How Can Occupational Therapy Help With a Physical Disability?

Occupational Therapy looks at the relationship between:
the person
the activity they want or need to complete
and
the environment where the activity takes place

Instead of focusing only on a diagnosis, an Occupational Therapist considers how the person's physical abilities affect everyday life.
Support may involve:
  • developing new ways of completing activities
  • practising everyday tasks
  • Assistive Technology
  • adaptive equipment
  • Home Modifications
  • improving home safety
  • fatigue management
  • pain management strategies
  • positioning
  • upper limb function
  • wheelchair and seating needs
  • adapting work or household activities
  • supporting community participation
The goal is to help the person participate as safely and independently as possible.
Who May Benefit From Physical Disability Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy may be suitable where a physical disability, injury or health condition is creating ongoing difficulty with everyday activities.

This may include people living with:
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Spina Bifida
  • amputation or limb loss
  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • stroke
  • arthritis
  • neurological conditions
  • reduced mobility
  • upper limb impairment
  • physical disability affecting daily activities

Some people have had a physical disability throughout their life.

Others develop changes in function following illness, injury or a neurological event.

The Occupational Therapy approach should be based on the person's current function and goals, rather than their diagnosis alone.
Activities of Daily Living

Physical disabilities can affect everyday self-care activities, often called Activities of Daily Living or ADLs.
These may include:
  • showering
  • dressing
  • toileting
  • grooming
  • eating
  • getting in and out of bed
  • preparing meals

An Occupational Therapist may assess:
  • what the person can currently do
  • where assistance is required
  • what makes the activity difficult
  • whether the task can be modified
  • whether equipment could help
  • whether changes to the environment are needed
The aim is to identify practical ways to increase safety, participation and independence.
Household and Everyday Activities

Physical disability may also affect more complex everyday activities such as:
  • cooking
  • cleaning
  • laundry
  • shopping
  • managing appointments
  • accessing the community
  • using technology
  • gardening
  • hobbies
Occupational Therapy may help identify different ways to complete these activities or reduce the physical demands involved.
Mobility and Transfers

Occupational Therapists consider mobility where it affects participation in everyday activities.
This may include:
  • getting in and out of bed
  • transferring on and off the toilet
  • entering and exiting the shower
  • moving between chairs
  • accessing different rooms
  • moving safely around the home
  • carrying items while moving
  • using mobility equipment within everyday routines
Where appropriate, an OT may assess or recommend equipment that supports functional mobility.

Physical rehabilitation, gait retraining and some aspects of mobility may also involve Physiotherapy or other rehabilitation professionals.
Assistive Technology and Equipment

Assistive Technology can help reduce barriers created by physical disability.
Depending on individual needs, this may include equipment for:
  • showering
  • toileting
  • dressing
  • transfers
  • mobility
  • seating
  • meal preparation
  • reaching
  • communication or computer access
  • household activities
The right equipment depends on the person, activity and environment.
More complex equipment may require a dedicated Occupational Therapy assessment.
Wheelchairs, Seating and Mobility Equipment

For some people with physical disabilities, appropriate seating or mobility equipment is essential for everyday independence.
Occupational Therapy may consider:
  • functional mobility needs
  • seating position
  • pressure management
  • transfers
  • home access
  • everyday activities
  • community participation
  • how equipment will be used within the person's environment
Where appropriate, a dedicated assessment may be required.
Home Safety and Accessibility

The design of a home can make physical disability easier or much harder to manage.
An Occupational Therapist may consider:
  • entrances and exits
  • steps
  • stairs
  • bathroom access
  • shower access
  • toilet access
  • bedroom setup
  • furniture layout
  • kitchen access
  • pathways through the home
  • transfers
  • equipment
  • falls hazards
Sometimes changing the environment can improve independence more effectively than asking the person to adapt repeatedly to an inaccessible environment.
Home Modifications

Physical disability may create barriers that cannot be adequately addressed with strategies or portable equipment alone.
Home Modifications may include changes such as:
  • rails
  • ramps
  • accessible showers
  • bathroom modifications
  • widened access
  • entrance modifications
  • other structural accessibility changes
NDIS home modification assessments must be completed by an appropriately qualified Occupational Therapist acting as a home modification assessor
Functional Capacity Assessments

Sometimes a broader assessment is required to understand how a person's disability affects functioning across several areas of life.
A Functional Capacity Assessment, or FCA, may consider areas such as:
  • personal care
  • mobility
  • household activities
  • communication
  • cognition
  • work or study
  • community participation
  • social activities
The NDIS may use functional assessment evidence when considering disability-related support needs, including therapy, Assistive Technology and Home Modifications.
Fatigue and Physical Disability

Fatigue can have a significant impact on daily function.
Someone may technically be able to complete an activity but be unable to sustain it repeatedly throughout the day.
Occupational Therapy may explore:
  • pacing
  • planning
  • prioritising activities
  • alternating heavier and lighter tasks
  • rest periods
  • reducing unnecessary effort
  • equipment
  • reorganising the environment
  • changing how an activity is completed
Pain and Everyday Function

Persistent pain may affect:
  • movement
  • sleep
  • concentration
  • personal care
  • household activities
  • work
  • community participation
Occupational Therapy does not simply focus on eliminating pain.

The therapist may look at how activities, routines and environments can be modified so that the person can continue participating in meaningful activities while managing their symptoms.
Upper Limb Difficulties

Physical disability may affect the ability to:
  • reach
  • lift
  • carry
  • grasp
  • release objects
  • use both hands together
  • complete personal care
  • prepare meals
  • use technology
Where upper limb function is a significant concern, more targeted Occupational Therapy may be appropriate.
Stroke Rehabilitation

A stroke can affect:
  • movement
  • upper limb function
  • sensation
  • cognition
  • fatigue
  • perception
  • everyday independence
Where stroke is the primary reason for Occupational Therapy, our dedicated stroke pathway provides more specific information.
Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury

ABI and TBI can result in a combination of physical, cognitive, sensory and fatigue-related changes.
Occupational Therapy may address how these changes affect:
  • personal care
  • household activities
  • routines
  • safety
  • community participation
  • home environments
  • work and meaningful activities
Amputation and Limb Loss

Limb loss may change how a person approaches everyday activities, mobility, equipment, work and home access.
Occupational Therapy after amputation may focus on:
  • adapting Activities of Daily Living
  • one-handed techniques
  • equipment
  • functional prosthetic use
  • Home Modifications
  • community participation
  • returning home
  • work and hobbies
Cerebral Palsy and Occupational Therapy

Cerebral Palsy can affect movement, posture, coordination and the way everyday activities are completed.
For adults living with Cerebral Palsy, Occupational Therapy may consider areas such as:
  • personal care
  • mobility-related activities
  • fatigue
  • equipment
  • seating
  • home access
  • Assistive Technology
  • work
  • community participation
Support should reflect the person's individual abilities and goals rather than assuming that everyone with Cerebral Palsy has the same needs.
Spina Bifida and Occupational Therapy

People living with Spina Bifida may experience different combinations of mobility, physical and functional challenges.
Occupational Therapy may consider:
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • transfers
  • equipment
  • seating
  • home accessibility
  • community participation
  • fatigue
  • environmental barriers
Assessment and recommendations should be individualised.
Arthritis and Physical Disability

Arthritis may make everyday activities more difficult because of:
  • pain
  • stiffness
  • reduced movement
  • reduced strength
  • fatigue

Occupational Therapy may explore practical strategies such as:
  • changing how an activity is completed
  • reducing unnecessary physical effort
  • equipment
  • task modification
  • pacing
  • environmental changes
Where pain is a major barrier to participation, more targeted pain management Occupational Therapy may also be appropriate.
Pressure Care

People with reduced mobility may be at greater risk of pressure-related skin problems, particularly where they spend extended periods sitting or lying in one position.

Occupational Therapy may consider factors such as:
  • seating
  • positioning
  • mobility
  • equipment
  • everyday routines
  • ability to change position
Where pressure care is a significant concern, targeted assessment may be required.
Falls Risk and Physical Disability

A physical disability may increase falls risk for some people.
Factors may include:
  • reduced mobility
  • transfers
  • fatigue
  • environmental hazards
  • equipment use
  • reduced balance
  • difficulty navigating the home
Occupational Therapy can consider how these factors interact during real everyday activities.
Work, Study and Volunteering

Physical disability can affect participation in productive activities as well as personal care.
Occupational Therapy may consider:
  • workstation access
  • physical task demands
  • equipment
  • fatigue
  • environmental barriers
  • routines
  • technology
  • task modification
The goal is to identify practical ways of supporting participation where possible.
Community Participation

Independence is not limited to what happens inside the home.
Meaningful goals may include:
  • shopping
  • attending appointments
  • seeing friends and family
  • hobbies
  • recreation
  • volunteering
  • work
  • community groups
Occupational Therapy can consider the physical and environmental barriers that make these activities difficult.
Occupational Therapy vs Physiotherapy for Physical Disabilities

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy often work alongside each other, but their focus is different.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy focuses on everyday function and participation.
This may involve:
  • dressing
  • showering
  • cooking
  • household activities
  • equipment
  • seating
  • Home Modifications
  • work
  • community participation

Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may focus more heavily on areas such as:
  • movement
  • physical conditioning
  • strength
  • balance
  • gait
  • physical rehabilitation
Some goals require input from both professions.
Can Occupational Therapists Help With Mobility?

Yes, where mobility affects everyday function.
Occupational Therapists may assess how a person:
  • moves around the home
  • transfers
  • accesses the bathroom
  • uses mobility equipment
  • enters and exits environments
  • completes everyday activities while moving
An OT may also assess equipment and environmental barriers.

This is different from providing gait rehabilitation, which may be more appropriately addressed by Physiotherapy.
Physical Disability and the NDIS

For eligible NDIS participants, Occupational Therapy may address disability-related functional difficulties affecting everyday life.
Depending on individual needs, this may involve:
  • Functional Capacity Assessments
  • Assistive Technology
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Home Modifications
  • home safety
  • equipment
  • community participation
  • functional skill development
NDIS funding decisions are made by the NDIA.
What Happens During Physical Disability Occupational Therapy?

1. We Discuss What Matters to You
Your Occupational Therapist will ask about the activities you want or need to complete and what is currently difficult.

2. We Look at Your Current Function
This may include everyday activities, mobility-related tasks, equipment, fatigue, pain and environmental access.

3. We Identify the Barriers
A difficulty may relate to:
  • physical ability
  • the task itself
  • equipment
  • fatigue
  • pain
  • the environment
  • a combination of factors

4. We Develop Practical Strategies
Recommendations may include:
  • different ways of completing activities
  • functional practice
  • Assistive Technology
  • equipment
  • environmental changes
  • Home Modifications
  • pacing or energy conservation

5. We Review What Is Working
Needs can change over time, particularly when health, equipment, living arrangements or goals change.
Occupational Therapy for Physical Disabilities in Perth

Belong Health provides Occupational Therapy for adults and older adults with physical disabilities across relevant Perth, Rockingham and Joondalup service areas, subject to clinician scope, location and availability.

Home-based Occupational Therapy can be particularly useful where the therapist needs to understand how physical disability affects activities within the person's actual environment.

Telehealth may also be available across Western Australia where clinically appropriate.
Looking for Occupational Therapy for a Physical Disability?

If a physical disability is affecting everyday activities, independence, home access, equipment use or community participation, Occupational Therapy may be able to help.

Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet
Discuss your needs and whether Occupational Therapy may be a suitable starting point
Related Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapy for Adults
Broader Occupational Therapy support for adults experiencing difficulties with everyday function.
Explore Occupational Therapy for Adults →

Occupational Therapy for Older Adults
Support for maintaining independence, safety and participation as needs change with age.
Explore Occupational Therapy for Older Adults →

Functional Capacity Assessments
Assessment of function across multiple areas of everyday life.
Explore Functional Capacity Assessments →

Assistive Technology Assessments
Assessment and recommendations for disability-related equipment.
Explore Assistive Technology →

Home Modification Assessments
Assessment of physical barriers within the home.
Explore Home Modification Assessments →

Activities of Daily Living Assessments
Assessment of personal care and everyday independence.
Explore ADL Assessments →

Neurological Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy for ABI, TBI and neurological conditions.
Explore Neurological Occupational Therapy →

Amputation Rehabilitation
Occupational Therapy following limb loss.
Explore Amputation Rehabilitation →

Frequently Asked Questions - Occupational Therapy for Physical Disabilities

What does an Occupational Therapist do for someone with a physical disability?
An Occupational Therapist looks at how a physical disability affects everyday activities and may recommend strategies, equipment, environmental changes or therapy to support independence and participation.

What activities can Occupational Therapy help with?
Occupational Therapy may support activities such as showering, dressing, toileting, cooking, household tasks, work, community access, hobbies and use of equipment.

Can Occupational Therapy help adults with physical disabilities?
Yes. Occupational Therapy can support adults whose physical disability affects their ability to participate safely and independently in everyday activities.

Can Occupational Therapy help with mobility?
Yes, where mobility affects everyday function. Occupational Therapists may assess transfers, home access, mobility equipment and how the person moves around during daily activities.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy?
Occupational Therapy focuses primarily on everyday activities, independence, equipment and environmental access. Physiotherapy often focuses more heavily on physical movement, strength, balance and gait rehabilitation.

Can an Occupational Therapist recommend equipment?
Yes. Depending on the person's needs, Occupational Therapists may assess and recommend Assistive Technology and adaptive equipment to support everyday activities.

Can Occupational Therapy help with Home Modifications?
Yes. Appropriately qualified Occupational Therapists can assess how disability affects access and function within the home and recommend suitable Home Modifications where required.

Can Occupational Therapy help with fatigue?
Yes. Occupational Therapy may use pacing, planning, task modification, equipment and environmental changes to reduce the impact of fatigue on everyday activities.

Can Occupational Therapy help with chronic pain?
Occupational Therapy may help a person manage the impact of persistent pain on everyday activities through pacing, task modification, routines and environmental strategies.

Can Occupational Therapy help after a stroke or brain injury?
Yes. Where stroke, ABI or TBI affects everyday function, Occupational Therapy may address Activities of Daily Living, cognition, upper limb function, fatigue, equipment, home safety and participation.

Can Occupational Therapy help someone with Cerebral Palsy?
Yes. Occupational Therapy may support adults with Cerebral Palsy where movement, fatigue, equipment, home access or other physical difficulties affect everyday activities.

Does Occupational Therapy support people with Spina Bifida?
Yes. Occupational Therapy may address everyday activities, equipment, seating, transfers, home access and participation depending on the person's individual needs.

Can Occupational Therapy help NDIS participants with physical disabilities?
For eligible NDIS participants, Occupational Therapy may address disability-related functional needs and provide appropriate assessments, recommendations and therapy. NDIS funding decisions are made by the NDIA.

Can an Occupational Therapist visit my home?
Where clinically appropriate and available, home visits can be useful because the Occupational Therapist can assess activities and environmental barriers within the person's actual home.

Is Telehealth available?
Telehealth may be suitable for some Occupational Therapy appointments, education and follow-up across Western Australia where clinically appropriate.
Last Edited October 2026

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