Home / Functional Capacity Assessments
A clear, evidence-based picture of what a person can do, what gets in the way, and what support would change that — written to stand up at a plan reassessment.
A functional capacity assessment is a structured occupational therapy assessment of how someone manages everyday life. Its purpose is evidence. The NDIA, plan managers and support coordinators use an FCA to decide what supports are reasonable and necessary — so the difference between a vague report and a specific one is the difference between a participant getting funded and not.
Here is the same finding, written two ways.
“Client presents with reduced lower limb strength and poor standing balance. Has difficulty showering independently and requires assistance.”
“Requires physical assistance from one person to step over the 150 mm shower hob. Unable to stand unsupported for the 8–10 minutes needed to wash and dry. Two falls in the bathroom in the past six months, both while reaching for the towel rail used as a grab point.”
Every domain is assessed against three questions: what can the participant do independently, what can they do with support and how much, and what can they not do at all. Domains that do not apply are marked as such rather than left blank — so the report shows what was considered, not just what was found.
Observation of real tasks in the real environment is the backbone of every assessment, but the findings are anchored to validated measures so a delegate or plan reviewer can see the reasoning. Tools are chosen to suit the referral question and the participant — we do not run a fixed battery for its own sake, and every measure used is named in the report.
Selection depends on the referral question, the participant’s presentation and what has already been completed elsewhere. If a specific measure is required for your purpose, tell us at referral and we will confirm whether it is appropriate before the assessment is booked.
Tell us the purpose of the assessment and the deadline you are working to. We confirm capacity and lock in the report date the same business day — before you commit to anything.
Ninety minutes to two hours in the participant’s own home. Family, carers or support workers are welcome. We use standardised measures alongside direct observation of real tasks in the real environment.
With consent, we speak with the support coordinator, GP or other treating practitioners, and review existing reports so the assessment is not written in isolation.
A complete FCA with findings, functional impact, support needs analysis and costed recommendations — sent to whoever you nominate.
Every FCA follows the same structure, so a coordinator or delegate reading their second Blueprint report knows exactly where to find what they need.
Section ten addresses each criterion in section 34 of the NDIS Act in order — goals, participation, value for money, effectiveness, what is reasonable for family to provide, and why the NDIS rather than another system. That is the exact test a delegate applies, so answering it directly removes the guesswork and the follow-up requests.
We write the report with its purpose in mind — an FCA for a plan reassessment is structured differently from one supporting an equipment request.
Current evidence of functional capacity and support needs ahead of a reassessment or change of circumstances.
Functional justification for equipment, from a shower chair through to complex custom seating.
Evidence supporting minor or complex modifications, with measurements and options considered.
Documenting the level, type and frequency of assistance a person genuinely needs across a week.
Functional assessment for children under 9 through the early childhood approach, including school readiness.
Rapid assessment of home safety, access and equipment needs before or shortly after a return home.
Tell us the deadline you are working to. We will confirm capacity and the report date the same business day.