Functional Capacity Assessment
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive assessment that looks at a Participant’s ability to perform activities of daily living across different environments, such as at home and in the community.
It identifies the support they need to meet their goals and provides clear, evidence-based recommendations to help guide NDIS funding decisions and ensure the Participant makes the most of their plan.
Who needs a FCA?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is ideal for NDIS Participants who need formal evidence of their support needs to access, maintain, or adjust their funding and services.
You may need an FCA if you are applying for the NDIS and require evidence of your functional impairment.
An FCA is also helpful for privately paying individuals who want a clear understanding of their strengths, challenges, and the types of supports that can enhance their independence and quality of life.
For existing NDIS Participants, an FCA may be required when their plan specifically requests it or when additional evidence is needed to support funding decisions. Common reasons include:
The Participant’s NDIS plan specifically requests a Functional Capacity Assessment
A plan review (annual or unscheduled) is required
Current supports no longer meet the Participant's disability-related needs
Early depletion of funds, requiring evidence to support increased funding
To support Home and Living funding requests (STA, ILO, SIL)
When a Participant needs help understanding what supports they require or recommendations on how to use their funding
What to expect
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Prior to an FCA, your Occupational Therapist will review your NDIS goals and any supporting documentation you’ve consented to share.
This helps with information gathering and provides important background context for your assessment.
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During an FCA, your Occupational Therapist will get to know you - your medical history, current support networks, living and social situation, education or employment history, personal roles and responsibilities, and daily routine.
The OT will then assess your ability to manage everyday tasks, including:
Functional mobility – Mobility, transfers, endurance, and motor functioning
Self-care tasks – Bathing or showering, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, feeding, and sleep
Self-management tasks – Technology use, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, gardening, health management, and financial management
Community activities – Shopping, using transport, attending appointments, and community participation
Communication and cognitive capacity – Social communication, cognitive functioning (e.g., attention, memory, decision-making, processing, learning), emotional regulation, mental health presentation, and safety capacity
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After an FCA your Occupational Therapist will administer and analyse standardised assessments.
A standardised assessment is a formal tool used by Occupational Therapists to consistently and reliably measure specific skills or areas of functioning.
These assessments follow a set procedure and are selected and completed by your OT during the assessment period, based on information gathered throughout your Functional Capacity Assessment.
Your OT will then commence the report writing phase and follow-up appointments can be arranged as needed.