Availability of the environmental modifications core standard for OT practitioners who support people with a disability

Published 6th July 2016

Clinical Innovation and Governance (CIG), Family and Community Services (FACS) is developing a number of core standard programs for Allied Health practitioners who support people with disability. CIG would like to announce the release of the Environmental modifications core standard. The practice guide and appraisal form the supporting resource materials for the Environmental Modifications core standard program. It is discipline specific core standard for occupational therapists.

Environmental modifications

This standard considers how the person’s natural environments influence occupational performance and how the occupational therapist can promote a fit between the person, the task and the environment. An optional appraisal is available for occupational therapists.

• Environmental Modifications Practice Guide
• Environmental Modifications Appraisal

It is designed to be read with and to be complementary to the common core standards programs: Professional Supervision, The Working Alliance, Service Delivery Approaches and Philosophies, Values and Beliefs.

The core standard programs underpin what is needed by practitioners in their everyday person centred work when supporting people with disability. Some core standard programs are relevant for several practitioner disciplines. Others are targeted at the needs of specific disciplines.

The core standard program can be found on the internet at Core Standards for practitioners who support people with a disability

The core standards materials and resources can be used in a variety of ways-for example:

• Knowledge translation and appraisal of core standards in practice
• Professional education and training
• Induction of new staff or staff new to the area of disability
• As a reference point in supervision or mentoring
• Use with students on placement or within learning institutions

Frequently asked questions (PDF) are available to help practitioners using the core standards programs. These include instructions on using the common core standards and discipline specific core standards.

These core standard programs will support practitioners who support people with disabilities, build sector capacity moving forward and promote positive outcomes for people with disability.

For further information about the environmental modification core standard please contact Val Lehmann-Monck Practice Leader, Occupational Therapy