Occupational therapy under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is focused on helping people participate in everyday life as independently, safely and confidently as possible.
For NDIS participants, an occupational therapist (OT) supports practical skill development, identifies barriers to daily activities, and recommends strategies or supports that align with a person’s goals, environment and support needs.
This guide explains what a NDIS occupational therapist does, how OT fits within a NDIS plan, and when occupational therapy may be helpful.
What is occupational therapy under the NDIS?
Occupational therapy is an allied health profession that focuses on function and participation. Under the NDIS, occupational therapy supports participants to build skills, improve independence and reduce the impact of disability on daily life.
NDIS-funded occupational therapy is most delivered under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living support category. These supports are designed to help participants develop practical skills over time, with clear goals and measurable outcomes linked to their NDIS plan.
Occupational therapists do not provide medical treatment or psychological therapy. Instead, they work alongside participants to support everyday activities in real-life environments such as the home, school, workplace and community.
What does a NDIS occupational therapist help with?
NDIS occupational therapy supports participants to engage in activities that are meaningful and necessary for daily life. This may include:
- Personal care skills such as dressing, showering or meal preparation
- Establishing daily routines and managing time, energy or fatigue
- Participating in education, work or volunteering
- Navigating the community safely and confidently
- Supporting sensory regulation within everyday environments
- Improving access, safety and usability within the home or workplace
The focus is always on what a person needs or wants to do, and what supports or strategies can make those activities more achievable.
Assessments a NDIS occupational therapist may complete
Assessment is a core part of occupational therapy under the NDIS. LifeLift occupational therapists complete comprehensive, evidence-based assessments to understand how a participant’s disability affects their daily functioning.
- Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)
- NDIS Functional Capacity Report
- Psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessments (focused on functional impact, not diagnosis)
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessments
- Sensory assessments
- Home modification assessments
- Assistive technology assessments
- Workplace or school-based assessments
Assessments are collaborative and person-centred. The occupational therapist gathers information through observation, discussion and, where appropriate, input from family members or support networks. Findings are used to inform practical recommendations that support NDIS goals and plan reviews.
How occupational therapy fits within a NDIS plan
NDIS supports are goal-directed and time-limited, with a clear focus on outcomes. Capacity building supports aim to increase skills and independence so participants may rely less on other supports over time.
An OT will:
- Work with the participant to identify functional goals
- Develop a therapy plan linked to those goals
- Measure progress and adjust strategies as needed
- Provide written reports and progress updates for NDIS reviews
All recommendations must demonstrate value for money and be supported by current best-practice evidence, in line with NDIS guidelines.
Working alongside other NDIS supports
Occupational therapists often work as part of a broader support team. At LifeLift, OTs regularly collaborate with positive behaviour support practitioners, psychological therapy, NDIS physiotherapists, NDIS speech pathology and support coordination.
While OTs do not deliver psychological therapies such as CBT or psychotherapy, they may support participants to apply strategies developed by other professionals within everyday routines and environments.
This collaborative approach helps ensure supports are practical, consistent and relevant to daily life.
LifeLift provides services across:
- Perth metropolitan areas
- Bunbury and selected regional Western Australia locations
- Mobile, clinic-based and telehealth services (where appropriate)
Therapy is delivered in environments where participants live, learn, work and socialise, supporting real-world participation and meaningful outcomes.
Who can benefit?
Occupational therapy may support children, adults and older people living with disability who experience challenges with daily activities or participation.
This may include people living with physical, cognitive, sensory or psychosocial disabilities, where occupational therapy is linked to functional goals within a NDIS plan. Supports are always individualised and based on a participant’s specific needs, strengths and circumstances.
How do you get started? NDIS funding for occupational therapy means that participants can enter into a service agreement before supports begin. This outlines the scope of services, costs, responsibilities and reporting arrangements.
These supports must be directly linked to a participant’s NDIS goals. An OT can help clarify how therapy fits within an existing plan and what evidence may be needed for future reviews.
Need support?
LifeLift’s AHPRA-registered occupational therapy services are practical, evidence-based support tailored to each participant’s goals.
NDIS OT support aims to improve quality of life, such as supporting sensory needs (sensory regulation strategies), life skills (like communication tools or goal setting), or fine and gross motor skills. Services are available across Perth, Bunbury and selected regional areas of Western Australia.
If you would like to learn more or arrange a referral, contact the LifeLift team for guidance.
