OT Unplugged: Community of Practice Insights
Episodes
S9E02 - Living Through NDIS Change: The OT Perspective
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The current NDIS landscape is shifting quickly, and many Occupational Therapists are being asked to make decisions without having all the information....
S9E01 - NDIS Reset Explained: Breaking Down The Biggest Changes To The Scheme
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is entering a major reform phase, with sweeping changes designed to improve long-term sustainability. These u...
S8E10 - Leave, Leadership and Letting Go
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Taking time away from work sounds simple in theory. In practice, many OT business owners know it can feel anything but simple. Whether it’s a short ...
S8E09 - Supporting New Grad OTs in Today’s NDIS Landscape
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Starting out as an Occupational Therapist is both exciting and overwhelming. The transition from university into practice brings a steep learning curv...
S8E08 - Fuel, Funding and Future Risk: Navigating Cost Pressure in OT Practice
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why rising fuel costs are changing service delivery... Fuel costs directly impact how Occupational Therapy is delivered. Home, school and community vi...
S6E07 - The Hidden Load Many OTs Carry
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Occupational Therapy sector is navigating a period of significant change. Reforms to the NDIS planning system, growing uncertainty around early ch...
S8E06 - When Illness Disrupts the Diary: How OTs Manage Sick Leave in Practice
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When sickness hits, how OTs and business owners keep care moving Nasty bugs, surprise migraines, sick kids, even the occasional adult case of chickenp...
S8E05 - Assessing Need Or Navigating Policy? The Reality of OT Practice in the NDIS
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When assessment tools and NDIS policy don’t line up As NDIS reforms gather pace, OTs are being pulled in two directions at once. On one side, we’r...
S8E04 - When OT practice ownership gets real
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Sarah and Elise go off-script (in the best way) and unpack the realities of practice ownership and employment in OT - from u...
S8E03 - Building a Calmer OT Practice: Delegation, Hiring and Reducing Cognitive Load
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When the work piles up, your brain does the weirdest things There’s a particular kind of overload that shows up after a big push. You sit down, fina...
S8 E02 – When Policy Shifts Hit Practice: An OT Perspective On What’s Next
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Featuring honorary member: Muriel Cummins! The disability landscape is changing fastAcross the NDIS, early childhood and broader disability policy, re...
S8E01 – New Year, New Pressures: What the Pricing Consultation Means for OTs
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Many OT teams are feeling the same mix right now – strong referral demand alongside shifting rules and inconsistent NDIA decision making. It’s har...
S7E10 - Sarah, Nikki & Alyce signing off for 2025
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The “slow crawl” quite a few of us are feeling End-of-year fatigue looks different depending on your role. For some clinicians, cancellations star...
S7E09 - Fairness at Risk: How New Planning Reforms Could Reshape Everyday OT Practice
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the year winds down, many OTs are crawling toward the finish line rather than gliding over it. Last-minute calls for urgent functional assessments,...
S7E08 - Inconsistency, Delays and Risk: The NDIS Reality Check
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the year comes to a close, many OTs are feeling stretched. Illness, client demand, school schedules and end-of-year fatigue all shape the workload ...
S7E07 - Crunch Time Again: Inside the New Pricing Analysis and Disability Sector Report
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating sector uncertainty and what OTs need to know right nowThe disability sector continues to shift rapidly, with new reports, pricing discussio...
S7E06 - The Year End Squeeze: Protecting Your Energy as NDIS Changes Accelerate
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The emotional load of the festive season As the year winds down many OTs are running on empty. December brings concerts, Secret Santas, toy drives and...
S7E05 - Wrapping Up the Year While the NDIS Ramps Up
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the year closes, many OTs are juggling exhaustion, rising referrals, shifting NDIS rules and pressure from both paediatric and adult caseloads. The...
S7E04 - From Knowledge to Practice: Making OT Conferences Matter
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Conferences are more than name badges and slides. Done well, they sharpen clinical judgement, build community and turn tricky ideas into steps you can...
S70E3 - OT Week Special Episode
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
S7E02 - What’s Changing Now: NDIS Therapy and Respite Updates Explained
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recent NDIS updates are reshaping how therapy supports and respite services are delivered and justified. Two new documents – the Therapy Support Gui...
S7E01 - It’s Not the Tool, It’s the Process: The ICAN Conversation
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The recent announcement confirming the ICAN tool as the foundation for future NDIS support needsassessments has sparked serious discussion acros...
S6E10 - Reports on Trial: OT Documentation and the NDIS
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A recent case before the Administrative Review Tribunal has reignited a conversation many Occupational Therapists are already having: what does defens...
S6E09 - Keeping Supports Steady: Psychosocial Disability and NDIS Changes
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping Supports Steady: Psychosocial Disability and NDIS Changes The NDIS is changing quickly and it can be hard to keep up. Many people with ...
S06E08 - NDIS reform round-up: What OTs need to know in 2025
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
NDIS reform round-up: what OTs need to know now NDIS reforms are moving, but not always in straight lines. Here’s a clear, practice-first update bas...
S6E07 - NDIS Oversight is Broken — Here’s What That Means for Providers
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating complaints, compliance and safeguarding in the NDIS Working within the NDIS can be rewarding but it also comes with complex responsibilitie...
S6E06 - So… What Would You Do Next? OT Futures and NDIS Realities
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into two big conversations every occupational therapist, and anyone in the disability space, needs to hear. First, we reflect...
S6E05 - When Policy Shifts Come via the Newsfeed
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on OT Unplugged, Sarah, Nikki, and Alyce swap Oodie stories (pandas vs. champagne avocados), laugh about missing wine bottles and Lego ...
S06E04 - Christmas Parties, Sharks in the Lake, and the NDIS Delay Game
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on OT Unplugged, Sarah, Nikki and Alyce take you from heartwarming wheelchair wins to head-scratching NDIS decisions and everything in betwe...
S6E03 - From Compliance to Chaos: OT Practice Under NDIS Pressure
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this lively and unfiltered episode of OT Unplugged, Sarah, Nikki and Alyce dive deep into the real behind-the-scenes of OT life. From forgotten bil...
S6E02 - Spiders, Snakes & Safety: The Wild World of OT Home Visits
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Nikki, Alyce and Sarah dive deep into the often wild, always unpredictable world of community occupational therapy. From ferrets and replica...
S6E01 - Beyond the Price Guide: Hard Conversations & Smart Choices
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of OT Unplugged, Nikki, Alyce and Sarah return from the school holiday juggle and dive straight into the increasingly challenging real...
Special Episode: Maintaining OT Presence in an NDIS World
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The recording of "Climbing the Mountain: Maintaining OT Presence in an Evolving NDIS" is now ready. Delivered as a presentation at the recent OTA conf...
S05E10 - After the High: OT Conference, Real Life, and the July 1 Crash
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this raw and real episode of OT Unplugged, we’re back from the OT Australia Conference in Adelaide — inspired, exhausted, and now smacked in th...
S0509 - Pivot, Pause, or Push Through? Survival Tactics for OTs Right Now
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode of OT Unplugged, Nikki and Alyce hold the fort while sending love and support to Sarah, who's attending a family funeral. Ami...
S0508 - The Most Disastrous Price Guide Ever? Let’s Talk About It.
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Most Disastrous Price Guide Ever? Let’s Talk About It. This week on OT Unplugged, we're diving headfirst into what might be the most chaotic and...
S05E07 - NDIS Pricing Bombshell: What It Means for OTs & Practice Owners
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
NDIS Pricing Bombshell: What It Means for OTs, Physios & Practice Owners Hold onto your spreadsheets — this week, the NDIS Annual Pricing Review...
S05E06 - Navigating NDIS 2.0: Service Agreements, Section 33, and Staying Compliant
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: In this jam-packed episode of OT Unplugged, Sarah, Nikki, and Alyce dive deep into the chaos and clarity of OT life as the ...
S05E05 - OTs vs the NDIS Maze - The latest on Section 33 + Foundational Supports
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss the latest on Section 33 changes and the updates to Foundational Supports. To access the free webinar head to https:/...
S05E04 - NDIS Just Got Tougher: Surviving the New Section 33 Era
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of OT Unplugged, we dive headfirst into the sweeping changes triggered by Section 33 of the NDIS Act, which came into effect on May 19...
S05E03 - From Mum Life to Mic Time: Prepping for the OT Conference
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're interested in attending the OTA conference, click on the link below to take advantage of the Friends of the Podcast rate: https://www.otause...
S05E02 - Impairment Categories Are a Mess: Inside the NDIA's Conflicting Guidelines
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Show Links The Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association - https://sites.google.com/view/theanpa/home?authuser National Best Practice Framework fo...
S05E01 - Flexible or Fixed? NDIS, Stated Supports, and the Confusion in Between
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast Link - https://commongrounddisability.substack.com/p/surviving-stated-supports-and-section Don't forget to book your tickets!! PERTH Netw...
S04E12 - The Good, the Bad & the Clunky: OT Practice Software Deep Dive
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
S04E11 - Denied Again? Real Talk on Navigating the NDIS System
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We hope to see you at one of the Networking Events Click on the link below to book! PERTH 14 May 2025 - https://www.trybooking.com/DAEDQ ADELAIDE 24 J...
S04E10 - NDIS Advocacy Isn’t in the Job Description… But Here We Are
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Daily Mail article https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nrl/article-14525417/Wife-reveals-harrowing-reality-living-former-rugby-league-player-battli...
S04E09 - The ART of War: Fighting for What’s Reasonable & Necessary
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss the ART of War: Fighting for What’s Reasonable & Necessary Links for Show notes – Facebook Page – ADHD OTs p...
S04E08 - Scallop Pies, ATSA Highlights & A Toast to Strong Women
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss Scallop Pies, ATSA Highlights & A Toast to Strong Women following International Women's Day. Please see links below as discus...
S04E07 - Unpacking the NDIS Chaos: Reports, Rejections & Rants
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
S04E06 - Providing Therapy in Schools, Cancellation Charges and Split Billing
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we discuss Providing Therapy in Schools, Cancellation Charges and Split Billing Tasmania Networking Drinks Event - https:/...
S04E05 OT advocacy, support needs assessments and NDIS report writing challenges
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss OT advocacy, support needs assessments and NDIS report writing challenges. To connect with OTSI, please visit their w...
S04E04 - Mental health, burnout and support strategies for OTs
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the increasing concerns around mental health, burnout and support strategies for OTs plus delve further into the support ne...
S04E03 - NDIS challenges and the realities of private practice
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss the NDIS challenges and the realities of private practice Reasonable and necessary supports across the lifespan: https://sta...
S04E02 - NDIS uncertainty, replacement supports confusion and recalibrating therapy intervention
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
S04E01 - January surge, NDIS Impairment Notices and Community Advocacy for NDIS Reforms
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss the January referral surge, commencement of NDIS impairment notices and community advocacy for NDIS reform. Ple...
S03E10 - Independent review of music and art therapy, the latest on support needs assessment PLUS we reflect on 2024
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we discuss the independent review of music and art therapy, the latest on support needs assessment plus we reflect on the year ...
S03E09 - NDIS impairment notices, disability related health supports & making changes to reports.
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss NDIS impairment notices, disability related health supports & making changes to reports. Link below to the partic...
S03E08 - Balancing personal and professional life, impact of NDIS policy on OT practice and opportunities for OT advocacy
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we discuss the balance of personal and professional life, impact of NDIS policy on OT practice and opportunities for OT advocac...
S03E07 - AI in practice, Music & Art therapy, Replacement supports and OTSI
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we discuss AI in practice, Music & Art therapy, Replacement supports and OTSI Music therapy petition: https://www.change.or...
S03E06 - Christmas shutdown period and using AI to support OT practice
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss plans for the Christmas shutdown period and how OTs can use AI to support their OT practice: Link to ACCC media release - ht...
S03E05 - Eligibility reassessments and requests for evidence
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we discuss eligibility reassessments and responding to requests for evidence. Link to the Reasonable and Necessary Supports Ac...
S03E04 - A lengthy debate on all things NDIS
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we have a lengthy debate on all things NDIS OT Unplugged Listener Form If you would like to share anything with us, ask a ques...
S03E03 - The latest on the NDIS commission reform, replacement support items under the transitional rule & upcoming consultation on mandatory registration.
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we discuss the latest on the NDIS commission reform, replacement support items under the transitional rule and the upcoming co...
S03E02 - Celebrating all the amazing aspects of occupational therapy during OT Week 2024!
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we celebrate all the amazing aspects of occupational therapy during OT Week 2024! To access the NDIS OT superhero quiz, head t...
S03E01 - Allied Health Awards & the NDIS Transitional Rule (Support for Participants)
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode we discuss the recent allied health awards and the introduction of the NDIS transitional rules support for participants. ...
S02E10 - Disability reform roadmap, failed modifications, and payment integrity review checks
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we discuss the disability reform roadmap, failed modifications, and payment integrity review checks Disability Reform Roadmap ...
S02E09 - NDIS support lists and the recent update on provider registration
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we discuss the latest on NDIS support lists and the recent update on provider registration . Minister announcement on provider...
S02E08 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacing OT, NDIS Support Needs Assessments and advocacy in the NDIS OT space
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacing OT, NDIS Support Needs Assessments and advocacy in the NDIS OT space Link ...
S02E07 - Foundational supports consultation, misuse of NDIS funds and the new look NDIS Plans
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Paralympics as a source of inspiration for OTs The Paralympics have once again captured the world’s attention, not only for the incredible athle...
S02E06 - NDIS legislation update, price differentiation and incorrect AT prescription
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss the NDIS legislation update, price differentiation and incorrect AT prescription. Plus Sarah will deliver ...
S02E05 - Leading a Healthy OT lifestyle, NDIS payment blockages and NDIS report writing
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks podcast episode we discuss the importance of living a health OT lifestyle, recent news on NDIS payment blockages and the skill of NDIS r...
S02E04 - With special guest Muriel Cummins on NDIS reforms
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are joined by Muriel Cummins to discuss the developments in the proposed NDIS reforms including the latest from the senate debate on the...
S02E03 - Draft list of proposed NDIS Supports and the NDIS Worker Registration Taskforce final report
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Road Ahead - Community of Practice event – Get your tickets from https://events.humanitix.com/ndis-ot-community-of-practice-event-looking-to-the...
S02E02 - NDIS registration taskforce update plus using AHAs in OT practice
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss the latest on the NDIS taskforce on mandatory registration including the recent report leak. We also delve into...
S02E0 1 - Taking a break from the NDIS, further provider closures & short notice cancellations
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss the importance of taking a break from the NDIS, further provider closures and short notice cancellations.  ...
S01E21 - NDIS Price Guide and Pricing Review Report, the proposed blended payments co design, and Bill Shorten's new advertising campaign
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of The OT Unplugged podcast is now out! Join us for the latest NDIS OT news and updates from the NDIS OT community of practice. In ...
S01E20 - NDIS pricing, the pause on the draft legislation, and NDIA decision making.mp3
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discussed the NDIS pricing... or the lack thereof. The pause on draft legislation and the flaws in the NDIS decision making.
S01E19 - OTA Exchange Conference & NDIS Billable Targets
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New graduate sessions referred to during this weeks podcast: https://sensationalstart-au.zoom.us/rec/share/PZx3mzbWF6LnWlGdh0WpV9jzyu2TNR3fQi7tRHCmGkZ...
S01E18 - Exit planning, the role of AHAs and handling unusual AT requests
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss exit planning for your OT practice, the role of AHAs and handling unusual requests for AT prescription. Guide to Self-manag...
S01E17 - NDIS Draft legislation passes, NDIS fraud and Alyce’s big practice news
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
S01E16 - NDIS draft legislation, the role of PM and SC plus our NDIS pricing predictions
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss some recent amendments to the proposed NDIS draft legislation, the email communication to plan managers and support c...
S01E15 - Unearthing the notion of "intra-plan inflation" and collaboration with AT suppliers for best practice outcomes
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we discuss the Public Enquiries in the NDIS draft legislation, unearth the notion of "intra-plan inflation" and ...
S01E14 - NDIS approval delays, LAC caseloads and evidencing clinical reasoning / decision making
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Link to AAT stats discussed - https://www.aat.gov.au/about-the-aat/corporate-information/statistics
S01E13 - NDIS wedding tax, paid student placements and assessment tools for clinical practice
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss the NDIS wedding tax plus paid student placements for some undergrad programs. We also delve into our favourite...
S01E12 - Expo and conference season - what's out there for NDIS OT's?
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss our favourite expos and conferences including which one has the best freebies! ARATA conference - https://www.arata.o...
S01E11 - Navigating the NDIS Draft Legislation with guest Muriel Cummins
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode, Sarah and Nikki sit down with special guest Muriel Cummins to navigate the key issues of concern in the NDIS draft legislation....
S01E10 - Proposed Mandatory Registration in the NDIS
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss further the proposed mandatory registration and what it may mean for NDIS providers and participants. OT...
S01E09 - Diving deeper into the NDIS draft legislation
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we take a deeper dive into the NDIS draft legislation and discuss the topics raised during the DSS (Department of Social Service...
S01E08 - Getting the NDIS back on track bill
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss the topic on everyone's mind, the draft legislation tabled to parliament to get the NDIS back on track. Information ...
S01E07 - The Workforce Dilemma - preparing OT students
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we take a deep dive into the OTA workforce plan, discussing priority area number one relating to preparation of the OT new graduate workforc...
S01E06 - Managing work life balance and the parenting juggle
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss the ups and downs of being a working Mum and explore what work life balance really looks like. We also round up the latest ...
S01E05 - Unpacking the NDIS Review and Psycho-social Disability
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we start unpacking the NDIS review by discussing the recommendations relating to supports for participants with Pyscho-social disability wit...
S01E04 - An OT's scope of practice journey
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episodes we share our scope of practice journeys and the pitfalls of jumping in too fast and too deep. Plus we discuss the value of good...
S01E03 - Managing client expectations and the NDIS pricing review
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we discuss how to manage conversations with clients when expectations are running high. Plus we delve into the annual pricing re...
S01E02 - Approval delays, PACE and OT naming legalities
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode we dig deeper to discuss recent approval delays, the rollout of PACE and impact on providers and participants. We also cha...
S01E01 - Recruitment, supervision and finding the perfect job match
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks inaugural episode you'll meet podcasters Sarah, Nikki and Alyce as they delve into the trials and tribulations of recruitment, supervisi...