Being able to manage everyday tasks independently isn’t just practical—it’s empowering. For people living with disability, building these skills can mean the difference between dependence and autonomy. Occupational therapy (OT) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a vital role in helping participants develop the skills they need to navigate life with greater ease, confidence, and control.
At APTOS, our support coordination team works with experienced occupational therapists to connect participants with the right supports for daily living. In this guide, we’ll explore how OT supports daily living skill development and how to access these services through your NDIS plan.
What Are Daily Living Skills?
Daily living skills refer to the routine activities people do every day to take care of themselves and manage their lives. These include:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Meal preparation and healthy eating
- Household management (cleaning, laundry, shopping)
- Managing money and budgeting
- Using public transport or getting around the community
- Medication management and appointments
- Time management and daily routines
For many NDIS participants, disability can affect the ability to complete these tasks. Occupational therapy is there to help.
How Occupational Therapy Helps With Daily Living
Occupational therapists assess a person’s functional abilities and design strategies or interventions to improve independence. Their support may include:
1. Assessment of Skills and Barriers
An OT will evaluate what the participant can do independently and where they need support. This includes looking at physical, cognitive, and emotional factors.
2. Individualised Skill-Building Plans
Therapists develop personalised plans based on the participant’s goals. These may include practical exercises, visual schedules, or assistive tools.
3. Task Training and Practice
Participants can learn how to cook a basic meal, fold laundry, or manage hygiene through guided sessions and step-by-step support.
4. Environmental Modifications
OTs may recommend adjustments to the home environment, such as grab rails in the bathroom, modified utensils, or layout changes that support safety and ease of movement.
5. Assistive Technology Recommendations
Occupational therapists can advise on and help apply for NDIS funding for assistive devices that aid in daily living, like adaptive kitchen tools or voice-activated home systems.
What Types of Goals Can OT Help With?
NDIS plans are built around goals—and many goals directly involve daily living. Examples include:
- “I want to cook meals safely by myself.”
- “I want to learn how to do my own washing.”
- “I want to get ready in the morning without help.”
- “I want to manage my appointments and medication.”
Occupational therapy helps break these goals into achievable steps, build confidence, and measure progress over time.
OT for Different Ages and Needs
Occupational therapy isn’t just for adults. It supports participants across the lifespan:
For Children:
- Developing motor skills (e.g. holding utensils, brushing teeth)
- Sensory integration to manage sensitivities or meltdowns
- Learning to follow daily routines like dressing or packing a school bag
For Teenagers:
- Developing executive functioning (e.g. time management, task planning)
- Preparing for independent living or post-school transitions
- Social and community participation skills
For Adults:
- Maintaining independence in personal care and household tasks
- Managing complex care needs or chronic conditions
- Enhancing life skills for employment or social involvement
How to Access Occupational Therapy Through the NDIS
OT is generally funded under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category of your NDIS plan. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Consider which daily activities you or your loved one find challenging and what kind of support would make a difference.
Step 2: Include OT in Your NDIS Plan
During your planning or review meeting, explain your goals and how OT will help achieve them. You can bring examples or reports to support your request.
Step 3: Work With a Support Coordinator
APTOS can help you:
- Find qualified occupational therapists with experience in disability support
- Coordinate appointments and funding usage
- Review progress and adjust services as needed
Benefits of OT-Focused Daily Living Support
- Improved independence and confidence
- Reduced need for ongoing support
- Increased participation in community and family life
- Better safety and wellbeing at home
- Greater sense of achievement and self-worth
For families and carers, it also means reduced pressure and more time to focus on relationships rather than daily care.
Why APTOS?
At APTOS, we believe in building skills, not just managing needs. Our team works closely with allied health providers like occupational therapists to:
- Understand your goals
- Connect you with therapists who respect your communication and cultural preferences
- Coordinate services that fit within your funding
- Help measure success and prepare for future plan reviews
We support a wide range of participants, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, physical disabilities, and psychosocial challenges.
Final Thoughts
Daily living skills are the foundation of independence, and occupational therapy is one of the most effective ways to build them. Whether it’s getting dressed, cooking a meal, or organising your week, these everyday tasks open the door to bigger goals.
Want help accessing OT for daily living support? APTOS is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more.
