Therapy and Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation (October 2015, amended March 2022)

Developed to guide future practice and developments, and facilitate consistency of practice nationally in the area of driver assessment and rehabilitation.