An occupational therapist (OT) helps individuals of all ages develop or regain the skills they need for daily living, working, and participating in life. Their focus is on improving independence and enhancing quality of life. Here's what they typically do:

• Assess Needs: They evaluate challenges in physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional areas that affect daily activities.

• Create Individualised Plans: Based on the assessment, they design therapy plans tailored to the person’s goals and needs.

• Teach Life Skills: OTs help develop or relearn skills like dressing, cooking, or managing time effectively.

• Work on Fine and Gross Motor Skills: They help improve coordination, strength, and movement for tasks like handwriting or physical activities.

• Sensory Integration: They assist individuals in processing sensory input effectively, particularly for those with sensory sensitivities or autism.

• Environmental Modifications: OTs make suggestions for home, school, or workplace changes to improve accessibility and safety.

• Support Emotional Well-being: They address anxiety or frustration related to challenges in daily tasks.

Whether working with children, adults, or seniors, OTs aim to empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential in everyday life.

A therapy assistant in the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plays a supportive role in helping participants implement their therapy plans. They work under the supervision of allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or speech therapists. Their responsibilities can include assisting with therapy exercises, providing practical support, and helping participants achieve their goals.

Therapy assistants are categorised into two levels:

• Level 1 Therapy Assistants: Operate under direct supervision and focus on basic support tasks.

• Level 2 Therapy Assistants: Work under indirect supervision and may require specific training tailored to the participant's needs.

This role is cost-effective and allows therapists to focus on complex aspects of service delivery while therapy assistants handle practical implementation and administrative tasks.

A support worker in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a vital role in assisting individuals with disabilities to live more independently and achieve their goals. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the participant's needs but often include:

• Personal Care: Helping with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation.

• Community Participation: Supporting individuals to engage in social, recreational, or educational activities and fostering connections within the community.

• Skill Development: Assisting participants in building life skills such as communication, daily living skills, social and emotional skills to enhance independence.

• Transport Assistance: Helping participants travel to appointments, social events, or other activities.

• Emotional Support: Providing encouragement, empathy, and advocacy to promote well-being and ensure participants' voices are heard.

• Household Tasks: Assisting with chores like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.

Support workers are essential in empowering NDIS participants to lead fulfilling lives.