What is a Functional Capacity Assessment? Simple Guide for NDIS Participants

If you’re on the NDIS, you may have heard the term Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) and wondered what it actually means. Put simply, a functional capacity assessment is a detailed report completed by an occupational therapist that looks at your day-to-day abilities and the support you need.

The goal of an FCA is to show how your disability impacts your daily life and what types of support or funding will help you live more independently. It gives the NDIS a clear picture of your needs in your own context.

During a functional capacity assessment, you’ll first submit any relevant allied health documents through our online form. We then book an appointment in person or online to review these areas together. This may include looking at:

• How you manage personal care and daily routines
• Your ability to get around safely at home and in the community
• Communication, social participation and work or study tasks
• Any equipment, aids or therapy that could support you

The information is then pulled together into a comprehensive NDIS report. This report is often used for plan reviews, access requests or when applying for new support. Having a clear, detailed report can make a big difference in ensuring you receive the right NDIS funding and support.

At You & Me Therapy, we understand that assessments can feel overwhelming. That’s why we focus on making the process supportive and straightforward. We take the time to get to know your story so your report reflects not just your challenges but also your goals and strengths.

A functional capacity assessment is more than paperwork; it’s your pathway to accessing the supports you need to live life your way. Getting started is simple.