Celebrating OT Week 2025: Occupational Therapy in Action

Every year, the peak national body Occupational Therapy Australia invites us to join in the celebration of OT Week — and this year, from 27 October to 2 November 2025, marks yet another important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the difference occupational therapists make in people’s lives. Occupational Therapy Australia

Why this year matters

The theme for 2025 is “Occupational Therapy in Action” — recognising the creativity, problem-solving and compassion at the very heart of OT practice. Occupational Therapy Australia It’s a time to reflect on how OTs help people of all ages, in all settings — in homes, workplaces, schools, communities — to engage more fully in the activities that matter. To live with independence, dignity, and participation. Occupational Therapy Australia

What OT is — and why we love it

At its core, OT is about doing. It’s about supporting people to do the everyday things that give life meaning: getting dressed, cooking a meal, working, studying, socialising, playing, caring for others, or simply being out in the community. Posity+3directmobility+3Allied Health Professions Australia+3Here are some of the big reasons why we love OT — and why this week is a perfect time to talk about it.

• Person-centred and meaningful: OT doesn’t start with a diagnosis or a rulebook — it starts with you, your roles, your routines, your goals. What matters to you? What do you want to be doing tomorrow that you might be struggling with today? Disability Plan Services+1

• Holistic impact: Whether it’s someone recovering from injury, a child learning new skills, an older person wanting to stay safe at home, or someone living with a disability or chronic condition — OT steps in wherever there’s a barrier to participating in life. Ability to Achieve+1

• Creative problem-solving: The “occupations” (the things people do) may be ordinary, but the solutions often aren’t. Home modifications, assistive technology, new routines, adaptive techniques, environmental tweaks… these come together to unlock potential. Posity+1

• Independence, dignity & community participation: It’s not just about ‘coping’ or ‘surviving’. It’s about thriving. Being valued. Being involved. OT helps people return to roles that matter — at home, at work, in community. Occupational Therapy Australia+1

How our service helps

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we’re proud to join the OT Week conversation because every day we see the difference occupational therapy makes. Here’s how we support our clients:

• Comprehensive assessment – We begin with listening: what are your goals, what’s getting in the way, what supports do you already have? Whether you’re a child, an adult, or older person, our OT team tailor-makes the assessment to your context.

• Tailored intervention & support – From practical skills training (for example, self-care, domestic tasks, community access) to recommending and coordinating assistive technology and environmental modifications, our therapists work alongside you to turn goals into achievable steps.

• Across settings – We work in the home, school, workplace or community — wherever you live your life. We believe OT needs to happen in real-life contexts to maximise participation and impact.

• Collaborative, goal-driven and flexible – You define what success looks like. The plan is yours. We adjust as we go. Life changes — work changes, health changes — we’re ready.

• Funding support & access – We help guide clients through how OT services may be accessed — through private funding, insurance, government schemes including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) where applicable. directmobility+1

Why we do it

Every now and then we get to celebrate the wins — a child who starts joining in at school; an older adult who regains enough mobility and confidence to stay in their own home; a worker returning to meaningful employment; a family who feel more supported and less overwhelmed. These moments are what make OT special. They’re why we believe in the power of OT. During OT Week we’re reminded that even if the steps are small, they’re significant. Because they often open the door to fuller, richer, more connected lives.

How you can get involved in OT Week 2025

• Share your story! Whether you’re an OT, a client, a family member or supporter — how has occupational therapy helped you or someone you care for? The peak body is inviting stories for their national media campaign. Occupational Therapy Australia

• Post on social media using the hashtags: #OTWeek2025, #OTsinAction, #WorldOTDay, #OTAUS and tag @OTAUS. Occupational Therapy Australia

• Download the celebration pack and awareness materials (posters, flyers, merchandise) via the official OT Week site to raise visibility of the profession. Occupational Therapy Australia

• At our service we’ll be doing [insert any special event, opening, discount, community talk, webinar etc you might run]. We’d love for you to join us.

Final thoughts

For OT Week, we invite all our clients, partners, families and friends to pause and recognise: the everyday tasks we often take for granted are the very things that build identity, connection, independence and wellbeing. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with participating in the things that matter — let’s talk. Because OT isn’t just about what’s lost, it’s about what’s possible. Here’s to Occupational Therapy in Action.

We love what we do because we see the impact — one goal, one activity, one breakthrough at a time. Visit our Shoalhaven or Shellharbour clinics to see how OT can help you achieve what matters most.

📞 Call (02) 4421 6013 or book online at www.sctherapysupport.au/make-a-referral