OT Sparks 2026

What is it? OT Sparks is a small-group supervision series for occupational therapists seeking structured reflection, stronger clinical reasoning, and practical next steps they can apply immediately in practice. Sessions are facilitated in person, with the option to also join online, and are capped at a small group size to support meaningful discussion and peer learning. Each session is built around real clinical scenarios and guided reflection, with a clear learning focus to shape discussion and deepen understanding. Some sessions may also include guest speakers who bring additional perspectives or specialist insight. OT Sparks supports thoughtful, reflective practice while also strengthening professional confidence, sustainability, and wellbeing. Participants are encouraged to explore clinical challenges, clarify decision-making, and build confidence in articulating their professional reasoning. A certificate for 1.5 CPD hours is issued after each session. Participants may attend individual sessions or multiple sessions, with discounted pricing available for bundled bookings. Who it’s for Registered or provisionally registered occupational therapists working in community, hospital, or private practice who are seeking a supportive, confidential space for collaborative problem-solving and reflective practice. Who is running it Sarah Smith — Occupational Therapist Sarah Smith graduated with Honours from the University of Newcastle in 2005. She has since built a robust career in community-based roles within the Newcastle region, including a range of senior and management positions. Sarah has been providing supervision to other occupational therapists for over 18 years. She has completed the following training to further develop her skills in clinical supervision: • Occupational Therapy Australia – Professional Supervision Program (2022) • Michelle Bihary – Professional Supervision Training (2021) In 2024, Sarah also successfully completed Occupational Therapy Australia’s Professional Supervisor’s Endorsement Pilot. Sarah is committed to strengthening the capability and confidence of early career therapists across Australia. When & where Fridays, 10:00–11:30am 23 January, 20 February, 20 March 2026 17 April, 22 May, 19 June 2026 Alike Specialist Medical & Healthcare Hub Level 1, 199 Corlette Street, The Junction NSW An online attendance option is available. A Microsoft Teams link will be sent on the day of the session. Tickets Single session: $65 + GST Term Pass (3 sessions): $175 + GST (save 10%) Includes a guaranteed seat for all dates and 4.5 CPD hours in total. What you’ll get • Guided case reflection and peer consultation • Practical resources for everyday practice • CPD certificate (1.5 hours) after each session Session 1 — 23 January 2026 Resetting the Clinical Lens: Foundations for the Year Ahead As a new year begins, many clinicians experience a sense of “resetting” — recalibrating after leave, re-entering routines, or stepping into new workloads, expectations, or roles. This session invites participants to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the foundations of sound occupational therapy practice. Through guided discussion and case reflection, participants will explore how they think, what influences their decision-making, and how to set a grounded, intentional tone for their clinical reasoning in the year ahead. Session 2 — 20 February 2026 Collaborative Approaches to Health and Participation in Intellectual Disability People with intellectual disability experience significant health inequalities, under-recognised medical issues, communication barriers, sensory differences, and increased functional vulnerability. Occupational therapists often act as early identifiers of functional change, emerging health concerns, carer-system breakdown, or behavioural shifts linked to unmet needs. This session integrates occupational therapy perspectives with medical insight from rehabilitation physician Dr Liz Thompson, emphasising collaborative, holistic care. Session 3 — 20 March 2026 Choosing the Best Fit: Navigating Uncertainty in Home Modifications Many home modification cases involve unclear or constrained pathways. Occupational therapists frequently navigate situations where: • the environment limits what is possible • several options are imperfect • client goals and safety considerations compete • information is inconsistent or incomplete • funding, layout, or tenancy constraints prevent ideal solutions • decisions must balance meaning, autonomy, and risk This session explores how occupational therapists balance safety, autonomy, practicality, and environmental limitations to determine the most enabling solution, recognising that many cases require thoughtful reasoning rather than clear-cut answers. Session 4 — 17 April 2026 AT Case Clinic: Clarity before prescription A structured case clinic for assistive technology decisions. Refine problem definition, analyse equipment fit, and strengthen justification before prescription Session 5 — 22 May 2026 Balancing clinical and administrative demands Examine how administrative load impacts reasoning quality. Map cognitive demand, redesign workflow, and protect time for high-value clinical decision making Session 6 — 19 June 2026 Supervision that develops clinical reasoning Explore how structured reflective supervision strengthens professional accountability, governance, and independent thinking. Develop supervision conversations that deepen reasoning rathering than directing outcomes. Questions about the program or accessibility? Contact [email protected]