07/07/2026
Big ideas are exciting.
But real practice is where things get complicated.
At OT Exchange 2026, we heard so much about innovation, AI, purpose, and the future of occupational therapy — and it left us thinking about the space between big-picture ideas and everyday clinical decision-making.
Because for many OTs, the challenge is not always knowing that evidence, guidelines or best practice exist.
It is standing in a clients bathroom, driveway, bedroom and trying to work out:
What is actually needed here?
What is safe?
What is realistic?
What will support this person’s function, routine and dignity?
And what do I do when the environment does not match the neat example in the textbook?
That is the space The OT Foundry is interested in — the gap between “knowing” and “doing”.
We have just published our first Foundry Journal blog post reflecting on OT Exchange 2026 and what it reminded us about learning, clinical reasoning and real-world practice.
If this is a space you are thinking about too, you can read the full reflection here: https://theotfoundry.com.au/the-foundry-journal
We would love to know: What is one “big idea” in OT that you wish felt easier to translate into everyday practice?