Connect Allied Health provides NDIS functional capacity assessments in Adelaide for children and adults. Our occupational therapists deliver clear, evidence-based functional assessment reports that document your abilities, identify support needs, and align with NDIS funding requirements.
Assessments focus on how you function in everyday life, at home and in the community. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments where appropriate.
With clinics in Norwood, Modbury, and Berri, we provide flexible appointment options across South Australia.
Our goal is to help you support you in achieving your NDIS plan goals with practical, clinically sound recommendations.
Contact our team today to book your assessment or request a tailored quote.
What Our Functional Capacity Assessments Cover
We tailor every assessment to your situation. Our occupational therapists use interviews, clinical observation, and standardised tools to evaluate your capacity across key areas:
- Personal care and daily living: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and meal preparation.
- Mobility and transfers: Moving around your home and community, using transport, managing stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Communication and social participation: How you interact with others, express your needs, and engage in social and community activities.
- Cognitive function: Concentration, memory, decision-making, planning, and managing multi-step tasks.
- Home environment: Safety, accessibility, and whether modifications or assistive technology could support greater independence.
When You Might Need a Functional Capacity Assessment
Common reasons people request an assessment include:
- Applying for NDIS access and needing evidence of functional impact
- Preparing for a plan review or reassessment where your needs have changed
- Requesting an increase in funded support hours
- Seeking evidence for Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What to Expect from the Assessment Process
Here is what a typical FCA looks like at Connect Allied Health:
Initial Contact
Assessment sessions
Stakeholder input
Detailed report
Who We Provide Functional Capacity Assessments For
- Children and adults with developmental disability or delay
- People living with autism seeking NDIS access or plan review support
- Adults with acquired brain injury, stroke, neurological conditions, or psychosocial disability
- Individuals with physical disability requiring SIL, SDA, or assistive technology recommendations
Where and How We Deliver Assessments
We assess you in the setting that best reflects your daily function:
- Clinic-based: Assessments at our Norwood, Modbury or Berri clinics.
- Home visits: We come to your home around metro Adelaide, so we can assess function and environment together.
- Community settings: Schools, workplaces, day programmes, or supported living settings where function matters most.
- Telehealth: Video-based assessment components where appropriate, including for regional participants.
Why Choose Connect Allied Health for Your FCA
- Senior occupational therapists: Extensive experience in functional assessments across a wide range of ages, conditions, and diagnoses
- Thorough, well-evidenced reports: Practical recommendations that support coordinators and the NDIA can use to inform decisions
- Multidisciplinary team: Access to speech pathology, physiotherapy, psychology, PBS, and developmental education when needed
- Registered provider: Strong understanding of NDIS processes and reporting expectations
- Person-centred approach: We take the time to understand your goals and daily life, not just your limitations
Funding and Access
Functional capacity assessments can be funded through several pathways:
- NDIS: We are a registered NDIS provider. FCAs are typically funded under Capacity Building or Assessment support. Whether your plan covers this depends on your individual goals and what’s in your plan. Speak with your support coordinator.
- Plan-managed or self-managed: If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you can access our FCA services directly.
- Private / self-funded: Access an FCA outside the NDIS. We provide a clear quote before any assessment begins.
Assessments can be requested by support coordinators, NDIS planners, GPs, family members, or directly by you.
Connect Allied Health
Request Your FCA
If you or someone you support needs a functional capacity assessment in Adelaide, contact our team. We will explain the process and provide a tailored quote before any assessment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an FCA?
An FCA is an in-depth evaluation of how you manage everyday activities at home, at work, at school, and in the community.
Conducted by a qualified occupational therapist, an FCA examines your strengths and the areas where you may need support, assistive technology, home modifications, or additional services.
The resulting report provides the NDIA, your NDIS contact, and your care team with a clear, clinically informed picture of your functional needs. The NDIA funds your NDIS plan at a level that matches your actual circumstances.
How long does a functional capacity assessment take?
The face-to-face assessment typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on complexity. Additional time is required for report writing. Your OT will outline expected timeframes upfront.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your funding pathway. FCAs are commonly requested by support coordinators, NDIS planners, GPs, or family members. You can also enquire directly and we’ll let you know what’s needed for your situation.
Can I use my NDIS funding for an FCA?
We are a registered provider and conduct FCAs for many NDIS participants. Whether this is covered depends on your specific NDIS plan. Your support coordinator can advise.
What will I receive after the assessment?
A comprehensive written report documenting your functional capacity with evidence-based recommendations. This can be shared with the NDIA, your NDIS contact, and your care team.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about functional capacity assessments conducted by occupational therapists at Connect Allied Health. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We will discuss whether an FCA is appropriate for your situation during your initial contact. Individual assessment outcomes depend on personal circumstances.
