NDIS occupational therapy: funding and choosing the right support
NDIS Occupational Therapy: Who Qualifies, What’s Covered, and How to Find the Right Provider
By Clickability · Originally published 25 May 2026
Original article and dated context
Occupational therapy is one of the most commonly used supports under the NDIS, but for many participants and families, understanding how it works can still feel confusing.
Questions often come up around:
- what occupational therapists actually do,
- who can access occupational therapy through the NDIS,
- what funding may cover,
- and how to find the right provider.
The good news is that occupational therapy can support participants in many different areas of everyday life, from building independence at home to improving mobility, routines, communication and community participation.
Here is a guide on how NDIS occupational therapy works, what may be covered and what to consider when choosing an occupational therapist.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy, often called OT, focuses on helping people build independence and improve their ability to participate in everyday activities.
An occupational therapist works with participants to identify challenges and develop practical strategies that support daily living, wellbeing and long-term goals.
This can include support with:
- Personal care
- Emotional regulation
- Mobility and movement
- Sensory processing
- Household routines
- Social participation
- Fine motor skills
- School or work participation
- Assistive technology
- Home modifications
Occupational therapy is highly personalised and looks different for every participant depending on their goals and support needs.
Who Can Access Occupational Therapy Through the NDIS?
Many NDIS participants may be eligible for occupational therapy if it is considered reasonable and necessary in helping them work toward their goals.
[Clickability update, September 2026: The proposed therapy must also be an NDIS support and fit the funding available in your plan. A diagnosis or goal alone does not settle eligibility. Read current therapy guidance.]
Occupational therapy may support people living with:
- Autism
- Intellectual disability
- Physical disability
- Psychosocial disability
- Neurological conditions
- Sensory disability
- Developmental delay
- Acquired brain injury
OT support is available for both children and adults under the NDIS.
The level and type of therapy funded will depend on:
- individual circumstances,
- support needs,
- goals,
- and the participant’s NDIS plan.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Actually Do?
Occupational therapists support participants in practical, everyday ways.
Rather than focusing only on medical treatment, OT often looks at how someone functions in daily life and what support may improve independence, confidence and participation.
Some common areas occupational therapists may assist with include:
Daily Living Skills
This may involve helping participants develop skills related to:
- Showering
- Dressing
- Meal preparation
- Household tasks
- Personal organisation
- Morning and evening routines
The goal is often to help participants feel more independent and confident in everyday activities.
Sensory and Emotional Regulation
For many children and adults, occupational therapy can support:
- sensory processing,
- emotional regulation,
- and coping strategies.
This may include creating routines, sensory supports or strategies that help participants feel calmer and more comfortable in different environments.
[Clickability update, September 2026: An OT can recommend equipment or modifications, but that recommendation is not NDIA purchase approval. Check the specific support, risk, evidence and any approval needed. See assistive-technology guidance.]
Home Modifications and Assistive Technology
Occupational therapists may assess whether equipment or home modifications could improve safety and independence.
This may include:
- Shower rails
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility aids
- Adjustable furniture
- Sensory equipment
- Bathroom modifications
OTs may also complete assessments and reports required for NDIS funding approvals.
School, Work and Community Participation
Occupational therapists may help participants build skills and confidence related to:
- School participation
- Employment
- Social activities
- Community access
- Public transport
- Daily routines
The focus is often on helping participants engage more comfortably and independently in everyday life.
What Is Usually Covered by the NDIS?
Occupational therapy funding may fall under:
- Capacity Building supports,
- Improved Daily Living,
- or other relevant NDIS funding categories.
Depending on a participant’s plan, funding may cover:
- OT assessments
- Therapy sessions
- Functional capacity assessments
- Assistive technology assessments
- Home modification reports
- Skill-building supports
- Sensory regulation strategies
Funding can vary significantly between participants, so it is important to understand what is included in your individual plan.
Occupational Therapy for Children
Occupational therapy is commonly used to support children under the NDIS.
OT support for children may focus on:
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory processing
- Play skills
- Fine motor development
- School readiness
- Routine building
- Social participation
Therapy sessions for children are often designed to feel engaging, supportive and practical while helping build everyday confidence and skills.
Occupational Therapy for Adults
Occupational therapy can also play an important role in supporting adults with disability.
Support may focus on:
- Independent living
- Workplace participation
- Mobility
- Household routines
- Mental wellbeing
- Community engagement
- Home safety
Many adults use occupational therapy to help maintain independence and improve quality of life over time.
How to Choose the Right Occupational Therapist
Finding the right OT is not just about qualifications. It is also about finding someone who understands your goals, communication style and support needs.
When comparing providers, some helpful questions may include:
- Do you have experience supporting people with similar needs?
- Do you offer mobile or in-home appointments?
- What age groups do you work with?
- How are therapy goals developed?
- What does communication with families or carers look like?
- Do you complete NDIS reports and assessments?
Feeling comfortable and understood by your therapist is incredibly important.
Mobile, Telehealth and In-Clinic Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy services may be offered in different ways depending on the provider and participant needs.
This may include:
- In-clinic appointments
- Home visits
- School visits
- Community-based sessions
- Telehealth appointments
Some participants prefer therapy at home or in familiar environments, while others feel more comfortable attending a clinic setting.
Why Occupational Therapy Matters
Occupational therapy is not simply about “therapy sessions”.
For many participants, OT support helps create:
- greater independence,
- improved confidence,
- safer daily routines,
- stronger emotional regulation,
- and more meaningful participation in everyday life.
The right support can have a significant impact not only on practical skills, but also on overall wellbeing and long-term goals.
How Clickability Helps Participants Find Occupational Therapists
Clickability helps Australians discover and compare occupational therapy providers and disability support services across the country.
Participants and families can:
- Search occupational therapists by location
- Compare provider profiles
- Read participant reviews
- Explore support options
- Find providers suited to their individual goals and needs
Access to clear information and genuine reviews can help make choosing providers feel less overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults access occupational therapy through the NDIS?
Yes. Occupational therapy supports are available for both adults and children depending on individual needs and funding.
Does the NDIS cover OT assessments?
In many cases, yes. Funding may include assessments, reports and therapy sessions if considered reasonable and necessary.
Can occupational therapists visit your home?
Many occupational therapists offer mobile or in-home services depending on the provider and participant needs.
Is occupational therapy only for physical disabilities?
No. Occupational therapy can support participants with a wide range of physical, developmental, sensory and psychosocial support needs.
Do I need a referral for occupational therapy?
This can vary depending on the provider and the participant’s circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Occupational therapy can provide valuable support for participants looking to build independence, improve daily routines and work toward meaningful personal goals.
Whether support focuses on sensory regulation, mobility, emotional wellbeing, home safety or everyday life skills, the right occupational therapist can help participants feel more confident and supported in daily life.
Finding the right provider may take time, but personalised, participant-focused support can make a meaningful difference in both everyday routines and long-term outcomes.
Clickability editorial update: September 2026
How participants can turn an OT appointment into practical support
Describe a task that matters to you, where it happens and what makes it difficult. Ask how the assessment connects with that task, what the report will cover and how you will receive the findings in a format you can use.
Before booking, clarify assessment hours, report costs, travel and follow-up. Ask what evidence the therapist expects to collect and who will decide any separate equipment funding. Keep a recommendation distinct from permission to buy.
What families can contribute to a child’s OT assessment
Bring examples from routines the child wants or needs help with, and include the child’s own preferences. Ask the therapist to agree one or two practical priorities with you rather than treating every difference as a problem to fix.
Discuss who will practise strategies, what can fit ordinary routines and how the therapist will work with educators when you consent. Ask how you will know whether the approach is helping.
Questions readers ask
Does an OT report automatically approve an equipment purchase?
No. A report can provide evidence, but the purchase must meet the support rules and any applicable approval requirements. Official guidance
Can OT be relevant to adults as well as children?
Yes. Funded therapy is assessed against the person’s disability-related functional needs and plan, rather than age alone. Official guidance
Find an occupational therapist for your everyday goals
Tell Clickability what you want help with and where appointments need to happen. Compare occupational therapy profiles and reviews before discussing an assessment.
Find occupational therapy providers · Browse occupational therapy providers