Participation Matters: Celebrating Occupational Therapy at Berry Street Yooralla
Oct 27, 2026
OT at Berry Street Yooralla isn't just about clinical interventions – it is about restoring agency, independence, and a sense of belonging.
As Occupational Therapy Week 2026 kicks off across Australia from October 26 to November 1, the spotlight turns to a fundamental human truth – Participation Matters.
Berry Street Yooralla’s dedicated Occupational Therapists (OTs) live and breathe this theme daily. They bridge the gap between limitation and action, ensuring that everyone they support can participate to their full potential in the life they choose.
For Jessica Buttigieg, Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice Lead at Berry Street Yooralla, the opportunity to support children and their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.
“Being an Occupational Therapist with Berry Street Yooralla means having the opportunity to help turn small victories into life-changing opportunities,” Jessica said.
OT at Berry Street Yooralla isn't just about clinical interventions – it is about restoring agency, independence, and a sense of belonging. Working holistically across everyday environments like homes, schools, childcares and kinders, our OTs take pride in supporting children and adolescents.
“Every day, I get to step into a child's world, celebrate their unique strengths, and join forces with their families to build independence, confidence, and joy,” she said.
“It is incredibly rewarding to provide the vital, holistic support that empowers children to thrive, play, and safely belong in their communities,” Jessica said.
Our OT team provides evidence-based, family-centred care to help children reach their potential, from building everyday skills to conducting functional capacity assessments and prescribing assistive technology through the ‘On The Move’ program.
Supporting children to overcome barriers
A vital piece of our work is delivered through BSY’s Bridges Program, where we support children and adolescents in out-of-home care who are disproportionately affected by developmental delays, disability, and complex trauma.
Our OTs within the program work actively alongside children, foster carers, and care teams to navigate fragmented systems and overcome barriers to timely support.
By providing critical, disability and trauma-informed support directly in day-to-day spaces, they help vulnerable youth process trauma and build the baseline skills needed to thrive.
A holistic approach to meaningful participation
What makes the Occupational Therapy team at Berry Street Yooralla so effective is its integration of trauma-informed care with specialised disability support.
Our OTs look past immediate physical or developmental challenges to understand the whole child, empowering families and care networks to think curiously about their unique needs. They actively build routines that nurture emotional safety, build physical resilience, and expand social connection.
“Participation is not just about being present. It is about having the opportunity, support and confidence to engage meaningfully in everyday life,” said Lucy Whelan, Senior Group Manager, Allied Health.
“Our Occupational Therapists champion this every day, helping children and young people build the skills, resilience and independence needed to participate in their homes, schools and communities,” said Lucy.
“During Occupational Therapy Week, we proudly recognise the profound impact our OTs have in creating brighter futures and stronger communities,” Lucy said.
This OT Week, we celebrate our incredible Occupational Therapists who champion inclusion, push boundaries, and prove every single day that truly meaningful participation changes everything.