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

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

Participation Matters

This OT Week, bring your team together, grab a cuppa and make time for a special conversation about something at the heart of occupational therapy: participation.

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.

Policy and Advocacy update – 8 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the NDIA update on claims for supports, OTA submission on NDIS access reform, and many more.

November Interest Groups 2026

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our November Interest Groups.

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.

Policy and Advocacy update – 1 October 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including an update on Thriving Kids initiatives, funding changes for NDIS supports, and many more.

National Thriving Kids update

OTA ran the Thriving Kids update across Australia, with each state and territory developing locally tailored supports for children and their families.

World Mental Health Day 2026: Together We Thrive

Join Occupational Therapy Australia for World Mental Health Day 2026 and discover how occupational therapists support mental health, connection and meaningful participation.

Policy and Advocacy update – 24 September 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including an update on SA mental health clinician recognition, the Thriving Kids roll-out date, and many more.

Policy and Advocacy update – 17 September 2026

Read about OTA policy and advocacy updates and developments this week, including the controversial cap on allied health services for veterans, Fair Work Commission’s review, and many more.

Connections Spring 2026

The Spring issue of Connections is now available for OTA members. This issue explores what it takes to thrive as an OT in an evolving profession, with fresh thinking on practice, wellbeing, innovation and the issues shaping occupational therapy today.

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.

Assistive Technology in Support at Home

In this webinar, Occupational Therapy Australia explores the implementation of the new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Pathway under Support at Home. This webinar examines key policy and operational changes, emerging implementation issues, and what the first eight months have revealed for occupational therapists, older people, and service providers.

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.

CPD Spring Offering 2026

Whether you're looking to complete CPD at your own pace or learn with other OTs, there are flexible options to help you get organised and stay on track.

Connections Spring 2026 - references

Sylvia Docker Lectureship

The purpose of the lecture is to honour an occupational therapist who has made an outstanding and inspirational contribution to the profession in their area of practice, research, education or management.

Generative AI in OT practice Interest Group

This Interest Group is open to all OTA members working in or with an interest in the area of Generative AI.

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.

Thriving Kids Need OTs

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.

Getting job ready with Clare Jones, Director at MediRecruit

Get job-ready with practical career insights, application tips, and interview advice from Clare Jones at MediRecruit.

Short Course: Safe and effective AI use in OT practice

This short 15-minute course expands on Safe AI use in OT practice. It covers the types of AI being used in OT practice, how to implement AI use, regulation of AI tools, and how to ensure you are meeting your professional obligations.

Social Media Day of Action

Connections Winter 2026 - references

No OTs, No NDIS 

No OTs, No NDIS is a OTA campaign responding to NDIS reforms that are limiting access to essential occupational therapy supports and impacting participants, families and communities.

HR Support

Our new HR partner – HR Advice Online – offers a wide range of resources to support members in navigating the contemporary workplace.

OTA Policy Submissions

OTA’s submissions represent the collective expertise, experience, and perspectives of occupational therapists across Australia, with the goal of advancing the profession across the diverse sectors in which OTs work.