S09E11 - Innovation and Change in OT: OTX, WikiQuip and NDIS Updates

A profession in transition

The OT profession is in a period of significant change. On one hand, events like OTX 2026

are showcasing innovation, collaboration and exciting solutions to longstanding challenges. On the other, many clinicians and business owners are navigating major operational changes, particularly around NDIS pricing and service sustainability.

Together, these shifts reflect a profession that is evolving quickly, balancing opportunity with increasing complexity.

Why conferences still matter

OTX 2026 was a strong reminder of why in-person conferences continue to matter. While presentations offer valuable clinical learning, some of the most meaningful outcomes come from the conversations happening between sessions.

Networking, shared problem-solving and spontaneous discussions often create just as much value as formal education. These moments give OTs the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges, exchange ideas and feel part of a broader professional community.

That sense of connection remains one of the most valuable parts of attending live events.

Innovation in assistive technology

One of the standout innovations highlighted at OTX this year was the launch of WikiQuip, a platform designed to simplify access to assistive technology funding information.

Navigating AT funding in Australia can be incredibly complex. Clinicians often spend significant time trying to determine which schemes apply, what evidence is required and how to move through application processes. WikiQuip has been designed to reduce that complexity by creating a centralised resource for both clinicians and assistive technology users.

The platform brings together practical guidance on assistive technology categories, assessment requirements, funding pathways and documentation processes. This addresses a major gap in the sector, particularly when considering how fragmented AT access currently is across Australia.

There are currently 109 funding schemes across national, state and territory systems that may provide access to assistive technology. Despite how often the NDIS dominates conversations, only around 10 per cent of Australians who require assistive technology are eligible for NDIS funding. That leaves most people navigating alternative pathways, often with very limited guidance.

WikiQuip aims to bridge that gap by making access pathways easier to understand and more practical to navigate.

Innovation matters more than ever

What stood out most from OTX was not just the energy in the room, but the clear momentum across the profession.

OTs are continuing to build smarter systems, stronger resources and more practical solutions to longstanding challenges. That innovation is becoming increasingly important as clinicians navigate growing administrative complexity, funding changes and rising business pressures.

The profession is not simply responding to change. It is actively shaping better ways forward.

Understanding the NDIS pricing changes

The recent NDIS pricing changes have created a lot of discussion across allied health. While the changes initially caused understandable concern, the reality is that for most providers, the impact is largely administrative rather than clinical.

The core services being delivered have not changed. Instead, the biggest shift is around clearer billing categories and more detailed coding requirements. Providers now need to ensure services are accurately categorised under areas such as direct support, non-face-to-face work, travel, telehealth and NDIA-requested reports.

For many practices, this means reviewing billing systems and ensuring invoicing processes are set up correctly. While that may create short-term administrative work, it does not fundamentally change service delivery.

What counts as an NDIA-requested report?

One of the biggest areas of confusion has been around NDIA-requested reports. Many clinicians have assumed this means the NDIA must directly contact a provider and request a report. That is not the case.

NDIA-requested reports are not new and have existed in pricing arrangements for years. These reports generally refer to documentation required to inform funding decisions, such as plan reviews, functional assessments, assistive technology applications or home modification requests.

This differs from routine clinical reporting. Reports created for therapy planning, education or communication with families and support teams are typically considered non-face-to-face clinical work rather than NDIA-requested reports.

Understanding this distinction is important because it affects how services are billed and claimed.

Why business sustainability matters

The pricing changes have also reinforced a broader issue for the profession: financial sustainability.

Private practices and sole traders are increasingly being challenged to balance high-quality clinical care with rising operational demands. Staffing structures, overheads, award classifications and service delivery models all need regular review to ensure businesses remain viable.

This is not simply about compliance. Sustainable businesses are better positioned to support staff, maintain service quality and continue delivering care without creating unnecessary financial strain or burnout.

As the sector continues to change, financial literacy and business strategy are becoming essential skills for practice owners.

Looking ahead

Despite the complexity of current reforms, there is plenty of reason for optimism. The profession continues to adapt, innovate and find better ways to support both clinicians and clients.

From new tools like WikiQuip to stronger conversations around sustainability and service delivery, OTs are continuing to lead meaningful change.

The challenges are real, but so is the opportunity. For clinicians willing to stay informed, remain adaptable and invest in connection, there is a great deal to be excited about.

Key takeaways for OTs
• OTX 2026 highlighted the value of connection, collaboration and innovation across the OT profession.
• WikiQuip is addressing a major gap in assistive technology funding access.
• The latest NDIS pricing changes are primarily administrative rather than clinical.
• NDIA-requested reports relate to reports informing funding decisions, not routine clinical documentation.
• Financial sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focus for practice owners and sole traders.

Links

WikiQuip: https://www.wikiquip.com.au/

OTA’s clinical award: https://otaus.com.au/resources/ot-school-of-victoria-clinical-award

NDIA’s Provider Support email address: [email protected]

Noelle from HR for Health Leaders: https://hrforhealthleaders.com.au/