Research Study: Occupational therapy practice with children who have complex needs

This study aims to better understand how occupational therapists work with children five years of age and under with complex needs here in Australia.

Thriving Kids: What does it mean for occupational therapists?

Following the Australian Government’s launch of Thriving Kids, many occupational therapists are considering what the changes mean for their work, the families they support, and the future of OT in this space. Explore what we know so far, what it means for OT practice, and practical steps you can take now to prepare for the changes ahead.

OTA Submission: NDIS Access Reform

OTA supports the Department's move to a more consistent, evidence-based NDIS access process. Drawing on the clinical expertise of occupational therapists, this submission makes 27 recommendations across six areas: guiding principles, decision-making design, administrative burden, diverse cohorts, permanence and transition.

OT Mental Health Forum 2026 - Thank You

See you at the OT Mental Health Forum 2026 in Canberra!

Research Survey: The role of OT in pelvic exenteration

This study will focus on gathering qualitative information through semi-structured interviews with OTs who have experience working with adults who have had PE.

NDIS reforms submission guidelines

A practical guide to help occupational therapists understand the NDIS reforms and make informed submissions, highlighting the potential impacts on OT practice, participants and access to essential services.

Research Survey: Occupational Therapists' experiences assessing digital wellbeing

To understand occupational therapists’ experiences assessing children’s digital wellbeing.

Sylvia Docker Lectureship Award 2026

The Sylvia Docker Lectureship honours an occupational therapist who has made an outstanding and inspirational contribution to the profession through their practice, research, education or management.

Challenge your thinking and strengthen your practice with two major OT learning events this spring

Take your OT practice further this October & November with OT Mental Health Forum and CPD Empower Adelaide. Read more.

Research Study: Virtual reality for hospital-to-home transitions after brain injury

Australian OTs’ views on virtual reality for home transition.

Research Survey: OT perspectives on sleep in workplace rehabilitation

This study aims to investigate how occupational therapists assess and address sleep within the workplace rehabilitation setting.

Mastering generative AI: Advanced tools & techniques for OTs

This advanced workshop is for OTs who are already confident with the basics of generative AI and are ready to explore more sophisticated tools and real-world applications to support and streamline their work.

Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs

A practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help occupational therapists confidently get started with generative AI and apply it safely and effectively in everyday practice.

Research Survey: Allied health perspectives on digital health in South Australia

This research project explores the perspectives of allied health professionals on digital health services in South Australia or previously worked in South Australia.

OTA Submission: Psychosocial supports advice and actions for Government

OTA established an Expert Advisory Group for Psychosocial Foundational Supports (EAG), comprising twenty highly experienced occupational therapists working across a range of public, non-government and private psychosocial services.

Research Study: Immersive VR shopping tool for IADL training

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of a custom-made, fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) shopping tool (ShopWell VR) for the assessment and training of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) across different population groups.

Thank you for your participation!

Thank you for input in our workforce survey!

Research Study: Developing the safe steps falls program

This study aims to support strategies in preventing falls for older adults with cognitive impairment.

Tools to assist your CPD planning

By planning your CPD early, you’ll feel confident, organised and ready to make the most of the year ahead.

Australian competency standards for OT driver assessors 2026

A comprehensive guide to the standards which represent the knowledge, skills, and attributes which the profession considers necessary for driver trained occupational therapists to provide quality assessment and rehabilitation service for drivers with functional impairments.

OTA Submission: NSW Workers Compensation Reform regulations and guidelines

OTA have made a submission to SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) in NSW around the state's Workers Compensation reforms, focused on the strong role occupational therapists play in psychosocial recovery, vocational rehabilitation, and return-to-work planning.

OTA Submission: IHACPA for the pricing framework for support at home Aged Care services

OTA recommend pricing for Support at Home should align to evidence-based business overheads that Occupational Therapists must factor into their operating budgets.

Normal life is being disrupted (again): Navigating disruption in a changing world (2026)

Normal life is being disrupted (again) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed for immediate application in clinical and community settings.

OTA Annual General Meetings

The Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Zoom on Thursday 12 November at 12.30pm AEDT.

Foundational Supports

OTA is working to support and advance the critical role that OTs will play in the design and delivery of foundational supports. As this reform process continues, we will provide updates on opportunities for consultation and advocacy. We will also offer guidance to support coordinated advocacy efforts across the sector and ensure our profession is well represented in these changes.

Research

Members can access OTA's membership base to help progress and enhance their research. Find current OTA Member surveys and learn more about submitting your own here.

Association Awards

Occupational Therapy Australia has an awards program incorporating student awards, national awards, trustee prizes, and divisional awards. Browse to learn more about our current, upcoming and past Association Award opportunities.

Help for members Digital Transformation and OTA Connect

Help for members through OTAs Digital Transformation.

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.