Frequently Asked Questions

What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?

Occupational Therapy is a client-centred health profession that involves ongoing assessment and intervention to understand what activities you can do (and those you want to do), any current limitations, your goals/motivations and also to offer advice/techniques about how to do something more easily and safely.

Occupational Therapy enables people to participate in activities they find meaningful, facilitate return to function, achieve independence and increase engagement in day to day activities. These activities may include taking care of oneself (and others), working, volunteering, driving, and participating in hobbies, interests and social events.

Who do we work with?

Occupational Therapists work with people with various physical, cognitive, and psychological disabilities or medical conditions.

What services does Strategic OT Services provide?

Strategic Occupational Therapy Services is a small business providing select OT services within the Illawarrra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, Macarthur and Southern Sydney areas. Services include:

  • Occupational Therapy (OT) Driving Assessments (Class C) and remediation programs

  • OT Heavy Vehicle Driving Assessments and remediation programs

  • Vehicle Modifications Assessments

  • Care Needs Assessments

  • Activities of Daily Living Assessments

  • FIM Assessments

  • OT intervention

Occupational therapist sitting at the computer, supporting a client in their work

Strategic OT Services works within the following funding schemes:

  • iCare

  • NDIS – self or plan managed participants

  • CTP insurers

  • DVA

  • Private patients

What is an OT Driving Assessment?

  • A medical assessment of a person’s ability to drive.

  • The OT Driving Assessment requires an Off Road Assessment and an On Road Assessment

    • The Off Road Driving Assessment is a comprehensive screen of the skills required for driving and includes an assessment of physical abilities, vision, cognition, and general practical knowledge of road law. This assessment takes up to 2 hours to complete.

    • The On Road Driving Assessment occurs in the rehabilitation trained Driving Instructor’s dual controlled car. With the client driving, the impact of their medical condition on their driving skills is assessed in situ. If appropriate, vehicle modifications are trialed in the On Road Assessment. This assessment usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.

    • Feedback occurs immediately the assessment is completed, and the recommendations are discussed. The recommendations could include, but are not limited to:

      • Client is fit to drive

      • Intervention may be required to address specific driving skills. Intervention could include:

        - Specialised driving lessons

        - OT remediation program including cognitive retraining using specific driving apps

      • Vehicle modifications may be required to enable safe and legal driving

      • Client is unfit to drive

    • A report is completed and submitted to Transport for NSW Medical Unit, the treating doctor, the funder, the client, and any other relevant party.

A close up of hands gripping the steering wheel as the car drives past grassy fields. Sun is shining through the windscreen.

OT Driving Assessment

Who requires an OT Driving Assessment?

  • Anyone with a medical condition that may impact on their ability to safely and legally drive.

What is an OT Vehicle Modifications Assessment?

 A Vehicle Modifications Assessment is a comprehensive assessment of a
client’s need for assistive technology to enable:

    • Safe and legal driving 

    • Appropriate and safe access 

    • Safe and legal transportation of equipment
      (eg scooters and wheelchairs)

Close up shot of a parking space with the disabled parking symbol spray painted in white and blue

What is the process for the OT Driving Assessment to occur ?

  • Ask your GP to complete and submit the ‘NSW Fitness to Drive Medical Assessment’ form and retain a copy of this completed document.

  • Obtain a referral letter from your treating doctor for the OT Driving Assessment

  • Obtain a letter from your Optometrist regarding your vision for driving

  • Approval from the funding body for the assessment to occur

  • Complete the Client Intake Form