About OTSI: OT Society Inc for Invisible Disability
OTSI
Invisible & Hidden Disabilities
Invisible & Hidden Disabilities
OT Society Incorporated (OTSI) is a national society whose purpose is to enable Occupational Therapists who work alongside people with invisible disabilities, to reduce barriers to full participation in our world as active citizens of Australia.Our focus is on ensuring access to resources, opportunities, and supports for people of all ages with invisible disabilities, including access to Occupational Therapy. OTSI has a strong voice in systemic advocacy and policy direction, as well as enabling individuals to build better lives.
Invisible & Hidden Disabilities
Invisible & Hidden Disabilities
Invisible & Hidden Disabilities
The term ‘invisible disability’ is an umbrella term and acknowledges that the impacts of hidden disability are often poorly misunderstood or overlooked. We commit to shining a light on the impact of invisible and hidden disabilities alongside people who experience them, and to work to address barriers to active participation, and barriers to societal recognition and understanding. OTSI approach underscores the importance of empathy and awareness in interactions and accommodations, to build a more inclusive world.
Occupational Therapy
Invisible & Hidden Disabilities
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a person-centred, outcomes-based and participation-focused, profession. Occupational Therapists are degree qualified (Bachelor and/or Masters and Doctorates) and regulated by the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency. Occupational therapists must be registered with the regulating body AHPRA.
The core business of occupational therapy is to enable opportunities for full participation in everyday life in the community, where people live, learn, work and play[1]. Occupational therapists work in partnership with people living with invisible disability considering the unique barriers each individual faces; their individual needs and goals; the influence of their environment; and the interplay of these factors and their impact on function. Occupational therapists support principles of co-production and co-design.
OTSI Values
- Occupational therapy, working to full scope of practice and embedding evidence-based paradigm, has the potential to change lives.
- Collaboration and co-design with lived experience groups and individuals.
- Equal access to opportunities for people with invisible and hidden disabilities
- Promotion of rights-based approaches, a social model of disability, and alignment with UNCRPD.
- Affirming neurodiversity and self-determination for people with invisible and hidden disabilities
- Building a diverse range of service provision models and approaches to ensure the broad and individualised needs of people with invisible disability, can be met.
OTSI Activities may include:
Advocacy & Policy Voice
Co-Production & Co-Design
Co-Production & Co-Design
Advocate for best practices and inclusive systems, in relation to invisible disability. Activities: The community may engage in discussions with policy makers, contribute to submissions, and help shape guidelines and standards.
Co-Production & Co-Design
Co-Production & Co-Design
Co-Production & Co-Design
We aim to ensure both lived and learnt experience are reflected in our work. Advocate for best practices and inclusive systems, in relation to invisible disability. Activities: The community may engage in discussions with policy makers, contribute to submissions, and help shape guidelines and standards.
Knowledge Sharing
Co-Production & Co-Design
Professional Development
Facilitate the exchange of information, strategies, and best practices among occupational therapists and stakeholders who work with people with invisible disabilities.
Professional Development
Professional Development
Professional Development
Provide opportunities for continuing education and skill enhancement for people working with people with invisible disabilities e.g. Workshops, webinars, training sessions, and discussion forums.
Support and Networking
Professional Development
Support and Networking
Create a supportive network where occupational therapists can seek advice, share challenges, and receive peer support.
Resource Sharing
Professional Development
Support and Networking
Provide access to resources, tools, and materials that support effective practice. Members may share resource libraries, assessment tools, intervention strategies, and other materials.
Recognition and Commitment
We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, and acknowledge that sovereignty of the land we call Australia, has never been ceded.
We recognise the value of lived experience, and are committed to listening and learning from people with lived experience on issues that impact lives. We commit to working in alliance with those with lived experience, and to promoting co-design.