My Journey as an Occupational Therapist: Passion, Purpose & Assistive Technology

Written by our OT, Niko

I’ve been working as an Occupational Therapist for nearly seven years, and for over five of those years I’ve had the privilege of working within the NDIS space. Throughout my journey, one thing has remained constant — my passion for Assistive Technology (AT). I am always fascinated by how a thoughtfully prescribed piece of equipment can transform someone’s life, enhance their independence, and open doors to participation they may not have thought possible.

What I love most about working with people with physical impairments is the collaboration between observation, lived experience, and clinical reasoning. Clients often describe what they’re experiencing, and through careful assessment and observation, I’m able to identify elements that might not be immediately obvious, opportunities where the right equipment could make a real difference.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to prescribe an array of assistive equipment, including:

• Electric lift chairs
• Electric beds
• Pressure-relieving mattresses
• Customised shower commodes
• Customised manual wheelchairs
• Customised power wheelchairs
• Ceiling and floor hoists

Every prescription is informed not only by clinical frameworks learned at university, but also by a deep understanding of how AT supports clients to:

• Increase independence
• Reduce pain and discomfort
• Improve posture and function
• Access their community more easily
• Enhance overall quality of life

One of the most memorable pieces of equipment I’ve prescribed was a highly customised wheelchair designed to fit into the back of a standard car.

My client previously had two options:

• A power wheelchair that required travel by maxi taxi
• An off-the-shelf manual wheelchair that she often didn’t have the energy to self-propel

Neither option truly supported her independence.

The customised wheelchair I prescribed could be disassembled and transported in a regular vehicle, and most importantly, it offered flexible function:

• It could be configured as a manual chair when she had the energy to self-propel
• It could be set up as a power wheelchair with a joystick for longer distances or when she was fatigued

Because it was smaller and less bulky than a traditional power wheelchair, she found it more comfortable and easier to use in the community. Even better — she could switch between modes independently, without needing support workers to assist her.

Despite my experience and enthusiasm for AT, I know there is still so much I don’t yet know in this ever-evolving space. I feel very fortunate that my work supports me to continue learning — attending professional development courses, workshops, and training about new technologies and solutions. These opportunities not only expand my own knowledge but also allow me to share insights with my colleagues, helping us all provide better, more informed support.

This kind of ongoing growth, combined with the ability to apply theory to practice and tailor solutions that genuinely support a person’s goals, that’s the heart of meaningful assistive technology and why I love what I do! 😊