NDIS Occupational Therapy Services

While there is some overlap between Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT), they are two distinct healthcare professions with different focuses and goals.

Occupational therapy focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their goals, help with community access support and engage in meaningful activities despite physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. This may include activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, and eating, as well as work, leisure, and social activities. OTs use a holistic approach to assess the individual’s needs and provide interventions such as Occupational Therapy adaptive equipment for cooking and other home activities, environmental modifications, and training in functional tasks.

Physiotherapy, on the other hand, focuses on the physical therapies and management of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. This may involve restoring movement, reducing pain, improving strength and flexibility, and preventing injury. PTs use a range of interventions such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, and hydrotherapy to achieve these goals. You can find out more about the differences between physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy in disability in our guide all about physiotherapy or read about NDIS physiotherapy services here.

A National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) functional capacity assessment is an evaluation that is used to determine a person’s level of functioning in various areas of daily living. The purpose of this Occupational Therapy assessment is to gather information about the person’s abilities, limitations, and support needs, which will inform their NDIS plan and the types of support and services they may be eligible to receive.

The functional capacity assessment typically covers areas such as personal care, mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, and decision-making. Occupational therapy assessments may be conducted by an NDIS occupational therapist or a physiotherapist depending on the person’s specific needs.

During the assessment, the clinician will observe the person’s ability to perform various tasks and activities, ask questions about their health and medical history, and gather information from their family members or carers. The information gathered during the assessment is then used to develop a detailed report that outlines the person’s functional abilities and limitations, as well as their goals and aspirations.

The functional capacity assessment is an important part of the NDIS planning process, as it helps to ensure that the person receives the right types of support and services to meet their individual needs and goals.

Ability Action Australia has accessible clinics and mobile service areas across Australia. View our full list of Ability Action locations or get in touch if you need help finding the right support for you.

As well as occupational therapy services, we offer a wide range of NDIS services including:

• Positive Behaviour Support
  Positive Behaviour Support works to reduce or eliminate difficult behaviour and is the best approach for children and adults living with disability who display behaviours of concern. We will work closely with you and your support people to develop tailored strategies that meet your specific needs. Your interventions may include building effective communication and social skills, environmental changes and safe ways to respond to emotions.
• Speech Therapy
  Our NDIS-registered speech therapy service supports individuals experiencing difficulties with communicating. Through ongoing, structured sessions, our experienced speech therapists help people of all ages develop and enhance their communication skills. Speech therapy can have a lasting, positive impact on both psychological and emotional well-being, empowering individuals to express themselves more effectively.
• Physiotherapy
  Ability Action Australia’s NDIS-registered Physiotherapy services are designed to help people of all ages improve mobility, reduce pain, and make everyday activities more manageable. Our expert physiotherapists provide personalised care using various techniques to help you reach your goals, live more independently, and enjoy a better quality of life.
• Exercise Physiology
  Our NDIS-registered Exercise Physiology service focuses on enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing through tailored exercise programs. Our experienced Exercise Physiologists create personalised plans designed to empower individuals, equipping them with the skills to self-manage their conditions, stay active, and improve overall health.
• Psychology
  Our nationwide NDIS-registered Psychology services offer in-person and telehealth support, ensuring accessible care for all. Our psychologists assess cognitive, behavioural, and emotional challenges, creating personalised, evidence-based intervention plans to support individuals and their support networks in overcoming obstacles and achieving their NDIS goals.

Ability Action Australia is rapidly expanding across the country, creating exciting employment opportunities for passionate allied health professionals. 

Join us if you love:

• Getting out and about, working in your community
• Seeing the difference that your support makes in a client’s life
• Continually developing your skills with guidance from clinical experts
• Being part of a positive and passionate team that cares
• The autonomy of setting your calendar, your way
• A variety in your caseload, so that every day is different
• Having the support of a leadership team focused on your success
• Generous remuneration packages with a range of added benefits

If you’re ready to start or advance your career, explore the range of NDIS Occupational Therapist jobs available. We’d love to hear from you!