How Occupational Therapists Can Help You Reach Your NDIS Goals
[Image Description: A woman sits on the floor with a young girl, a tray of sand between them.]
In our recent live webinar, we spoke with Aoife McAuliffe, Lead Occupational Therapist at In One Healthcare, to learn more about the vital role OTs play in supporting NDIS participants.
Whether it’s helping with everyday tasks, applying for equipment, or supporting independent living, OTs are often a key part of a participant’s NDIS journey.
What Does an OT Actually Do?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with people of all ages and abilities to help them live more independently and achieve their goals. In the NDIS, their role can start even before someone becomes a participant.
“We support families and participants with the access request process,” Aoife explained.
Once someone is on the NDIS, OTs can:
Complete functional capacity assessments
Help apply for equipment like wheelchairs or electric beds
Recommend home modifications (e.g. ramps, grab rails, accessible bathrooms)
Support applications for Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Build everyday skills like cooking, personal care, and community access
Advocate for participants with the NDIS and other service providers
“We look at the person as a whole—strengths, challenges, interests, and goals,” Aoife said.
How Do OTs Assess Needs?
OTs use a client-centred, holistic approach. That means they work closely with participants, families, and other supports to understand what’s needed.
“We might observe someone making a cup of tea, that can tell us a lot about physical ability, memory, or safety awareness,” Aoife shared.
They also use standardised assessments, gather reports, and set goals in collaboration with the participant. These goals often align with the participant’s NDIS plan, but OTs help break them down into smaller, achievable steps.
What to Expect in Your First OT Meeting
Before the first session, the OT will usually contact you or your support coordinator to understand the purpose of the referral, whether it’s for equipment, housing, or therapy.
“The first few sessions are about building rapport and making sure the therapist is the right fit,” Aoife said.
Some OTs even offer a free meet-and-greet session to help participants feel comfortable.
During the assessment, they’ll explore:
Physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
Daily challenges and routines
Personal interests (which can be built into therapy goals)
“If someone loves animals, we might connect them with a local shelter to build community access,” Aoife explained.
What If There Are Delays or Waitlists?
Unfortunately, wait times for equipment approvals or OT appointments can be long. Aoife recommends:
Following up with the NDIS inquiry line
Asking your OT, LAC, or Support Coordinator to advocate for you
Exploring local Facebook groups or community networks for available providers
Calling around - sometimes providers can refer you to others with capacity
“It’s no harm picking up the phone. Sometimes providers know who else has availability,” Aoife said.
Occupational Therapists are a key part of many NDIS journeys. They help you build skills, access the right supports, and live more independently, all while keeping your goals and interests at the centre of everything they do.
Want to learn more or have other NDIS questions?
