OT Week is a special time for Occupational Therapists. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of our profession, celebrate our journey professionally and individually, and share the Occupational Therapy profession with others in the community.

This October, in OT Week, Occupational Therapy Australia is excited to celebrate 80 years since the formation of the Occupational Therapist Club in Australia, which later became the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT) in 1945. In 2009, all state divisions joined together under Occupational Therapy Australia, bringing our profession together under one national body.

Although Occupational Therapy as a profession dates back much further (it began in America in the 1910s-1920s), we are still a young and evolving profession that is making significant strides across the globe.

World OT Day – October 27

As part of OT Week, we celebrate World OT Day on October 27, a worldwide event led by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). This year’s theme is Occupational Therapy for All, emphasising the importance of inclusion and the far-reaching impact of OT.

Did You Know? 

• No referral is needed for OT services.
• Self-referrals are welcome at any stage.
• Medicare rebates are available through selected health plans with your GP.
• Most Private Health Insurance plans cover OT services.
• OT supports people across their lifespans, from babies to aged care, from equipment to home modifications, from cognitive skills to physical skills, and everything in between!!
• “Occupation” in OT refers to everything you do, not just paid work, but all activities that are meaningful to you.

Explore Your Potential with Us!

At Explore and Soar, we are passionate about empowering children and families.

Explore your potential through individual sessions, group sessions, intensives, education, and connection.

Soar to new heights when we work alongside you and your child to reach the goals that you and your child set.

Engage with us today by phone, email, or via our online contact form to find out how we can help you Explore and Soar.

What Does Connection Mean to Us?

To mark OT Week, our Explore and Soar team brainstormed what Occupational Therapy for all and what connection means to them. Here are a few highlights from our discussion:

• Supporting the Whole Family: When we work with children, we extend our care to the family as a whole. OTs are brilliant at considering the broader lens of what is happening around and for their clients, creating a nurturing environment for families.
• The Importance of Connection: Connection is vital for our survival. Just as animals seek out connections within groups to maintain their species, humans also need connections for physical and mental health. Connection is ingrained in us from birth — for instance, a mother’s autonomic hormonal release occurs to her baby’s cry. This is a clear indicator of the power of connection.