Functional Capacity Assessment
Comprehensive functional capacity assessments for all ages.
Functional Capacity Assessment for Children and Adults
- Self-care (for example, showering, dressing, grooming tasks)
- Household tasks (for example, cleaning, vacuuming, mowing lawns, meal prep)
- Executive functioning (such as managing finances, cooking tasks with multiple steps, grocery shopping, planning tasks)
- Using your senses (for example, visual disturbances or limitations, depth perception, reading small texts, hearing warning signals, ability to undertake conversations in loud rooms or on a phone)
- Social engagement (for example, access to social outings, ability to develop and maintain friendships, access to community, use of public transport)
- Mobility (for example, use of mobility equipment, capacity to walk / stand, range of movement level of support required to manage mobility tasks)
- Impacts to your physical functioning (for example, in order to complete daily living tasks)
Why do I have a Functional Capacity Assessment as part of my NDIS plan?
- Assess a person’s current functional status
- Identify any areas where they may require support or assistance
- Develop a plan of interventions or recommendations to enhance independence, achieve individual gioals, improve quality of life and support overall function.
Our Process
Initial discussion
Commence on-board process
Determine clinical team
Set goals
Schedule
Connect Allied Health
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Our Services
At Connect Allied Health we are a multidisciplinary allied health provider, offering services to people of all ages. Our feature services include Speech pathology, Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Positive behaviour support, developmental education, autism diagnostic assessments, Psychology and functional capacity assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?
A Functional Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s capability across a range of daily activities and environments. It assesses how a person’s disability or condition affects their ability to perform everyday tasks, providing a detailed picture of their functional capabilities, limitations, and support needs. The assessment typically evaluates multiple areas, including personal care, mobility, communication, decision-making, household tasks, social activities, and community participation.
Who needs a Functional Capacity Assessment?
You may need an FCA if you are:
- Applying for the NDIS for the first time
- Coming up to a NDIS plan review
- Have experienced a change in condition (requiring additional or different support)
- Seeking more support through your plan review
- Seeking to clarify current needs and capacity levels
- Experiencing transitions between support types (e.g. moving from SIL to SDA)
- Looking to have Assistive Technology or Home Modifications completed through your NDIS plan
Why do I have a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) in my NDIS plan?
A Functional Capacity Assessment helps the NDIS understand your abilities, needs, and the supports required to help you live as independently as possible. The purpose of an FCA is to:
- Understand your functional abilities — what you can do independently and where you may need support across different areas of daily life.
- Identify gaps in independence to determine where additional or ongoing support may be needed.
- Guide therapy and support recommendations by developing a clear plan of interventions that will best assist you.
- Provide evidence to justify NDIS funding, ensuring your plan accurately reflects your needs.
- Determine the types and level of therapy and supports that are most appropriate for your circumstances.
Who can perform a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Functional Capacity Assessments are typically performed by qualified allied health professionals with specialised training in assessing functional capacity. Common professionals include:
- Occupational Therapists (OTs) – the most common FCA practitioners
- Physiotherapists (depending on purpose)
These professionals must be NDIS-registered providers to conduct assessments that will be accepted by the NDIS.
What Does an FCA Report Include?
An FCA report typically includes the following key components:
- Personal details, medical history, diagnoses, and relevant information about your disability or condition
- Observations, standardised assessment results, and information gathered through interviews
- Your current level of functional capacity across various domains, including activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility, communication, cognitive abilities, social interaction, and behaviour management
- Specific support needs identified, including the type and level of assistance required for daily tasks, personal care, community participation, and goal achievement
- Your short-term and long-term goals related to independence, skill development, social participation, employment, education, and other life areas
- Evidence-based recommendations for supports and interventions tailored to your needs, which may include assistive technology, therapy services, specialised equipment, home modifications, and access to community programs
- Explanation of how recommended supports and interventions align with your assessed needs, goals, and best interests
How long does a Functional Capacity Assessment take?
The typical timeframe for an FCA varies depending on complexity:
Direct assessment time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the participant’s situation, plus travel.
Total time involved: Typically, 15-18 hours (pending complexity), which includes face-to-face assessment, communication with other supports/therapists, travel time, research, and report writing
Connect Allied Health offers comprehensive FCAs, with report writing turn around typically at 10 – 15 business days pending complexity.
Do I need a Functional Capacity Assessment to apply for the NDIS?
No, an FCA is not a requirement to apply for the NDIS. However, it does help if you need evidence to prove you have “substantially reduced functional capacity” in one of the six NDIS life domains: mobility, communication, social interaction, self-management, self-care, and learning. An FCA can strengthen your application by providing clear evidence of your individual support needs and may improve your chances of approval.
How can a Functional Capacity Assessment benefit you?
The benefits of undergoing an FCA include:
- Addressing your specific challenges and helping you maximise your independence
- Ensuring that support services are aligned with your individual needs, goals, and aspirations
- Providing clear evidence and justification for the services required in your NDIS plan or applications
- Giving you and your support team a detailed understanding of your functional abilities, limitations, and areas for improvement
- Helping identify specific assistive technology, home modifications, or therapy services that may support your daily living and long-term goals
Where do Functional Capacity Assessments take place?
FCAs can be conducted in multiple settings depending on the participant’s preferences and individual needs:
- Clinic-Based
- Home-Based
- School or Early Learning Centre
- Workplace
- Other Community Settings
- Online/Telehealth
Do you have a waitlist for Functional Capacity Assessments?
At CAH, we have capacity to accept new referrals.
Do I need a referral for a Functional Capacity Assessment?
No referral is needed.
Connect Allied Health
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