This year we are celectrating OT week from Monday 25 October to Sunday 31 October.

This year’s Occupational Therapy week themes are participation, inclusion and independence. Celebrating the role OT’s play in supporting people to work towards these goals also shines a light on the impact the global pandemic has had on people across the world as lockdowns have changed how we participate.

In Victoria, as lockdown restrictions lift gradually, now is a time many have been looking forward with hope – the light at the end of the tunnel. Now is a time to reconnect and participate in ways that have not been possible, to rebuild a sense of belonging and inclusion in communities, and engage in activities that bring joy to our lives. We believe OT’s have a big role to play at this time.

Connection – supporting our communities to adapt to change and uncertainty

This year at Independent Rehabilitation Services (IRS) we are celebrating Occupational Therapy Australia’s (OTA) OT week with the theme of connection. We have all seen our fair share of change and uncertainty in the past year. With the necessity of physical distancing and isolation during the global pandemic, goals of increasing independence, participation and inclusion have never seemed so important.

Drawing on the strength and support from those around us and staying virtually connected has helped us through the highs and lows of 2020 and 2021. This week signifies the strength we gain as an interconnected community to adapt and strive to ensure everyone has the support they need to participate and be included in meaningful ways.

Occupational Therapy at IRS

Occupational therapy supports individuals to increase their independence and engage in activities of daily living they find meaningful and purposeful. At IRS we value the ability to provide high quality service to our clients. This involves taking a holistic approach to client care and using a strong collaborative approach to ensure therapy interventions are tailored to each individual, their strengths and everyday environments and to ensure the best support can be given to help clients to strive towards their goals.

OT Week at IRS

This year our team at IRS is hosting a lunch through the digital telehealth platform we know so well now, Zoom! As we slowly ease out of lockdown, we are using strengths developed during the pandemic to host a virtual celebration of the achievements of the team over the past year.

It has become so important to draw inspiration from those around us and in turn inspiring clients to think outside the box and engage in a meaningful life in new ways. This year’s OT week themes of Participation, Inclusion and Independence are so important.

Living through covid restrictions is showing this now more than ever. This is a time to draw together as a team and support each other and our clients to develop resilience and shine through what can seem like tough times, to achieve outstanding goals.

OTA Events

To celebrate occupational therapy in the community, Occupational Therapy Australia has gathered stories from members that delve into this year’s themes: https://otaus.com.au/otweek

Related information

Learn more about IRS Occupational Therapy.

Find out more about IRS and our people.

Read about research we have undertaken and articles we have published.

Here’s how to refer a client to us for Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Speech Pathology.