Occupational therapists play an important role in helping people remain safe, independent and confident at home.
To better understand the challenges they face, we invited occupational therapists attending OT Exchange Brisbane 2026 (OTX 2026) – Occupational Therapy Australia’s national conference – to share their experiences prescribing bathroom aids and wheelchair ramps.
Their feedback highlighted common challenges, opportunities for innovation and practical ways we can better support occupational therapists and the people they work with every day.
Here’s what we learned.
At a glance
Q: Which best describes your area of practice?
The loudest themes in the survey
We analysed responses across the survey to identify the themes raised most consistently by occupational therapists. The snapshot below highlights the key priorities that emerged, with detailed findings provided throughout this blog post.
These themes were identified across the survey as a whole. Respondents could identify more than one theme, so percentages are shown independently and do not total 100%.
Q: What most often prevents your clients from getting the equipment they need?
A:
Q:How can we improve wheelchair ramps, bathrooms aids and your confidence in prescribing them?
A:
When assistive products are difficult to access, too expensive, unavailable locally or simply not widely known, it can delay independence, recovery and full participation in everyday life.
That’s why we’re committed to listening, learning and making accessibility more accessible. Here’s what we’re doing to help.
How we’re using these insights:
Product trials
Get to know the product first.
We hear you! You want access to products your clients can trial in clinic or at home before committing to a purchase. We’re setting up a product trial pilot now.
Reach out if you’d like to hear more and take part.
Education
Clear product guides & resources.
You told us you want clearer product guides, training, specifications and safety information, so here’s what we’ve got so far!
Every Q-assist product comes with a Safe Use Guide and full specifications, kept up to date on our website and on each product’s page on the Bunnings website.
Cost
We’re working hard to make accessibility accessible.
We know cost is one of the biggest barriers you and your clients face. That’s why we work hard to keep our bathroom aids and wheelchair ramps competitively priced without compromising on quality or safety. All of our equipment is fully compliant with all relevant Australian safety standards and available at your local Bunnings Warehouse.
We also plan to work on:
Adjustable & Paediatrics sizing
Your feedback highlighted a need for greater adjustability and paediatric-sized options. Many Q-assist bathroom aids already feature adjustable designs to support a wide range of users. We’re continuing to listen and explore opportunities to broaden our range, including paediatric-sized solutions, to better meet the needs of occupational therapists and their clients.
Bathroom aids designed to look less like equipment
We’ve had something in the pipeline, watch this space.
Lighter, more portable ramps
OTs highlighted the importance of lightweight, portable wheelchair ramps that are easy to transport and set up. These principles are already at the heart of the Q-assist portable ramp range, with lightweight, portable designs that make access easier wherever it’s needed. We’ll continue working with occupational therapists to explore new innovations that further improve portability, handling and ease of use.
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