Skip to main content
All Posts By

ajmioc

The Long Journey to Home Modifications: Overcoming Barriers with NDIS

By SDA, NDIS

The Long Journey to Home Modifications: Overcoming Barriers with NDIS

Working with a client to get approved for complex home modifications through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was a lengthy process that spanned over two years in this case. However, keeping focused on the end goal of improving my client’s independence and quality of life helped us persevere through each barrier and delay that arose.

Demonstrating the Need

The first major step was completing a functional capacity assessment to identify the client’s need for environmental modifications. We also had to rule out and demonstrate that low-cost alternatives could not address these barriers. Our initial goal was to prove to the NDIS that complex home modifications (CHM) were required, which meant securing funding for a project manager to work alongside the CHM occupational therapist and provide independent building expertise, as per the process in Western Australia.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

Preparing for Your Occupational Therapy Interview: A Guide for Early Career and New Graduate Therapists

By OT Graduates

Preparing for Your Occupational Therapy Interview: A Guide for Early Career and New Graduate Therapists

So, you’ve finally earned your degree in occupational therapy and now it’s time to tackle the next big step: the dreaded interview. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ace your interview and land that dream job in occupational therapy. Let’s go!

Researching the Company

Before you even think about attending an interview, it’s crucial to do your homework on the company. This will not only show your interest and commitment but also help you tailor your answers during the interview. Here are a few key steps to consider:

  • Explore their website: Start by browsing the company’s website. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and services they offer. Take note of any recent news or updates related to the company and their team.
  • Check out their social media presence: Nowadays, most companies have an online presence. Look for their profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram. Pay attention to the content they share and any community involvement they may have.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

What to look for and what to avoid in a home for clients with mobility aids.

By SDA
Back to blog

What to look for and what to avoid in a home for clients with mobility aids.

Article by Lauren Heart

I found my OT passion pretty early on in my career. My second OT role was in the community, and I found I loved everything about it, but particularly home mods piqued my interest. Owing to that over coming years I pursued additional qualifications and wound up with a somewhat unique set of skills in OT, Access Consulting and SDA Assessing.

This has meant I have a lot of experience with home modifications, new builds, functional design, and access advice. I love helping clients find the right house for their needs, it is one of my favourite roles and hats to wear!

When it comes to helping a client buy a house that fits their needs, I work with people all over Australia.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

Ways to apply the Wise Mind to client situations

By Mindset

Ways to apply the Wise Mind to client situations

Understanding the Wise Mind Concept

In the realm of client management and problem-solving, we often encounter situations that are not only challenging but also fall beyond our immediate control or influence. During such times, it’s essential to have a strategy for navigating these complexities with confidence. This is where the Wise Mind concept comes into play.

Origins of the Wise Mind

The Wise Mind is a core principle derived from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a type of behavioural therapy developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan. The Wise mind principle can be applied in our every day life and work contexts.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

The 5 Components of Emotional Intelligence for New Graduate Occupational Therapists

By Mindset

The 5 Components of Emotional Intelligence for New Graduate Occupational Therapists

As you embark on your journey into the world of occupational therapy practice, there’s something you might not have heard of yet – emotional intelligence. Now, before you roll your eyes and think it’s just another buzzword, let me assure you, it’s much more than that! In fact, emotional intelligence can be a game-changer in your professional and personal life. So, fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the five components of emotional intelligence and discover how developing these skills will benefit you as a new graduate occupational therapist.

  1. Self-awareness

    Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. It’s all about understanding our own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. As new graduates, this means taking the time to reflect on our experiences, acknowledging our limitations, and recognising areas where we can grow. Remember, being aware of our emotions helps us manage them effectively, leading to improved patient/client care and better teamwork.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

Navigating the Steep Learning Curve as a New Graduate Occupational Therapist

By OT Graduates

Navigating the Steep Learning Curve as a New Graduate Occupational Therapist

It’s no secret that starting off as a new graduate occupational therapist (OT) can feel overwhelming. The amount of information you need to learn, the skills you must develop, and the challenges you’ll face may seem insurmountable at times. But fear not! By adopting a growth mindset, you can navigate this steep learning curve and flourish in your career as an OT.

Let’s explore this further.

Understanding the Mindset Battle

The Fixed Mindset Trap
Imagine this scenario: you’re faced with a challenging new case, and you feel overwhelmed by the complexity of it all.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support and Its Impact on Quality of Life

By PBS

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support and Its Impact on Quality of Life

Unveiling Positive Behavior Support

At its core, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals by promoting positive changes in their behaviour. This methodology is rooted in the understanding that behaviours are learned and can be changed. It’s a compassionate strategy that focuses not just on reducing challenging behaviour but also on teaching new skills and fostering environments that support lasting behavioural improvements.

PBS diverges from traditional punitive methods; it’s about understanding what individuals are communicating through their behaviour and helping them achieve their goals in more effective and socially acceptable ways. For occupational therapists, this approach aligns seamlessly with the holistic view of care, where every aspect of the individual’s environment is considered in therapy.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

Specialist Disability Accommodation Pricing Review 2022-23: Key Outcomes

By SDA

Specialist Disability Accommodation Pricing Review 2022-23: Key Outcomes

Exciting news! Last Friday The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) published results of the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Pricing Review, as part of the broader NDIS Annual Price Review. This article will delve into some of the details of the SDA pricing outcomes and their implications.

Process of the SDA Pricing Review:

In compliance with the SDA Pricing and Payments Framework, the NDIA initiated a comprehensive review of SDA prices, including the underlying assumptions used to determine them. The primary objective was to assess whether the existing pricing structure attracts sufficient investment to meet the projected demand for SDA and accommodate all eligible individuals. To conduct the review, the NDIA engaged Ernst and Young, along with other technical specialists, to provide independent research and analysis. The review considered 46 sector submissions and consulted over 100 organisations and individuals, providing comprehensive analysis and recommendations.

Let’s dive into some of the exciting highlights.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.

The crucial role of Occupational Therapists in SDA

By SDA

The crucial role of Occupational Therapists in SDA

An integral figure in the realm of housing exploration and applications for individuals with disabilities, an occupational therapist plays a pivotal role in facilitating suitable living solutions. Below is an overview of the core responsibilities typically undertaken by occupational therapists specialising in this field:

Exploring diverse housing options: Occupational therapists collaborate closely with participants, support coordinators, families, and other stakeholders to meticulously explore a range of housing possibilities. This process involves evaluating the feasibility of various settings, including Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA), supported independent living (SIL) suitability of private or government rental housing and assessing the possibility of complex home modifications, when applicable.

------- This article continues in our membership space. -------

To read the full article, please sign up to Otuition for free.