Functional Capacity Assessment

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation designed to understand how a person’s condition impacts their ability to manage daily life, work, and community participation. It provides evidence-based insight into a client’s strengths, challenges, and support needs across all functional domains: physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and emotional.

At our practice, each FCA is individually tailored to the purpose of the assessment and the client’s personal circumstances.

For NDIS Participants

Our NDIS-aligned FCAs assess a person’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), along with communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and social engagement.


These reports are structured to meet NDIS evidence requirements under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and the NDIS (Becoming a Participant) Rules 2016.


They help the NDIA determine reasonable and necessary supports, assist with plan reviews, or provide evidence for plan reassessments when circumstances change.

For Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Claims

When prepared for TPD purposes, the FCA provides independent occupational therapy evidence addressing criteria commonly used by insurers and superannuation funds.
It evaluates whether the person:

  • Is unlikely to return to any form of employment for which they are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience.

  • Experiences permanent and non-improving impairments, despite appropriate treatment.

  • Has no realistic prospects for vocational retraining or sustainable employment.

For Other Applications

FCAs may also be requested for:

  • Workplace injury and rehabilitation claims

  • Home modification or equipment prescription

  • Legal or medical documentation supporting care needs or funding applications

What the Assessment Includes

Each FCA typically involves:

  • A clinical interview and observation of daily activities

  • Standardised assessments such as the Vineland-3, WHODAS 2.0, or COPM (depending on age and purpose)

  • Stakeholder interviews (e.g. parents, carers, or employers)

  • A detailed written report outlining the person’s functional profile, barriers, and recommendations for supports, therapy, or environmental changes

Our Approach

Every FCA is person-centred and grounded in the biopsychosocial model of health, consistent with the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework.


We focus not just on limitations but on meaningful outcomes to empower clients to understand their capacities, advocate for the right supports, and improve their quality of life.