Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied health profession that focuses on helping people with disabilities lead independent and meaningful lives. Occupational therapists help individuals and communities engage in daily living activities (i.e. their ‘occupations’) that may be impacted by illness or disability. OTs make recommendations and provide support that seeks to help individuals find suitable equipment, support and strategies to overcome impacts and reach their goals. Getting support from OTs can help promote functional abilities, enhance quality of life, and foster inclusion within the community.
The daily living activities where an OT can help are generally grouped into three main categories:
Three Main Categories of NDIS Occupational Therapy
Leisure: Engaging in relaxation social interaction and enjoyment.
Some examples include:
- Reading the newspaper E.g. recommendations for Assistive Technology
- Creative outlets E.g. Knitting, painting
- Playing sports
- Developing play skills
- Social skill development
Self-care: Enabling people to remain or become more active and independent in their everyday lives.
Some examples include:
- Showering
- Grooming
- Feeding
- Sleep
- Applying makeup
- Cooking
- Toilet training
Productivity: Deriving meaning through their contributions to others.
Examples include:
- Schoolwork
- Parenting
- Volunteering
- Finding employment
- Home modifications
- Budgeting
- Meal preparation
- Fine and gross motor development
- Mobility training and transfers
Watch this video to learn more about OT:
Searching for an Occupational Therapist:
Visit NDSP’s free Provider Finder to search for Occupational Therapists near you.
Can the NDIS fund my request for occupational therapy?
Iti says: Yes, Occupational Therapists are generally funded by the NDIS under the Capacity Building Support Category called Improved Daily Life
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Life
- 15_617_0128_1_3: Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training – Occupational Therapist (for participants older than 7)
- 15_005_0118_1_3: Early Childhood Supports – Early Childhood Professional (for participants younger than 7)
To determine funding eligibility, the NDIS considers the following general criteria:
- Relevance to disability needs
- Contribution to individual goals and aspirations
- Support for social and/or economic participation
- Value for money
- Effectiveness and benefits to the individual
- Maintenance of informal support
- Responsibility of the NDIS to fund the support requested
If you have any questions regarding your NDIS plan, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at 1800 63 63 77. We are available to address any inquiries you may have.
