Functional Capacity Assessments

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is an in depth assessment that highlights how your disability impacts your ability to achieve your goals or what you want to do.

An updated Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) may be needed for an NDIS participant under various circumstances, especially when there are changes that impact their support needs or when evidence is required to inform plan reviews, access requests, or funding decisions.

Below are common criteria or triggers for when an updated FCA may be appropriate:

1. Change in Functional Status
- Significant improvement or deterioration in physical, cognitive, or psychosocial function.

- Recovery from or progression of a health condition or disability.

- New diagnosis or emerging symptoms impacting function.

2. Preparation for Plan Review or Reassessment

- Upcoming NDIS plan review (scheduled or unscheduled).

- Requirement for evidence of current support needs, capacity, and goals.

- Request for additional supports such as Assistive Technology (AT), therapy, or Support Coordination.

3. Transition Points

- Change in life stage (e.g., transitioning from school to work or from youth to adult services).

- Moving into or out of supported accommodation or aged care.

- Returning to the community after hospital or rehab stay.

4. Funding Justifications

- Application for or renewal of Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

- Application for transport funding, therapy supports, or community access.

- Justifying need for higher level or more frequent support worker hours.

5. Discrepancy in Existing Reports

- Previous assessments are outdated, incomplete, or inconsistent with current functioning.

- NDIA requests more robust or up-to-date evidence to support funding decisions.

6. Supporting Decision-Making Capacity

- Evidence is required regarding the participant's ability to make informed decisions about their supports.

- Capacity concerns raised in relation to guardianship, supported decision-making, or risk.

7. Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring

- Participant is setting new goals or working toward employment, education, or increased independence.

- Tracking the impact of current interventions or therapy over time.

How it works…

An experienced occupational therapist will gather information about you and your needs in your home, community, school, or workplace to understand your support needs. They work collaboratively with you, your family, and loved ones who support you daily. This report is then used by the NDIS to determine your support and service needs as a result of your disability.

Would also be nice to highlight that the OT is an advocate so it's not so daunting: 

Your Occupational Therapist is here to support and advocate for you, helping to communicate with the NDIS what you need day-to-day to work towards your goals.