In this interview highlight, we speak with occupational therapists Nikki Cousins and Sarah Collison at the Adelaide ATSA Independent Living Expo. Nikki and Sarah were the presenters behind the seminar “NDIS Ninja Moves: Stealthy Tactics for Speedy AT Approvals” and are also the voices behind the OT Unplugged podcast. They share practical insights from their session, aimed at helping both therapists and NDIS participants better navigate the assistive technology approval process.

Nikki and Sarah discuss the importance of collaboration between participants and prescribers, setting clear and meaningful goals, and agreeing early on who will take responsibility for following up approvals so applications do not get lost in the system. They also talk about their work through Action Occupational Therapy and Verve Learning, an education platform supporting occupational therapists across Australia, as well as how podcasts, webinars, and online learning help make sense of ongoing changes within the NDIS.