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'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.

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.

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.

Foundational Supports - Early Childhood Consultations

OTA participated in the final session of the PRECI consultations on 20 Feb. The consultation sessions were held as part of the Review of Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and development of a Framework for guiding early childhood practice.

Evidence-Based Care for Cognitive & Psychosocial Impacts of TBI

This survey examines practices, gaps, and barriers in cognitive and psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI.

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.

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).

Facilitating Community-Based Physical Activity for People with Dementia

This research addresses a major unmet need for an early, systematic approach to identify physical activity needs for people with mild dementia, and embed referral pathways/training opportunities for exercise leaders to support improved physical activity options.

Functional Cognition Screening in Older Adults: Finding the Right Tool

We are looking for older people to join our study. We welcome participants with healthy cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or mild dementia.

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 Working with Older People (Aged Care)

The Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Older People (Aged Care) proposes a series of capabilities (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for occupational therapists practising across different aged care settings and support structures. The framework acknowledges that aged care is a complex and multifaceted area of clinical practice and is within the scope of all registered occupational therapists.

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.

VicRoads: Motorised Mobility Devices - Resources for Consumers

A comprehensive guide for consumers has been developed by the Department of Transport with input from topic experts and other stakeholders.

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.

Workforce

We know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for the occupational therapy profession, such as attracting and retaining OTs. To address these challenges, we've consulted with our members to develop a workforce development plan.

Workforce Development Project

Here at OTA, we know there are significant workforce challenges and opportunities for our profession. To address these challenges, we've developed the OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan. It was devised using an evidence-based approach which included a literature review, an analysis of OT workforce data, a survey of Australian occupational therapists, interviews and focus groups.