Occupational Therapy Week is celebrated from 26 October to 1 November and acknowledges the vital contribution that these allied health professionals provide. This year’s theme is Participation Matters. It puts a spotlight on the understanding that being able to participate in life is fundamental to our health, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
This year we are highlighting the importance of occupational therapists (OT) as they are often key members of their care team for people living with MND.
How can an OT help people with MND?
An OT can help maintain independence, mobility, safety, and quality of life as their needs change. For example, an OT can:
- Asses how MND is affecting daily activities such as eating and dressing, and work with families and carers to make tasks safer
- Suggest strategies to conserve energy and reduce strain
- Recommend home modifications to improve accessibility
- Provide training on using new equipment or assistive technology.
OTs can provide a referral for aids and equipment through MND NSW’s FlexEquip - Assistive Technology website. FlexEquip has a range of equipment to support a person with MND.
- Mobility aids – wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters.
- Daily living aids – pressure care and supportive seating.
- Home modifications –bathroom equipment, transfer aids, and hospital beds.
- Environmental controls
Multidisciplinary Care
Allied health professionals are critical in providing support and improving the quality of life for people living with MND. As well as occupational therapists, there may be many other allied health professionals in the multidisciplinary care team. Multidisciplinary care is a term used to describe coordinated input from a range of health and community care professionals in order to provide person-centred care[1]. These can include but are not limited to:
- Physiotherapists for advice about pain management, physical activity, mobility, stretching, breathing, coughing and positioning
- Dietitians for dietary and nutritional advice
- Psychologists for emotional wellbeing and strategies
- Speech pathologists for advice about communication, swallowing and saliva management
What is International Allied Health Professions Day?
We are also recognising the role of allied health professionals in a multidisciplinary care team through International Allied Health Professionals Day. Each year on 14 October, the extraordinary contributions of allied health professionals across the world are celebrated.
Learn more:
- Multidisciplinary Care in MND: Factsheet | MND Australia
- Health Professional Support for MND | MND Australia
Want to get involved?
MND NSW invites people living with MND, carers, and health professionals from across the country to join a national consultation group to help develop a free national e-Learning course for health professionals to increase their confidence in prescribing appropriate equipment. Expressions of interest to be involved in this consultation close 5pm on 22 October 2026. Find out more: Help shape a national e-Learning course about equipment and assistive technology
[1] Mitchell, G. K., Tieman, J. J. & Shelby-James, T. M. Multidisciplinary care planning and teamwork in primary care. Med. J. Aust. 188, S61-64 (2008).
