Occupational Therapy Explained: Empowering Daily Life

Occupational therapy helps people live more independently and do the things that are most important to them. Whether it’s cooking a meal, managing daily routines, or joining in community activities, occupational therapy provides practical support to build confidence and skills.

At Access Your Supports (AYS), our occupational therapists work with people of all ages across Victoria. We support NDIS participants, families, and individuals to improve everyday life through simple, clear, and achievable strategies.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a healthcare service that supports people with physical, mental, or developmental challenges. The main goal is to help people participate in everyday tasks that are important to them. These tasks include self-care, domestic activities, education, work, social connection, and community access.

Occupational therapists are qualified professionals. They support people to increase their independence by improving functional skills, adjusting the environment, or using tools such as assistive technology. They also help people learn or relearn ways to do things that matter to them.

At AYS, our occupational therapy team works with children, teenagers, adults, and older people. We also provide support to many National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. We help them use their plans to access services that match their goals.

You do not need a referral to get started. You can contact us directly or complete our referral form.

What Occupational Therapists Do

At Access Your Supports, our occupational therapists take the time to understand what is most important to you. We then create a plan that supports you to do more of what matters.

We may work with you to build independence in areas such as:

  • Self-care tasks like showering, dressing, grooming, or managing toileting
  • Domestic activities such as cooking meals, doing laundry, or keeping your space clean
  • Learning how to get around, including public transport training
  • Social participation, including support to join clubs, events, or community activities
  • Support for education, employment, and volunteering
  • Prescribing assistive technology, like kitchen tools, mobility aids, or visual aids
  • Recommending home modifications to improve safety and access
  • Assessing eligibility for supported independent living or supported disability accommodation

These supports are offered at home, in the community, or at one of our service locations in Victoria. We work with you, your family, your support team, and other health professionals to make sure everyone is working together.

You can meet our occupational therapy team here.

Who Can Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is suitable for people of all ages. At AYS, we support:

  • Children with developmental delays, autism, or sensory needs
  • Adults with disability, injuries, or chronic illnesses
  • People with mental health needs
  • Older adults who want to maintain independence at home
  • Anyone who would like support to live more fully and confidently

Our team uses a practical and goal-focused approach. We support clients with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. This includes help with daily routines, building new skills, and improving safety and comfort in everyday life.

Occupational therapists often support people with tasks they may avoid, struggle with, or want to do more confidently. By breaking these tasks down and building skills step-by-step, we make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

If you are unsure whether occupational therapy is right for you, we can help you work it out. Our team is happy to talk through your needs and suggest a starting point.

Building Confidence and Skills for Life

Occupational therapy is about more than just tasks. It supports people to live with more freedom, choice, and control. That might mean learning how to prepare a meal, manage energy throughout the day, build a morning routine, or safely use public transport.

Our therapists help you practise skills that make daily life smoother and more manageable. We also work with you to reduce barriers, whether they are physical, mental, social, or environmental.

Begin Your OT Support Plan

AYS offers occupational therapy across Geelong, Colac, Mildura and other parts of Victoria. Our team is friendly, skilled, and focused on helping you work toward your goals in ways that make sense for you.

You can contact us here or fill out a referral form online. Our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Submit your details.