What Does an NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment Involve?

If you’re applying for NDIS funding or preparing for a plan review, you may be asked for a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). That can sound daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s a clear, step-by-step process. Here’s what to expect when you complete an FCA with Mindful Beings Occupational Therapy on the Gold Coast.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

An FCA is a comprehensive evaluation of how your disability impacts everyday activities. It looks at domains such as mobility, self-care, communication, social interaction, learning, cognition, and self-management. The final report provides evidence to help the NDIS decide what supports, equipment, or home modifications are reasonable and necessary for you.

Where it happens

Most clients complete their assessment at the Mindful Beings Occupational Therapy clinic — a professional, well-equipped space that allows accurate observation and use of standardised tools. If you can’t travel or your goals relate heavily to your home environment, a mobile assessment is available as a second option.

Step 1: Getting to know you

Your OT will start with a friendly conversation about your goals, strengths, challenges, and daily routines. You can bring a family member, support worker, or friend if that’s helpful. We’ll also discuss relevant medical history, previous reports, and any upcoming life changes (like school transitions or new employment).

Step 2: Observations and activities

Next, the OT observes how you complete everyday tasks — for example, dressing, meal preparation, getting in and out of the shower, or planning and organising a simple activity. For some clients, we’ll use standardised assessments to measure things like fine motor skills, grip strength, balance, coordination, attention, memory, or emotional regulation. The goal is to build a clear picture of capabilities and barriers.

Step 3: Environmental review

Your environment matters. The OT may assess layout, access, safety, and energy demands. In the clinic, we can simulate tasks; for home-based goals, we may recommend a mobile visit to see how spaces and routines can be adapted. This is particularly helpful when considering assistive technology or home modifications.

Step 4: Recommendations and report

You’ll receive a detailed report written in clear language. It outlines assessment findings, links them to your goals, and provides specific recommendations — therapy supports, frequency and duration, assistive technology (from simple aids to complex equipment), and home modifications (minor or major). Where appropriate, we’ll include quotes, supplier details, and functional justifications to support NDIS decision-making.

Step 5: Follow-through and advocacy

Mindful Beings Occupational Therapy can liaise with support coordinators, plan managers, schools, employers, builders, and equipment suppliers. We help you understand the report, prioritise actions, and implement changes once funding is approved.

How to prepare

• Bring recent reports, letters, and medication lists.

• Note examples of tasks that are hard on good days and tough days.

• Wear comfortable clothes and bring any equipment you use.

• Think about short-term and long-term goals so the plan fits your life.

With a professional clinic base and a friendly, accessible approach, Mindful Beings Occupational Therapy makes the FCA process clear, respectful, and genuinely useful.