For many individuals living with disabilities, gaining and maintaining employment is a significant step towards independence, self-sufficiency, and personal fulfillment. However, barriers such as physical limitations, cognitive challenges, sensory sensitivities, and mental health conditions can make securing and sustaining a job difficult. This is where Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role.
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Occupational Therapists work with participants to develop the necessary skills, strategies, and workplace accommodations to help them succeed in employment. Whether it’s building confidence, enhancing functional abilities, or modifying the work environment, OT provides a holistic, client-centered approach to overcoming employment barriers.
This blog explores the role of OT in supporting NDIS participants to achieve employment goals, highlighting strategies, real-life examples, and practical interventions.
Table of Contents
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Employment
Occupational Therapy is focused on enabling individuals to participate in meaningful activities—and for many, employment is a critical occupation that provides financial stability, routine, social interaction, and personal growth.
NDIS participants may require support in various areas, including:
- Skill Development: Enhancing motor, cognitive, and social skills required for work.
- Workplace Adaptations: Modifying environments to accommodate disabilities.
- Assistive Technology: Introducing tools that improve job performance and accessibility.
- Confidence Building: Addressing anxiety and self-doubt related to work.
- Routine Establishment: Assisting with executive function and time management.
OT’s Role in the NDIS Employment Pathway
NDIS participants often receive employment-related support through:
- Finding and keeping a job (NDIS funding category)
- School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
- Capacity building to improve work readiness
- Support Coordination to connect with employment services
Occupational Therapists collaborate with NDIS providers, employers, and job agencies to create individualized employment pathways.
Common Employment Barriers for NDIS Participants
Each NDIS participant faces unique challenges in employment. Some of the most common barriers include:
1. Physical Limitations
- Reduced strength, endurance, or mobility may impact job performance.
- Examples: Difficulty standing for long periods, reduced hand function for typing.
2. Cognitive and Executive Functioning Challenges
- Memory issues, difficulty following instructions, or trouble organizing tasks.
- Examples: A person with ADHD struggling with time management in the workplace.
3. Sensory Sensitivities
- Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may experience sensory overload in noisy workplaces.
- Examples: A participant struggling with fluorescent lighting or crowded spaces.
4. Mental Health Barriers
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD may impact confidence, motivation, and job retention.
- Examples: Fear of social interaction making job interviews stressful.
5. Communication and Social Skills Challenges
- Difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining professional relationships, or navigating workplace dynamics.
- Examples: A participant struggling with conflict resolution at work.
6. Lack of Work Experience or Employment Skills
- Many participants may have never worked before and need pre-employment training.
- Examples: Learning how to write a resume, prepare for interviews, or manage work schedules.
Occupational Therapy Interventions for Employment Success
1. Building Capacity for Work-Related Skills
Occupational Therapists assess a participant’s strengths, interests, and challenges to develop work-ready skills.
🔹 Fine & Gross Motor Development
- Improving hand strength for typing, writing, or tool use.
- Enhancing balance and endurance for physically demanding jobs.
🔹 Cognitive and Problem-Solving Skills
- Using memory aids and checklists for task management.
- Developing strategies for following multi-step instructions.
🔹 Social and Communication Training
- Practicing workplace conversations and professional etiquette.
- Using role-play to navigate common workplace scenarios.
🔹 Emotional Regulation and Stress Management
- Teaching coping strategies for workplace stress and anxiety.
- Providing mindfulness techniques for emotional regulation.
2. Workplace Environment Adaptations
Occupational Therapists work with employers to modify work environments to meet participants’ needs.
🔹 Ergonomic Adjustments
- Providing adaptive seating or standing desks for individuals with mobility limitations.
- Recommending wrist supports or special keyboards for fine motor difficulties.
🔹 Sensory Modifications
- Noise-canceling headphones for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
- Adjusting lighting and reducing clutter in the workspace.
🔹 Task Adaptation
- Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps.
- Allowing flexible work schedules for individuals with fatigue issues.
3. Use of Assistive Technology
Technology plays a huge role in increasing workplace accessibility.
🔹 Speech-to-Text Software for individuals with dyslexia or motor impairments.
🔹 Time Management Apps for individuals with ADHD.
🔹 Screen Readers for individuals with vision impairments.
🔹 Modified Work Equipment, such as one-handed keyboards.
4. Confidence Building and Self-Advocacy
Occupational Therapists help participants build self-confidence and teach self-advocacy skills to navigate the workplace.
🔹 Mock Interviews & Resume Assistance
- Practicing interview questions in a safe environment.
- Helping participants structure their resumes to highlight strengths.
🔹 Workplace Communication Skills
- Teaching when and how to ask for accommodations.
- Helping participants navigate difficult conversations with employers.
🔹 Gradual Exposure to the Workplace
- Starting with volunteer work or internships to ease into employment.
- Practicing work tasks in simulated environments before full employment.
5. Daily Routine and Executive Function Support
Many NDIS participants struggle with time management, organization, and routine-building.
🔹Developing Structured Work Routines
- Creating daily planners and visual schedules.
- Setting phone reminders for task completion.
🔹 Transportation Training
- Teaching participants how to use public transport to get to work.
- Practicing travel routes in real-life settings.
🔹 Work-Life Balance Support
- Helping participants manage fatigue and prevent burnout.
- Teaching relaxation techniques after work.
Case Studies: Occupational Therapy in Action
Case Study 1: Supporting a Young Adult with ASD in Retail Work
Participant: 21-year-old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Goal: Secure a retail job but struggles with social interaction and sensory overload.
OT Interventions:
✅ Social skills training (eye contact, professional greetings).
✅ Gradual workplace exposure through short shifts.
✅ Noise-reducing headphones to manage auditory sensitivities.
✅ Collaboration with employer for a structured, low-sensory workspace.
✅ Visual schedules to improve task completion.
Outcome: The participant successfully secured and maintained part-time employment in a retail store.
Case Study 2: Helping a Person with Anxiety Transition to Office Work
Participant: 30-year-old with severe anxiety and limited work history.
Goal: Transition to administrative work in an office setting.
OT Interventions:
✅ Gradual exposure therapy to reduce workplace anxiety.
✅ Coping strategies (breathing exercises, mindfulness).
✅ Remote work setup to allow flexibility.
✅ Resume building and mock interview practice.
Outcome: The participant gained confidence, secured a job, and transitioned to in-office work over time.
Summary
Employment is a life-changing opportunity for NDIS participants, providing financial independence, routine, and social engagement. However, challenges such as physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental health barriers can make finding and keeping a job difficult.
Occupational Therapy plays a vital role in addressing these barriers through skill-building, workplace modifications, assistive technology, and confidence-building strategies. By working collaboratively with NDIS providers, employers, and participants, OTs help individuals achieve their employment goals and thrive in the workplace.
Next Steps: If you or someone you support is seeking employment under the NDIS, an Occupational Therapist can help navigate the journey to meaningful and sustainable work. It may be helpful to consult with one of our Occupational Therapists for a formal evaluation and intervention support. Take the first step toward achieving your work aspirations!
Transform Life is a NDIS registered organisation that provide support for you and your family.
Book your consult with an experienced Therapist at Transform Life to explore how Occupational Therapy , Positive Behavioural Support and Speech Therapy can support you and your family.
