Groundbreaking new developments for OT in Australian schools

Lindsey Duffield, Monash University

Over the past few years, occupational therapists working in schools have seen a big increase of advancements in creating and extending more opportunities to provide services to children with educational support needs. Over the past year, in states such as South Australia and Victoria, education department roles for occupational therapists have expanded and/ or changed to enable better service delivery.

The national OT in Australian Education group, an OTA-supported group, has been instrumental in advancing a coordinated approach in this growing field. Some of the initiatives of this group over the past year include:

• Contextualising the WFOT Position Statement: Occupational Therapy Services in School-based Practice for Children and Youth (2016), for use in Australia

• Initiating the development of professional development for occupational therapists working in schools

• Connecting with the international group, School-based OT

• Supporting and facilitating research projects to advance practice

• Provision of resources for practice to be made available via the OTA website

• Development of a Special Interest Group

• Presenting a panel discussion at OT Exchange in July 2022

The national group aims to have representation from OTs and others in all Australian states and territories who have relevant expertise. It currently has around 12 active members with additional OTA representation and Lindsey Duffield is the convenor.

In November 2022, the WFOT Position Statement: Occupational Therapy Services in School-based Practice for Children and Youth (2016) was contextualized for use in Australia as a guide to support school-based practice. At an OTA meeting of the OT in Australian Education group on 18 October 2022, the expert national group agreed that the WFOT statement is appropriate for use in Australia and provided input into Australian-specific considerations.

The intended use of the position statement is:

• To promote a unified, national, shared vision across states and territories

• To support best practice and multi-tiered service provision

• As an advocacy tool to promote the role

• To support the understanding of the unique nature of school-based occupational therapy practice

• To assist with collaboration between teaching staff, occupational therapists and other disciplines

The intended audience for this document includes occupational therapists, education staff and leaders, parents, clients, government bodies, policy makers, universities and researchers. The statement will be made available via the OTA website.

Aspects that were important to consider in contextualizing the statement included the Australian legislation relevant to school-based services, the Australian Educational and Funding Systems and eligibility for School-based Occupational Therapy Services in Australia.

With this new and exciting momentum behind service provision in schools, Australia is following international trends in the growing recognition of the contributions of occupational therapy within the functional environments of children, reflecting current best practice. Keep an eye on communications coming through OTA and the OT in Australian Education group, or contact Lindsey Duffield at lindsey.duffield@monash.edu.

Registrations are now open for the OTA

30th National Conference & Exhibition!

Held 21-23 June 2023 at the Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland, OTAUS2023 represents the pinnacle of Australian OT excellence, featuring an exciting and varied range of presentations, workshops, occupation stations, ePoster spotlights and more.

The conference showcases opportunities, innovations, solutions, and strategies informed through research and practice that can shape future practices, policies, and educational approaches to facilitate the growth of occupational wellbeing worldwide.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTED RATES AVAILABLE UNTIL 14 APRIL

Cairns Accommodation And Tour Bookings

Visit the OTAUS2023 website for information on special rates for conference delegates at Cairns hotels and apartments, as well as discounted pre- and postconference tours and experiences.

Education Day

Education Day brings together academics and educators to inform, update and discuss challenges and opportunities for OT education in Australia.

Benefits of attending:

» Earn up to 8 CPD hours

» Hear from inspiring presenters

» Engage in an interactive session, network and develop collaborations

Registration is separate to Conference registration. Book by 14 April for early bird member price of $250.