Collaboration and connection inspires conversations about the future of occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy Australia’s (OTA) National Conference returns in less than two weeks, offering industry professionals across the entire care continuum the perfect opportunity to learn from thought leaders, explore cutting-edge practice, and connect with peers from across the country.

OTA’s National Conference is the leading event for occupational therapists in Australia, a true celebration of the profession’s impact, innovation, and community. Held every two years, the 2025 theme is Collaborate and Connect.

This reflects the importance of building strong professional relationships — within the occupational therapy community and beyond.

Its timing could not be better. While it may no longer sit in the shadows of the new Aged Care Act’s arrival, it still brings OTs together at a time when both aged care and disability sectors are facing mounting challenges. 

Like many aspects of the care sector, the profession is currently experiencing a workforce shortage, high burn out and exit rates, and chronic under-valuation in terms of funding and remuneration across most of the sectors in which we work. All of this is occurring despite increasing demand for OTs. 

Additionally, both aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are experiencing major reforms. This is causing plenty of uncertainty and anxiety for OTs plus the people receiving care and support.

For example, in the disability space, children with developmental delay or disability, and people with psychosocial disability are being moved off the NDIS due to the implementation of Foundational Supports. 

OTA Chief Occupational Therapist Michelle Oliver told Hello Leaders this means that OTs are unsure whether they can continue helping the people and families they have been working with under the NDIS. 

“There has been a pricing freeze in the NDIS for almost six years now. Many OTs who made the switch to private practice under the NDIS are now concerned about the sustainability of their practices,” Ms Oliver shared.

“The lack of clarity around some of the reforms in the aged care sector and how the reforms will impact OTs and older Australians is also causing distress and risks the exacerbation of workforce shortages. 

“Indicative pricing that has been released by the department severely undervalues the work of OTs. Many of our members are considering leaving the sector. This would be a huge loss for the aged care system and older Australians who depend on it, and who will depend on it in years to come. 

“We were pleased to see the delayed implementation of the new Aged Care Act until November, and we hope that this signals a clear intention from government to provide greater clarity on and support for providers as the reforms are rolled out,” she added. 

Ms Oliver said OTA has already contacted the new Aged Care Minister, Sam Rae, to applaud the government’s decision to delay the Act. She added that the peak body is also keen to collaborate with the government where possible to ensure the Act’s rollout will not impact on the outcomes for older Australians by producing unintended consequences to ageing at home.

These areas of concern will be some of the hottest topics discussed at the 31st National Conference, but the Conference itself certainly isn’t going to dwell on the negatives.

It is a great opportunity for OTA to showcase the diverse communities and practice areas the profession supports, all while enabling OTs from across Australia to share, connect and learn. 

Ms Oliver also touched on the innovation that is borne out of events such as this. 

“We’re constantly problem solving for the people we work with, and to help them overcome the barriers that have been preventing them from doing the things that they want and need to do,” she said.

“When you bring so many OTs together in one place, you generate so much excitement. It’s so beneficial for the broader community because there is this flow-on effect where new initiatives, programs and innovations are introduced to the wider world afterward. That collaboration is important for everyone.”

The three-day program features a variety of industry leaders, including keynote speaker Dr Karen Jacobs. A distinguished OT and pioneer in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within occupational therapy, the American innovator will also be conducting an international guest speaker tour following the conference. 

Meanwhile, Australian engineer, inventor and innovator Dr Jordan Nguyen will explore how technology improves independence and quality of life for individuals. The founder of Psykinetic, his team successfully created a mind-controlled wheelchair, among many innovations. 

New frontiers in this tech space involve well-planned, responsible use of advanced AI systems, to improve usability, options, and ease of access — to augment the human experience, rather than replace,” he told Hello Leaders.

“Through Psykinetic we’re developing new collaborative and next-generation inclusive technology. Central to this is AURA: a beautiful, powerful computing device that allows for a range of controls, from eye tracking (the quickest method for the system), to switches, to inclusive game controllers, to brain-computer interfaces. We believe this is the right time for next-generation inclusive computing to reach the world.”

Dr Jordan will conduct live demonstrations of AURA on stage, where he will also be joined by a pioneering robot companion named Koobo. Koobo’s purpose, design, development and adventures have been documented through a YouTube series called ENTER THE FUTURE.

These two presentations capture the essence of occupational therapy in an evolving care landscape. A recent OTA survey discovered that 85% of OTs are excited and curious about AI, and are interested in using it in their work. 

However, just over half also have ethical concerns about its use, highlighting how important the convention is. Curiosity, innovation, passion and knowledge are coming together in a melting pot designed to enhance the future for OTs in aged care, health and disability. 

“OTs are critical across the aged care sector. But it has been a challenging time for our profession to navigate aged care, there has been a lot of reform,” Ms Oliver said.

“OTs quite often are a conduit and safe space for clients to understand what change means for them, and how they can access or receive services. We find that OTs are really carrying the burden of trying to interpret reform to support the people they work with

“As a professional association, it’s our responsibility to provide the support, resources, knowledge and information to practitioners to best navigate that change.”

For more information on Occupational Therapy Australia’s 32st National Conference and Exhibition, or to register for the event, visit the Occupational Therapy Australia website.