Polly Ritchie
Occupational Therapist and Owner of Diverse Therapy Queensland

Hi there! I'm Polly and I've been an Occupational Therapist (OT) for 15 years. After completing a double degree in business and psychology, I went in search of something more. I found OT after working as a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer in a gym that was designed for people with disabilities. It opened up a whole new world and led me to my passion and purpose in life.
I trained in the UK, working with a variety of people with intellectual and physical disabilities as part of the NHS. Having mostly grown up in Australia in my late childhood to early 20's, I convinced my husband that Australia was the place to be - so upon our return I worked for the Cerebral Palsy League, providing complex equipment and therapy to adults and children. My experience of assistive technology grew quickly and knowledge of complex neurological and physical disability grew even further.
Having experienced life as an OT in both the UK and Australia, it was evident that there was a need for more than 'daily living aids' (although very important) for people with complex intellectual and physical disabilities. I just felt that there was so much more that could be experienced by the person. There was a glaring need for quality of life - so my passion for multi-sensory therapy evolved.
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Multi-sensory therapy involves identifying the person's particular sensory preferences and using those preferences to create an environment that engages and regulates a person's emotional and physical state, as well as provide strategies for functional living. Ultimately, it's about finding the right strategies that enables people to achieve greater quality of life and develop their full potential.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this. Looking forward to working with you!