Occupational Therapy Australia hosted the bi-annual OT Exchange Conference (or OTX) at the Perth Convention Centre.
With almost 700 attendees in-person and another 100 online, passionate OTs enjoyed sessions on the latest research, innovations and insights.
There were almost 200 abstracts and ePosters, and over 75 exhibitions - including the Theratrak team!
Theratrak Founder and OT for over a decade, Laura Simmons, served on the conference committee with a focus towards impactful innovation and technology within therapy, setting the stage for a series of forward-thinking discussions and presentations.
Learn more below about the conference, key insights from speakers and view more photos from the event.
Pitch It: New Innovations & Big Impact
Leading Innovation within OT
Theratrak Founder Laura Simmons helped facilitate and judge the inaugural Pitch It! competition alongside experts and judges: Priscilla Ennals, Chris Pearce, Cameron van der Dugen, and Jacqui Hunt.
The innovators who pitched are solving big problems in the therapy world - and we’re looking forward to what they do next! Congrats to pitching participants:
End-to- End Care: Cancer Survivorship Program App - Dr Amy Wallis - Judges' Award
Get Driving: Develop better pre-driving skills with an online therapy toolkit - Jenny Gribbin - People's Choice Award
ReadyKids: Digitising Occupational Therapy to Support Parents and Kids at Home - Sarah Shakibaie
Panel: The Future of Occupational Therapy Includes AI
Theratrak Founder Laura Simmons joined one of the panel sessions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in occupational therapy contributing as a key voice advocating for ethical use of AI alongside Chris Pearce from Occupational Therapy Services Group, Rebecca Singh from AHPRA, and Mitchell Furness from LifeWorks Occupational Therapy.
The discussion addressed several critical questions:
Current challenges: Laura highlighted the challenges faced in integrating AI within existing therapeutic practices, emphasising the need to adapt to new technological landscapes.
Ethical considerations: The panel discussed what practitioners need to consider when incorporating AI, stressing the importance of aligning technology with clinical goals and ethical standards.
Opportunities and implementation: Laura outlined the diverse opportunities AI presents, from enhancing diagnostic processes to tailoring patient care more effectively. She shared practical steps on how therapists could incorporate these new technologies into their practices.
Future of OT with AI: Looking ahead, Laura shared an optimistic view on the future of OT, seeing embedded AI systems as enhancers rather than replacements of human jobs.
"Don’t be scared of AI - it’s not going to take our jobs. Instead, it's here to enhance our ability to make informed decisions and improve outcomes for our clients."
- Laura Simmons, Occupational Therapists and CEO & Founder of Theratrak
Keynote Speakers: Innovation & The Importance of Change
Experts focusing on how we can change and appreciate
In each presentation, the speakers delivered powerful insights on progress and approaches to therapy that resonated deeply with the Theratrak team.
Senator Jordon Steele-John delivered a profoundly personal and political reflection on the impact of the NDIS over the past decade, particularly highlighting the essential role of occupational therapy in his life. As he shared his journey from a child learning to use sock-aids to becoming a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, his stories filled with humour and insight about the common challenges faced in OT, not only brought laughter but also a deep appreciation for the profession's impact. His keynote speech served as a powerful reminder of how pivotal OT is in enhancing the lives of those with disabilities and underscored the critical nature of continued support and advocacy in policy-making.
Jenny Gribbin, in her inspirational speech, underscored the pivotal role occupational therapists play in navigating the challenges of the NDIS and shaping successful career journeys within allied health. Honoured with the inaugural Oration award for trailblazing work and significant contributions to clinical practice and client outcomes, Jenny’s reflections resonated deeply within the community. Her honest dialogue about the tools she’s relied upon to innovate within the learner driver and NDIS spaces struck a chord with many OTs, particularly those feeling disconnected from the profession. Jenny's acknowledgment of these challenges, coupled with her motivational words, not only uplifted her peers but also reinforced the image of OTs as "badass ninjas," capable of overcoming substantial obstacles and leading with innovation.
Judith Hewitson during her keynote presentation emphasised the necessity for organisations to embrace adaptability, urging them to "unlearn all the changes required for behaviour change" and prepare for impending transformations by shedding old habits and building resilience.
Priscilla Ennals from the OTA, had a welcoming and concluding speech, with some remarks that captured the dual nature of occupational therapists with poignant eloquence. Priscilla described OTs as being:
Fragile-strong - embodying a deep passion and emotional resilience that is central to their profession
Humble-proud - a kind nature when standing up for what’s right for our participants
Badass-ninjas - the attitude encapsulating the fearless and determined spirit of OTs ready to tackle challenges and drive significant changes in their field
Together, these speakers underscored the dynamic and resilient character of the occupational therapy community, inspiring all to embrace change and innovation boldly.
Reflecting on the Conference & Looking Ahead to 2025
As the conference wrapped up, discussions reflected on the profound insights and advancements shared. Laura also participated in a panel at the end of the conference reflecting on insights from the conference alongside: Judith Hewitson, Sarah Collison, Jenny Gribbbin, and 3rd year OT student / AHA Dara, hosted by OTA CEO Samantha Hunter.
OTs from across Australia left the conference with renewed enthusiasm for the next year’s event, scheduled to be held in Adelaide for the 31st National Conference and Exhibition from 25-27 June 2025.
The OTX event underscored the critical role of innovation, connection, and the people shaping more effective and efficient therapeutic practices across OT.
Theratrak’s Laura Simmons made key contributions to the conference, in her role on the committee, as a speaker and as a judge.
We’re looking forward to meeting more OTs at the next event to discuss a more innovative and integrated future in occupational therapy.
If you're going to the OTA Conference in 2025, let us know here.
