NDIS Occupational Therapy: How It Works and Who It Helps

Occupational therapy is one of the most commonly funded supports in NDIS plans, yet many participants and families are unsure what an occupational therapist actually does or how the funding works. This guide explains what NDIS occupational therapy covers, who it can help, how it is funded, and what to expect from an assessment and ongoing sessions.

What Is Occupational Therapy Under the NDIS?

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping people build the practical skills and confidence they need to take part in everyday activities, sometimes called "occupations." That can mean self-care tasks like dressing and showering, home-based routines like cooking and cleaning, school or work participation, or getting around safely in the community.

An NDIS occupational therapist looks at the whole picture: the person's goals, their physical and sensory needs, their environment, and the people who support them. From there, they recommend strategies, equipment, or home modifications that make daily life more manageable and help the person work towards greater independence.

What Can an NDIS Occupational Therapist Help With?

Occupational therapy support under the NDIS is broad. Common areas an OT might work on include:

• Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) to help inform NDIS plans and reviews
• Sensory processing and sensory integration strategies
• Emotional regulation and self-management skills
• Fine and gross motor skill development
• Activities of daily living, such as dressing, showering and meal preparation
• School participation and classroom strategies
• Assistive technology recommendations and home modifications
• Support with transitioning between home, school and community settings

Because occupational therapy is so practical and goal-focused, it is often used alongside other supports such as psychology, physiotherapy or speech pathology as part of a coordinated plan.

How Is Occupational Therapy Funded Under the NDIS?

Occupational therapy is typically funded under the Capacity Building support category of an NDIS plan, most often within "Improved Daily Living Skills." In some circumstances, it can also be funded under Core supports if it is directly related to activities of daily living already outlined in a participant's plan.

Funding is not automatic. Whether OT is included in a plan, and how much funding is allocated, depends on what is reasonable and necessary to help the participant work towards their stated goals. This is usually discussed and justified at the planning meeting or a plan review, ideally with input from a treating professional or support coordinator.

Who Can Access NDIS Occupational Therapy?

Any NDIS participant can access occupational therapy if it is included in their plan, or if they have flexible Core or Capacity Building funding that can reasonably be used for it. Occupational therapy supports people of all ages, from young children building early developmental skills through to adults and older participants maintaining independence at home.

If occupational therapy is not yet included in your plan, you (or your support coordinator, LAC or planner) can raise it at your next planning meeting or request a plan review, explaining how it connects to your goals.

What to Expect From an Occupational Therapy Assessment

An initial OT assessment usually starts with a conversation about the participant's goals, daily routines, and any specific challenges they are facing. Depending on the referral reason, this might include a Functional Capacity Assessment, an observation of the person completing everyday tasks, or a home or school visit to look at the physical environment.

From there, the occupational therapist develops a therapy plan with practical, measurable goals, and works with the participant and their family, carers, or support team to put strategies into place. Progress is reviewed regularly and adjusted as the person's needs and goals change.

Choosing an NDIS Occupational Therapist in Melbourne

Participants can choose any registered or unregistered occupational therapist under the NDIS, depending on how their plan is managed. When choosing a provider, it can help to ask about their experience with your specific needs (for example, paediatric OT, sensory processing, or home modifications), their availability, and whether they offer mobile in-home, school-based, or clinic appointments across Melbourne and Western Suburbs.

At Nhanya Foundation, our occupational therapy team is led by Tina Arora, our Clinical Team Leader and Senior Occupational Therapist, who has over 20 years of clinical experience across paediatrics, community practice, hospitals, rehabilitation and aged care. We support participants across Melbourne, including Werribee, Tarneit, Point Cook, Truganina, Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham, and surrounding western suburbs. You can read more about her background on our Meet The Team page, or explore our full range of Allied Health Therapy Services.

Nhanya Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. Our services are guided by community benefit, not private profit. Any proceeds are reinvested into charitable activities supporting people experiencing hardship and disadvantage.

For current information on Nhanya's NDIS registration, search the NDIS Commission Provider Register at ndiscommission.gov.au.

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Occupational Therapy

Does the NDIS cover occupational therapy?

Yes. Occupational therapy can be funded under the Capacity Building or Core supports categories of an NDIS plan where it is reasonable and necessary to help a participant achieve their goals. Funding is not automatic for every plan, so it needs to be discussed at your planning meeting or plan review.

What does an NDIS occupational therapist help with?

An NDIS occupational therapist helps participants build independence in everyday activities such as self-care, home and community access, sensory regulation, and functional capacity. They can also complete functional capacity assessments used to support NDIS planning and plan reviews.

How do I access occupational therapy on my NDIS plan?

If occupational therapy is included in your plan, you can choose any registered or unregistered occupational therapist. If it isn't yet included, raise it with your planner, LAC, or support coordinator, explaining how it relates to your goals.

Can I change occupational therapists under the NDIS?

Yes. Participants can choose and change their occupational therapy provider at any time. There is no lock-in, and you're free to select a provider that best suits your needs and goals.

Is occupational therapy the same as physiotherapy?

No. While both are allied health supports and can overlap, physiotherapy generally focuses on movement, strength and physical rehabilitation, while occupational therapy focuses on building the practical skills and strategies needed for everyday activities and routines. Many participants access both as part of a coordinated NDIS plan.