Occupational Therapy Australia

Last chance to share your OT story! OT Week 2026 is almost here, and we’d love to include your voice in our celebration of occupational therapy. This year’s theme, Participation Matters, celebrates the difference OTs make in helping people participate in the people, places, activities and communities that matter to them. Whether you’re a student, new graduate or experienced OT, working in mental health, aged care, paediatrics, rehabilitation, disability or another area of practice – we want to hear from you. 📸 Send us your story and a photo to info@otaus.com.au for the chance to be featured as part of OT Week. 🎁 Everyone who shares their story will go in the draw to win one of five Carman’s gift bags valued at $55 each. T&Cs apply. This is your last chance to share your story! OT Week 2026 | 26 October – 1 November #OTWeek2026 #ParticipationMatters

Your OT Week conversation has arrived! Created as a gift to the profession, this special conversation brings together internationally recognised occupational therapist and participation expert Christine Imms and journalist and disability advocate Zoe Simmons to explore why participation matters and what it means for occupational therapy. 🎥 Watch it during OT Week. ☕ Watch it with your team. 💬 Use it to start a conversation about participation in your own practice. 🔗 And share it with your colleagues, students and OT networks. Whether you watch it at a workplace celebration, over a morning tea or in your next team meeting, we hope it gives you a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the difference occupational therapists make. Watch, share and keep the conversation going: https://lnkd.in/eJbSJV7H OT Week 2026 | 26 October – 1 November #OTWeek2026 #ParticipationMatters

Delays to home modifications can impact a veteran's safety and independence, as well as meaningful participation and quality of life. Last week, OTA CEO Leanne Healey appeared before the Senate Inquiry into Department of Veterans' Affairs-funded allied health treatment, presenting a case study to highlight the real-world impact of delays. Harry, an 82-year-old veteran, lives at home and uses a walking frame following a fall that has reduced his physical capability. Despite his occupational therapist prescribing a ramp and internal step to support his safety and independence, delays in installation have increased his reliance on family and contributed to a decline in his mental health. Harry’s OT continues to advocate for his needs, following up with DVA and equipment suppliers in unpaid time to help achieve the intended outcome and support Harry’s ongoing reablement. Harry’s story highlights why timely access to home modifications matters. Delays can affect far more than safety and mobility – they can impact a person’s independence, participation and quality of life. OTA is bringing the voices and experiences of veterans and occupational therapists to the forefront, challenging systemic barriers and driving change to improve access to essential services, protect veterans’ independence and deliver better outcomes. 🎥 Watch Leanne present Harry’s case to the Senate Committee (from 1:04:45): https://lnkd.in/epTsapGF 📄 Read OTA’s full submission (Submission 21): https://bit.ly/4yO2w0r

🌿 A space to pause, recharge and reconnect The OT Mental Health Forum is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to welcoming occupational therapists and colleagues to Canberra for two days of connection, learning and conversations about the future of mental health occupational therapy. We’re pleased to bring a special opportunity to the Forum, creating space for occupational therapists to take a moment for themselves amid the busy program. Thanks to innowell, all delegates can enjoy a moment of calm at the OT Wellness Hub during the Forum. Make sure you try to find a quiet moment to reset – the Hub offers a welcoming space to pause, recharge and return to the conversations that matter. A big thank you to Innowell for partnering with us to support delegate wellbeing and help make the Forum a welcoming and restorative experience. #OTMentalHealthForum #OccupationalTherapy #MentalHealth #StrongerTogether

Share your work at the 32nd OT National Conference and Exhibition! There’s still time to put your work forward and be part of the conversation shaping the future of occupational therapy. Whether you’ve introduced an innovative approach to practice, led a project, undertaken research or gained valuable insights through your everyday work, your experience could inspire and inform colleagues from across Australia. ✨ Choose from a range of presentation formats to suit your work and experience. First-time presenters are encouraged to apply, and you don’t need to be an OTA member to submit. 📅 Abstract submissions have been extended to Thursday 29 October. Take the opportunity to share what you’ve learned, contribute to the profession and showcase your work on the national stage. 👉 Explore the guidelines and submit your abstract: https://bit.ly/3TSNib0 #OTNationalConference #OTAus #OTAUS2027 #OccupationalTherapy

⏰ One week to go! The 2026 OT Mental Health Forum is almost here! Next week, mental health OTs from across Australia will come together in Canberra for two days of learning, inspiration and connection, all dedicated to advancing mental health occupational therapy. Get ready to hear from leading voices, explore the latest research and innovative approaches to practice, tackle the challenges facing mental health OTs and connect with colleagues who share your passion for the profession. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, gain fresh perspectives or strengthen your professional connections, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. 📅 29–30 October 2026 📍 National Convention Centre Canberra Not registered yet? There’s still time to join us. Explore the program and secure your place today: https://bit.ly/4b5k2DG

Connecting with the OT community in Bendigo! OTA was pleased to attend the inaugural ATSA Expo ‘Local Edition’ in Bendigo yesterday, joining allied health professionals, disability and aged care providers, support coordinators, planners, families, carers and community organisations to connect, share ideas and explore assistive technology. We also enjoyed bringing OTA members together for a networking event at All Seasons Bendigo, creating space to catch up with colleagues, make new connections and strengthen our professional community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello. We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting our OT community across regional Australia! #OccupationalTherapy #ATSAExpo #OTACommunity

Thank you to our Platinum Partner, LiveLife Alarms! As OT Week 2026 approaches, we’re delighted to shine a light on our Platinum Partner, LiveLife Alarms, and acknowledge their contribution to the occupational therapy community. Our partnerships enable us to develop and promote programs and services for OTs, helping them support people in the community to live their best lives. LiveLife Alarms believe Participation Matters because being part of a community means giving back to it. They’re proud to leverage their experience, relationships and resources to support the people and organisations making a difference every day. As we celebrate this year’s theme, Participation Matters, we thank LiveLife Alarms for helping champion the people and organisations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. #OTWeek2026 #ParticipationMatters #OccupationalTherapy #StrongerTogether

🔎 Explore some of our upcoming Interest Group meetings for November! Our member-only Interest Groups foster community, connection, and innovation, allowing you to connect with OTs from your practice area and beyond. OTA members, if you’d like to join an Interest Group, please update your preferences under your member dashboard. View all our Interest Group meetings for November: https://bit.ly/3VZtfZs

Don’t miss our special panel session at CPD Empower CPD Empower Adelaide offers three workshop streams exploring pain, acquired brain injury and progressive neurological conditions, giving occupational therapists the opportunity to deepen their clinical knowledge and strengthen their practice. Bringing these themes together, our panel discussion, Navigating complexity. Maximising participation., will be facilitated by OTA’s Chief Occupational Therapist, Michelle Oliver. Drawing on clinical insights from across the day, Michelle will lead a discussion on navigating complex presentations, adapting interventions to changing needs and supporting meaningful participation. The session will also feature audience Q&A and practical insights to take back to your practice. 📅 Thursday 12 November 2026 📍 The Playford Adelaide 👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/4xOBIfI #CPDEmpower #OccupationalTherapy #OTPractice #OTPD #ProfessionalDevelopment