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Occupational Therapy
Making everyday life more manageable
Occupational Therapy helps people participate in the activities that matter to them.
Beanies provides Occupational Therapy for people of all ages, combining experienced Occupational Therapists with regular, in-person support from our local Allied Health Assistants.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Support for the things you need and want to do
In Occupational Therapy, an “occupation” is any meaningful activity that forms part of everyday life.
For a child, this could be playing, learning, getting dressed or participating at school. For a young person or adult, it might include managing daily routines, preparing meals, working, accessing the community or becoming more independent.
Occupational Therapy can help with:
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Daily living and self-care skills
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Building independence at home and in the community
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Sensory processing and regulation
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Emotional regulation
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Planning, organisation and completing tasks
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Fine motor and coordination skills
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Play, learning and school participation
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Developing routines that work
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Understanding barriers within everyday environments
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Building confidence when approaching new or challenging activities
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Functional assessments and recommendations
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Supporting families, schools and other important people to use consistent strategies
Support is shaped around the individual. We begin by understanding what everyday life looks like, what is working, what feels difficult and what would make the biggest practical difference.
Meet your team
Paris Peng
Senior Occupational Therapist
Paris is our Senior Occupational Therapist and has eight years of experience working within the NDIS.
She supports people of all ages to build independence and confidence in everyday life. Paris brings a practical, participant-centred approach and values strong relationships with individuals and their families.
Paris provides assessment, clinical planning, professional guidance and ongoing review throughout the therapy process.
Jacqueline Au
Occupational Therapist
Jacquie has experience in functional assessment, sensory and emotional regulation, daily living skills and building independence across home, school and community settings.
Jacquie takes the time to understand what everyday life looks like for each participant and develops practical strategies connected to their individual needs and goals.
Hannah Melmeth
Allied Health Assistant
Hannah has many years of experience supporting people across schools, clinics, homes and community settings.
She has extensive experience working with people with significant communication support needs and delivers both Speech and OT programs under guidance.
Kira Maass
Allied Health Assistant
Kira works across both Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy supports and is passionate about building genuine connections while helping participants feel supported and confident.
Dual-facilitated sessions
A dual-facilitated session brings you, Jenny and your Allied Health Assistant together.
Jenny joins by Zoom to provide clinical Speech Pathology support, while your AHA is with you in person to facilitate the session, practise strategies and help make the activities work in the room.
Dual-facilitated sessions are available as 30 or 45-minute appointments and may also include time for:
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Jenny’s clinical notes
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Your AHA’s session notes
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Planning activities and strategies for your next appointment
AHA-facilitated sessions
Once Jenny has completed the necessary assessment and developed your therapy plan, some sessions may be delivered by your Allied Health Assistant without Jenny attending live.
Your AHA follows Jenny’s clinical guidance, records what happens during the session and remains connected with Jenny so progress and emerging needs can be reviewed.
AHA-facilitated sessions are only offered when recommended by Jenny and clinically appropriate for the participant.
Understanding the cost of your sessions
The cost of Speech Pathology support may include more than the time spent together during the appointment. Depending on the type of session, you may also be charged for clinical notes, AHA notes and preparation for the next appointment. This work helps Jenny and your AHA stay connected and ensures each session builds on the last.
Speech Pathologist
NDIS rate: $193.99 per hour
Private rate: $210.00 per hour
Allied Health Assistant
NDIS rate: $86.79 per hour
Private rate: $95.00 per hour
Click to see the breakdown of a 30 and 45 minute session
Frequently asked questions
Is Occupational Therapy only for children?
No. Beanies provides Occupational Therapy support for people of all ages. Your goals and therapy approach will be shaped around your age, everyday activities, individual needs and the things you want to become more confident doing.
Do I need a referral?
You do not usually need a medical referral to contact Beanies. You can complete our onboarding form yourself, or a family member, Support Coordinator or another professional can help you get in touch.
Will I work with Paris, Jacquie or an Allied Health Assistant?
Paris and Jacquie provide the clinical Occupational Therapy service. One of them will generally become your treating Occupational Therapist and lead your assessment, goal-setting, therapy planning and reviews. Your regular in-person sessions may be facilitated by a Beanies Allied Health Assistant following the plan developed by your OT.
Is an Allied Health Assistant an Occupational Therapist?
No. An Allied Health Assistant does not independently assess, diagnose or create an Occupational Therapy treatment plan. They deliver activities and strategies developed by the Occupational Therapist and work under their guidance.
Is the service entirely telehealth?
No. The model combines telehealth access to your Occupational Therapist with face-to-face support from an Allied Health Assistant in the Huon Valley. This allows you to access clinical expertise while still receiving practical support in person.
How often are sessions?
The frequency of sessions depends on your goals, availability and funding. Many participants benefit from regular AHA sessions supported by scheduled Occupational Therapy reviews. We will recommend a structure after learning more about your needs.
Can OT help with sensory and emotional regulation?
Yes. An Occupational Therapist can help explore the sensory, environmental and functional factors that may be affecting regulation. Support may include identifying patterns, adapting routines or environments and developing practical strategies with the participant and the important people around them.
Can you work with schools, workplaces or other therapists?
Yes. With your consent, we can collaborate with the other important people in your life. This may include family members, schools, workplaces, support workers and other therapists.
Do you complete assessments and reports?
Our Occupational Therapists can complete appropriate assessments and reports based on the participant’s needs and the scope of our service. We will discuss the purpose, expected work and likely cost with you before beginning a formal assessment or report.
Can NDIS funding be used?
Occupational Therapy may be funded through an NDIS plan when it relates to the participant’s disability, goals and funded supports. Before beginning, we can help you understand the proposed service, relevant rates and how it may fit within your available funding.
What happens first?
We begin with a conversation about what everyday life looks like, what feels difficult and what you would like to change. From there, we will explain the recommended next step. This may include an assessment with Paris or Jacquie before regular AHA sessions begin.