The Foundational Supports for Children – Advice and actions for governments document has been developed by Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) in close collaboration with the occupational therapy community. Australia’s over 30,000 occupational therapists are key providers of therapy and other supports, working across mainstream health and education programs as well as state, territory and Commonwealth-funded programs for children experiencing developmental delay and disability.

The current disability support reform agenda presents a critical opportunity for governments to create a more inclusive, integrated, and evidence-based system of early childhood supports. OTA outlines practical steps for government to take to ensure that disability reforms and the establishment of new programs and systems meet the needs of, and achieve outcomes for, children and young people with developmental delay and disability. Recognition of the essential role and expertise of occupational therapists in early identification, assessment, intervention, and capacity building must be at the centre of these reforms.

The Advice to Governments document proposes a series of actions that should be undertaken in the short and medium term to ensure a safe and effective transition to a new support system that continues to prioritise access to high quality occupational therapy.

A Summary version of the paper has been prepared to enable access and advocacy on the role of OTs in Foundational Supports for Children.

OTA will be engaging with key stakeholders at State and Territory levels, as well as with Federal Government and departments, providing them with these documents and our proposals for future developments of Foundational Supports.