Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions. Here are some of the most common ones we hear from families—answered to help you feel clear, supported, and confident to take the next step.
The NDIS funds eligible individuals with disabilities to enhance family connections, independence, skills, job opportunities, and overall quality of life. It also links them to community services, including healthcare, groups, clubs, and educational resources, while providing information on state and territory government support.
NDIS supports and services help people with disabilities achieve similar life experiences as others, including housing, employment, hobbies, and social connections. Participants select and fund these supports from a personalised budget based on their goals.
https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/ami-ready/supports-and-services-funded-ndis
If you believe you are eligible for the NDIS, you can:
The number of sessions depends on your NDIS plan and goals. Your funding is allocated based on individual needs, and our therapists can help you maximise your plan’s benefits.
The Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) approach under the NDIS supports children younger than 9 years old who have developmental delay or disability. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) provides support for young children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families, aiming to give them the best possible start in life. These services focus on enhancing your child’s development, wellbeing, and participation in the community. Once a child turns 9 years old, they will move to the NDIS participant pathway for ongoing support if needed.
We offer private payment options, Medicare (Chronic Disease Management Plan with a GP referral), or private health insurance. Do contact us for fee details and payment plans.
Clients can receive 5 Allied Health Sessions per calendar year under the Chronic Disease Management plan, which will rebate $60.34 per session.
Certain insurances will allow you to claim a rebate for OT. Please check with your individual health insurance to determine eligibility and amounts that can be claimed.
Our clinic is located at G07 166 Whitehorse Rd Blackburn. We are on the 1st floor next to the main lift. Here’s a video of where to park and how to get to the clinic:
Wait times vary depending on demand. As our clinic is a newly established service, we currently have availability for new clients.
Our fees vary based on service type (assessment, therapy, reports). NDIS participants are charged according to the NDIS price guide. Private clients can request a fee schedule via email or phone.
We ask that you let us know at your earliest convenience if you are unable to attend a session for any reason. Cancellations less than 48 hours before the time of your appointment incur a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellation with less than 24 hour’s notice incurs a 100% cancellation fee. If you’re unable to attend due to ill health, emergency or other extraordinary circumstances, we may, in our sole discretion, agree to waive all or part of your cancellation fee.
Complete our online form submission located here, https://lightoccupationaltherapy.com/contact/ and our friendly practice managers will be in touch with the next steps. Alternatively, you can call us on (03) 8595 0955 to discuss our services and book in a session. See our “contact” page for more details.
Yes, at Light Occupational Therapy we have many resources to help create quiet, calming, spaces that suit your sensory needs, such as:
Yes! Our clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, including:
We’re committed to ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all clients. If you have any specific needs, please let us know as we’re happy to accommodate!
The therapist your child will see depends on the specific needs being addressed. Our intake team will do their best to match the most suitable therapist to your child.
Occupational therapy helps people of all ages participate in everyday activities, or “occupations,” that are meaningful to them. This can include tasks related to work, school, self-care, leisure, and social participation. OT focuses on improving a person’s ability to perform daily activities by addressing physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Signs you or your child may benefit from OT:
Contact us for a free screening or discussion.
OT focuses on helping individuals perform everyday tasks that are important for daily living, whereas Physiotherapy will focus on improving movement, strength and overall physical function, specifically with issues related to musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular systems.
Our occupational therapists help children, teens, and young adults thrive by focusing on their unique strengths and needs. It supports them in areas such as:
Therapy might include games, sensory exploration, creative tasks (like drawing or building), or movement exercises designed to build skills in a fun, non-stressful way. The therapist will work closely with your child (and you) to identify goals, such as improving motor skills, managing sensory sensitivities, or boosting independence in daily tasks. Parents or guardians are required to be on premises for children under 16 years of age.
Initial therapy session: 1 hour face to face, 30 minutes for therapist to prep, set up and write notes for session. Average session length: Session is 45 minutes face to face, 15 minutes for therapist to prep, set up and write notes for session. Session lengths can be flexible depending on your child’s needs.
The length of time your child will need OT can widely depend on several factors including goals, progress.
We can provide activities to complete at home, that may help reinforce skills learned during therapy. However, we will always consider your capacity first.
Yes we do! We service Blackburn and surrounding suburbs within 30 minutes of travel.
We can run sessions at our clinic in Blackburn, at schools or kinders, or in the community such as your home where you feel most comfortable. We also offer telehealth sessions if suitable.
If your child isn’t ready for occupational therapy, there are still ways you can help them feel more comfortable and prepared:
“Neuroaffirming” refers to an approach that celebrates and supports the diverse ways that people’s brains function, especially for those with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. This perspective recognizes that everyone’s brain works in its own unique way, and it values the strengths and experiences that come with these differences. Rather than focusing on trying to change or “fix” neurological differences, a neuroaffirming approach encourages creating environments where individuals can thrive by embracing their natural ways of thinking, learning, and processing information. It’s about offering support that respects each person’s identity and promotes dignity, self-expression, and self-determination. We believe in fostering an inclusive and accepting space where everyone can feel valued and empowered, no matter how their brain works.
A neuroaffirming approach in practice focuses on creating supportive, inclusive environments that acknowledge and respect the diverse ways people’s brains function.
If we haven’t covered your question, get in touch and we’d be happy to help.
Light acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
Light Occupational Therapy
G07, 166 Whitehorse Road
Blackburn VIC 3130
