This article will outline the role of an NDIS registered occupational therapist and the job opportunities available:
- NDIS occupational therapy
- Occupational therapy services
- NDIS jobs for occupational therapists
NDIS occupational therapy
The aim of occupational therapy is to promote health and wellbeing through enabling people to participate in everyday activities. These can be self care activities such as showering, dressing or preparing food, productive activities such as education, work, or volunteering, and leisure activities such as engaging in social interactions or participating in a hobby. NDIS occupational therapists work closely with community members who have physical disabilities, developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, or neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy.
NDIS occupational therapy services
Occupational therapy provides a holistic approach to achieving independence through various services such as:
- Home modifications
- Vehicle modifications
- Assistive technology
- Functional assessments
- Daily living skills and assessments
- Mental health support and
- Rehabilitation
Home modifications
Occupational therapists are home modification experts and can recommend customised solutions to improve the safety, layout, and function of an individual’s residence. Whether it is implementing a rail or shower chairs in a bathroom or adding on ramps and lifts to a home, all modification solutions are designed to improve one’s daily living skills.
Vehicle modifications
A certified driving occupational therapist can perform driving and vehicle modification assessments. These vehicle modifications can range from minor (grab bar, swivel seat, postural support or transfer board) to major (mobility aid hoists, ramps, or specialised equipment such as steering/braking/accelerator control systems).
Assistive technology
Assistive technology is any item, device, system, equipment, or software that is used to help someone complete an activity or task that they would not be able to do otherwise. An NDIS OT can prescribe assistive equipment to help a participant in day to day life. An occupational therapist will recommend the right assistive technology following an initial assessment or home assessment.
Functional assessments for specialist disability accommodation
Occupational therapists provide support and comprehensive evaluations for participants exploring various housing options such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). OTs work alongside clients to assess and determine their daily living needs. Additionally, a functional capacity assessment can be performed to ensure clients receive the proper support and funding to achieve participation in meaningful activities, everyday occupations, and daily tasks.
Daily living skills and activities
Developing daily living skills and independence to complete activities is a core component of occupational therapy. OTs can work with clients, their family members, and support coordinators to help them better understand their abilities, challenges, and goals. Occupational therapists can help participants perform daily living tasks such as showering, dressing, writing, and cooking and in-turn allow them to lead more independent lives.
Mental health support
Taking adequate care of our mental health is just as important as physical health, therefore OTs can help clients of all ages, including children, manage their mood, thinking, and behaviours. Through a goal-focused process, occupational therapy services can help someone with mild to severe mental health conditions connect and engage with the everyday activities most important to them.
Rehabilitation
NDIS occupational therapists can design rehabilitation programs to increase independent living and speed up recovery time. Occupational therapy can support clients who require rehabilitation following a traumatic event such as a stroke or brain injury, or have a degenerative condition.
NDIS jobs for occupational therapists
Occupational therapy (OT) helps people of all abilities maximise independence to live their best life. The aim of our NDIS registered occupational therapists is to assist people in successfully adapting to changes in their environment or daily lives, and to safely overcome challenges they may face. We provide assessments and therapy services to help you identify areas of support that will increase your quality of life.
Our allied health clinicians are at the forefront of our business as they interact daily with participants, clients, and residents. We nurture and provide them with adequate support including access to team leaders, supervisors, clinical managers, and directors at their disposal. In addition to this, our allied health clinicians are also supported with access to an unlimited budget of CPD, and material on internal platforms such as webinars to educate, inform, and promote growth in their area of specialisation.
At AHP Disability and Home Care, our allied health clinicians support thousands of Australians nation-wide and witness the rewarding impact and changes our services can have on our participants’ lives.
Australian Health Professionals (AHP) Disability and Home Care is a nationally registered service provider in the NDIS and Aged Care sectors. We are proud to be your partner in care for all allied health needs. The AHP difference gives you the assurance that you will always receive reliable, experienced, and timely service.
AHP DHC offers supports in all states and territories and are proud to work with Australia’s best qualified allied health clinicians. At AHP Disability and Home Care, we have over 500 allied health clinicians working for us across a range of disciplines.
Need help with accessing disability and support services?
At AHP Disability and Home Care, our highly qualified staff are well-equipped to assist with any and all of your needs.
Contact our friendly team on 1800 247 342, should you require assistance.
