30/10/2026
We continue celebrating our OT Week theme of "Participation Matters". The last couple of days we explored participation at home and school. Today we look at what participation can look like when we are out and about in our communities!
Being able to participate in our local and wider communities is fundamental to our wellbeing and sense of belonging. This can look different for everyone. For our children, this can include going to the park and playing on the playground, joining story time at a local library or taking part in playgroups such as GymbaROO or Red bug in The Park.
For some children, navigating these physical and social environments can be tricky. This is where OTs come in. Working collaboratively with families, educators and key people in our children's lives, we implement strategies such as:
• Social stories to support communication and prepare for new or busy environments for the first time, such as going to the dentist or the airport for the first time
• Role-playing social scenarios to teach social skills, allowing children to practice expected responses and behaviors in meaningful social situations
• Sensory regulation techniques and tools such as noise-cancelling headphones to support regulation and build confidence in social setting
• Social peer or group experiences to create opportunities for successful social experiences and build community around shared interests, such as Lego or Minecraft groups
At the Infant's home, we believe every child has the right to participate. Through our integrated groups, inclusive playgroups and community programs, we welcome and invite all to join in, in whatever way is most comfortable and meaningful. We celebrate the wonderful diversity of our children and embrace this in our local and wider community, because everyone deserves a chance to participate!
