Environmental Interventions
Often we overlook how much we, and those around us, are impacted by the environment(s) with which we interact. While sensory-related impacts from the environment are becoming better and more widely understood, environmental impacts are far more wide-ranging than just sensory.
There are many definitions of ‘environment’, but at GPS we tend to use the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) definition, which separates our ‘environment’ into the following categories:
Natural environment and human-made changes: Animate and inanimate elements of the natural world, and aspects modified by people
Products and technology: Tools, equipment, and systems created, manufactured and utilised by people
Support and relationships: People, animals, or groups that provide emotional or practical support
Attitudes: Observable customs, beliefs, and values of other people that influence us
Services, systems, and policies: Structured programs, benefits, and regulations from institutions that impact the client.
Consider that each of the above factors can potentially have positive and/or negative impacts on us, our loved ones, our colleagues and/or our staff. )n an individual level, the environment impacts our behaviour, mood, well-being and our ability to complete the tasks we need to perform every day. On a larger team, company or departmental scale, the environment has direct financial impacts relating to productivity, morale, staff well-being and staff retention
Also consider that at any given point in time, we’re not just impacted by our current environmental factors, but we can also still be carrying the lasting impacts of previous environments for hours, days or beyond. With all this in mind, it becomes clearer why sometimes things don’t go to plan and why positive efforts do not always lead to positive outcomes.
Understanding and addressing the impacts of the environment is a particular passion at GPS Therapy, and I have experience working across individual, organisational, and government levels to address the environmental factors that limit access, equity, functionality and productivity.
My work spans:
Systemic service design for disability and rehabilitation programs, including co-leading governance and evaluation frameworks that align with the NDIS and Quadruple Aim principles.
Environmental audits and adaptive technology planning for neurodiverse individuals and those with complex needs, ensuring safe, functional, and person-centred living and working spaces.
Initiatives to improve staff morale, well-being and retention in complex multi-disciplinary systems.
Consultation with government departments to improve service pathways, reduce barriers, and embed inclusive design into policy and infrastructure.
Mentorship and capability uplift across multidisciplinary teams, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in clinical and community settings.
I bring a strategic, evidence-based approach grounded in frameworks such as the Model of Human Occupation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, measurable outcomes, and wide-scale impacts.
If you're seeking to improve how environments support people — whether you're an individual, a business, or a government agency — contact GPS Therapy to discuss environmental interventions to help you design (or re-design) for inclusion, resilience, and purpose.