Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
A comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation designed to understand how a person's condition impacts their ability to manage daily life, work, and community participation.
At our practice, each FCA is individually tailored to the purpose of the assessment and the client's personal circumstances.
Understanding FCAs
WHAT IS AN FCA?
It's a report, not a test
An FCA is a written report completed by your occupational therapist. It describes how your disability or mental health condition affects your daily life— things like getting dressed, cooking, going out, managing emotions, or connecting with others.
It's about your strengths too
We don't just look at what's hard. We also capture what you're working toward, what matters to you, and what support would help you live the life you want. Your voice and your goals are central to the whole process.
It can be used more than once
FCAs are used for first-time NDIS access, plan reviews, change of circumstances, and specialist assessment requests. If your needs change, your FCA can reflect that too.
It supports your NDIS plan
The NDIS needs evidence of how your disability affects your daily functioning— not just a diagnosis. An FCA provides that evidence clearly, helping planners understand what support you need and why.
The Process
WHAT TO EXPECT— sTEP BY STEP
Here's what the process looks like.
Referral & first contact
You or your support coordinator can reach out directly. We'll have a short initial conversation to understand what you need the FCA for — NDIS access, a plan review, change of situation, or something else. There's no wrong reason to ask for an FCA.
Initial interview (90-120 minutes)
We sit down together — in our clinic, at your home, or via telehealth — and talk through your daily life. We'll ask about your routines, your environment, what feels hard, what you're working toward, and what support looks like for you. There might be times we might ask for you to show us how you do a task. Families and carers are welcome to join and can add value to the session.
Assessments (where relevant)
Depending on your situation, we may use one or more standardised assessment tools — questionnaires, simple tasks, or structured interviews. These help us gather measurable evidence to support the report.
Collating your history
With your permission, we will review relevant documents — like previous reports, medical records, or letters from your treating team. This helps us build an accurate and complete picture.
Writing the FCA
Your OT writes your report — centred on your goals, the assessments, and aligned with the NDIS domains. It captures what's hard, what support helps, what the risks would be without support, and what you're working toward. We aim to use a recovery-oriented, needs-based, and strengths-based approach throughout.
Reviewing your report
Once complete, the report is shared with you and whomever you consented to share. We'll walk you through it, answer your questions, and make sure it reflects your experience accurately. From there, it can be submitted to the NDIA, your support coordinator, or your planning meeting — wherever it's needed.
The NDIS Framework
THE SEVEN AREAS WE LOOK AT
The NDIS uses seven life domains to understand how disability affects everyday functioning. Our assessment covers all that are relevant to you.
MOBILITY
Getting around safely at home, in your community, and accessing transport.
LEARNING
Focusing, remembering, following instructions, and applying new knowledge or skills.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Taking part in everyday community life — work, study, social activities, volunteering, and civic participation.
MOBILITY
Understanding and expressing yourself in conversation, in writing, and with others.
SELF-CARE
Looking after yourself day-to-day — personal hygiene, eating, dressing, sleep, and health routines.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Forming and maintaining relationships, and participating in social situations.
SELF-MANAGEMENT
Managing your time, routines, finances, emotions, and daily responsibilities.
READY TO BOOK YOUR ASSESSEMENT?