OT Week 2019 to raise awareness of the great work being done by occupational therapists

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 16.10.19

A spotlight will next week be shone on the great work done by Australia’s 21,000 occupational therapists. OT Week 2019, running from 21 to 27 October, aims to raise awareness of the key role occupational therapists play in enabling people to engage in activities they find meaningful.

OT Week features events in every state and territory, enabling OTs to come together to reflect on and celebrate their work.

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Chief Executive Officer, Samantha Hunter, said OT Week was a great opportunity for OTs to revisit their life changing work, and at a time when the profession is undergoing significant change.

“The rollout of the National Disability Scheme and the new My Aged Care platform represent an historic shift to client driven care, and this has repercussions for the way many occupational therapists do their work,” Ms Hunter said. “OTs who were for many years employed by institutions now find themselves running small businesses.”

“This is at once an exciting opportunity but a challenging new responsibility. OT week enables us to compare notes at organised functions while still celebrating our core purpose – helping people to help themselves.”

Through the hashtag of #ThisIsOT, OTA members will compile a visual dictionary of OT in action across Australian communities.

Occupational therapists provide services such as physical and mental health therapy, vocational rehabilitation, chronic disease management, assessments for assistive technology and home modifications, and key disability supports and services. Occupational therapists support people across all ages.

Occupational therapists group “occupations” into three broad categories:

• Leisure, for example, reading, knitting or playing sport;
• Self-care, for example, showering, applying make-up and cooking; and
• Productivity, for example, doing schoolwork, volunteering or participating in paid employment.

To find out more about occupational therapy visit the OTA website: https://www.otaus.com.au/thisisot

Media Contact
Michael Barrett | Government, Media and Public Relations
0403 795 505
policy@otaus.com.au

About Occupational Therapy Australia
Occupational Therapy Australia is the national professional association representing occupational therapy in Australia. We offer opportunities for our members to enhance best practice through professional development, support, and access to profession-specific information.