Libby Callaway

Introduction: Following mild traumatic brain injury, people can experience persistent post‐concussion symptoms (PPCS) that lead to the need for rehabilitation, including occupational therapy services, to support recovery. There is, however, limited literature documenting the occupational therapy role in adult PPCS rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore the role of occupational therapy, including the assessments and interventions used, in the rehabilitation of adults with PPCS in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design was employed. Occupational therapists working with adults with PPCS in Australia or New Zealand were recruited via advertisements on professional email listservs and via social media. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken via videoconference, transcribed verbatim, deidentified, and underwent member checking and reflexive thematic analysis. Consumer and community involvement: No consumers were involved in the study design or analysis. Findings: Fifteen occupational therapists were recruited from Australia ( n = 11) and New Zealand ( n = 4). The majority were women ( n = 14). Interviews ranged from 48 to 127 minutes ( M = 74 minutes), with four main themes identified: timing and reasons for occupational therapy referral; assessments and interventions used in practice; current and future occupational therapy practice opportunities; and occupational therapy practice resources that are utilised or needed. Conclusion: Given that occupational therapy is increasingly being included in multi‐disciplinary PPCS programs, this research provides evidence of the current and potential future scope of occupational therapy practice in adult PPCS rehabilitation. Further research exploring occupational therapy roles in other countries, and including perspectives of people with PPCS, will be of benefit to guide rehabilitation service design.

This is a current issue because people with disabilities are missing out on taking part in science, technology, engineering and maths activities, but they don’t need to.We will say STEM activities ...

This project sought to establish what constitutes ‘good’ housing outcomes for people with disability, the barriers and facilitators for achieving them, and policy and practice changes that could improve them. It also aimed to understand the diverse circumstances of people with disability, including populations at greatest risk of poor housing outcomes. Australians with disability remain disadvantaged in housing across several indicators, including availability of appropriate accommodation, affordability, and connection to community. The policy context is complex and people with disability must navigate multiple systems to try to get their housing and support needs met. To achieve Australia’s Disability Strategy ambition for a more inclusive nation, there is a need to focus on housing provision for people with disability and how to develop a housing system that meets their needs.

Globally, the growth of ageing populations is significant, with more people requiring supported living environments, including residential aged care (RAC). Given the influence of the environment on health outcomes, it is important to consider approaches to evaluate aged care design, including both the built environment and products and technology. With the overarching aim to identify the scope of RAC-built environment and assistive technology design interventions and the way this data is captured methodologically, this review (i) identified methods and measures used to evaluate RAC-built environment and assistive technology design, and examined populations these methods and measures were used with, and (ii) mapped identified approaches to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). An a priori review protocol was developed, and a scoping review was then conducted. Eight databases were searched for publications between January 2000 and February 2023, resulting in 81 included studies, which were then mapped to ICF activity, participation and environment domains. Twenty methods and 16 methodologies were identified. Sixty-one articles collected data directly from resident populations, primarily including older adults (n = 52). Forty-nine publications reported on the evaluation of built design, 23 reported on products and technology, and nine reported on both, but with limited inclusion of valued participation as a goal or outcome. While some participatory methods were identified, 25% of the studies did not include consumer perspectives. Analyzing aged care design can identify ways to facilitate, or remove barriers to, healthier spaces and lives in RAC. Use of internationally recognized terminology and an integrative lens on the relationship between technology and environmental design is recommended.

To investigate how experienced allied health practitioners (AHPs) enhance participation outcomes for community-dwelling adults with high disability support needs and challenging behaviour following extremely severe acquired brain injury (ABI). Participants were 23 AHPs experienced in adult ABI rehabilitation who participated in semi-structured interviews. Responses were illustrated with a single de-identified case example. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using NVivo and followed the six steps of Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Eight themes to enhance participation outcomes were identified: (1) "building a good relationship," (2) "it takes a team", (3) "I just need to find something he can do", (4) "behaviour, activity and participation are inseparable", (5) "behaviour is everybody's business", (6) "environments that match the person's needs", (7) "work with the disability support workers, team leader, and the person above them", and (8) "there's a direct correlation between behaviour and participation". This study supports a bidirectional relationship between behaviour and participation that can be harnessed to shape successful AHP interventions. Implications for future clinical research include the importance of integrating behaviour support plans into structured routines focused on meaningful activity and role participation following ABI, and concurrently measuring behaviour and participation outcomes.

Background: Participation rates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) are low for people with intellectual disabilities. Electronic making (eMaking) incorporates STEM concepts and involves maker activities that use technologies, enabling skill development, leisure participation and lifelong learning. This study aimed to identify tools, technology and techniques used within, and examine barriers and enablers to, meaningful eMaking experiences for people with intellectual disabilities. Method: Using a qualitative study design, data were collected via interviews and focus groups with three senior disability provider managers, six eMaking program coaches, and four eMaking experts designing curriculum. This data were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Program coach written reflections and photographs of eMaking activities were also collected. All data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Twelve themes were identified. Themes related to tools and technology (using a range of equipment and resources; having designated space and structure and program outlines; using task modification to remove barriers and risks); techniques (starting with interests; using principles of active support; and seeking feedback); and potential program barriers and enablers (skills of the coach; support staff training and interest; knowledge and perceptions of the abilities of participants; program knowledge; and logistical aspects of the program). Conclusions: eMaking can be accessible to people with intellectual disabilities and is enabled by customised tools and techniques and a positive attitudinal support environment.

Background: Oral disease remains a global public health concern, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Adults with disabilities or health conditions face additional barriers to dental care, including physical accessibility, communication challenges, and heightened anxiety. These factors contribute to care avoidance and poorer oral health outcomes. While virtual reality (VR) has shown promise in reducing procedural anxiety in pediatric and private dental settings, its application in adult public dentistry, particularly for people with disabilities, remains underexplored. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of Smileyscope, a Therapeutic Goods Administration–approved head-mounted VR headset, in reducing dental anxiety and enhancing care experiences for adults with disabilities in public dental clinics. Methods: A mixed methods convergent design will be implemented across community dental sites in Victoria, Australia. In total, 50 adult patients and up to 10 dental staff members will be recruited. Primary feasibility indicators include recruitment rate (≥60% consent), completion rate (≥80% System Usability Scale [SUS] completion), and usability threshold (mean SUS ≥68). The primary analysis will be descriptive, with 95% CIs reported. Quantitative data will be collected using the visual analog scale for willingness, the SUS, and the technology acceptance model questionnaire. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews will be thematically analyzed. The study is co-designed with a disability advocate and integrates lived experience throughout all phases, including recruitment, evaluation, and dissemination. Results: The project was funded in 2025, and ethics approval was granted by Peninsula Health Human Research Ethics Committee (project ID 117565). Data collection is scheduled for October 2025 to March 2026 at the participating community dental sites. Primary feasibility estimates and qualitative themes are expected to be submitted for publication in mid‑2026. Conclusions: This protocol outlines a feasibility study that will inform scalable models for VR integration into public dental services. The findings will contribute to improved oral health equity and patient-centered care, advancing the evidence base for inclusive digital health innovation in dentistry. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/85916