May Interest Groups for your calendar

In May we have a wide range of interest groups and topics for you to choose from. We’d love to see you there! Interest groups bring together OTs focused on different areas of practice to discuss relevant topics and new developments. The meetings offer peer and expert support, networking and learning opportunities.

Connections Autumn 2025

Ready, set, refresh! We’re excited to share the new-look Autumn Connections. Our quarterly Magazine keeps you up to date with important and inspiring developments across the changing OT landscape. In this bumper issue you’ll see OTA's bold rebrand come to life, learn about key initiatives in the lead up to the May 2025 Federal Election, and more!

Share your story in Connections Magazine!

We are calling for articles for the Winter 2025 issue of Connections that showcase our members’ expertise and important developments in occupational therapy. Connections is our print and digital quarterly magazine, and is a unique opportunity for members to connect and communicate with peers in our passionate OTA community.

Supporting the sexual wellbeing of people with mental health conditions

This study aims to explore the perspectives of occupational therapists worldwide on their role in supporting the sexual wellbeing of people with MH conditions.

April Interest Groups you can't resist!

Did you know that OTA hosts specialised interest groups each month as one of your benefits of being a member? In April we have a wide range of interest groups and topics for you to choose from.

Connections Winter 2022

Read Connections Winter 2022 edition here.

Connections Spring 2022

Read Connections Spring 2022 edition here.

Connections Summer 2022

Read Connections Summer 2022 edition here.

Connections Autumn 2023

Read Connections Autumn 2023 edition here.

Connections Winter 2023

Read Connections Winter 2023 edition here.

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.

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.

VicRoads: Peer Developed Testing Routes

A list of suggested driving test routes developed by occupational therapist driving assessors.

Monash: Early Vocational Rehabilitation Webinar (July 2024)

In July 2024, OTA hosted a Member Session: Towards Work – Early vocational rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, multi-trauma orthopaedic injuries or spinal cord injury by Dr Pam Ross and Yash Bedekar.

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.

Position Statement: The Role of Allied Health Assistants in Supporting Occupational Therapy Practice (2015)

This position paper defines the roles, scope, and operational and professional responsibilities of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) in the delivery of occupational therapy in hospital and the community. The paper provides a structure for occupational therapists to effectively supervise and delegate to AHAs, and will assist occupational therapists in understanding the clinical governance requirements in facilitating the AHA role within an occupational therapy service.

The role of Allied Health Assistants in Supporting Occupational Therapy Practice (October 2015)

For many years allied health (OT) assistants have been part of many public sector occupational therapy departments. With the increased opportunities for assistants arising from the NDIS and aged care reforms and with many workforce reviews in progress by Governments, Occupational Therapy Australia, like many of our other allied health association colleagues, have been developing position statements to guide practice in this area.

Social Justice Groups: LGBTQIA+

OTs can provide inclusive and affirming care, address unique needs, and promote mental and physical well-being for LGBTQIA+ individuals. OTA members are eligible to join our social justice groups.

Social Justice Groups: Cultural Diversity

OTs provide culturally competent care, address diverse needs, and support inclusive practices in various healthcare settings. OTA members are eligible to join our social justice groups and contribute to culturally informed care.

Social Justice Group: Climate Change

OTs can contribute to environmental sustainability, promote eco-friendly practices, and support communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change. OTA members are eligible to join our social justice groups and contribute to culturally informed care.

Interest Groups

OTA membership allows you to explore national and state-based interest groups, student and early career community of practice, or national reference groups that help inform our advocacy work.

Capability Frameworks

Occupational Therapy Australia’s capability frameworks propose what best practice looks like in a particular area across the career pathway. Each framework outlines a set of capabilities that occupational therapists may use in their area of practice at the foundational, intermediate or senior practitioner level.

Social Justice Groups

OTA members can be involved in Social Justice Groups that learn from lived experience to inform the profession and the association about safe and life affirming care.