Functional Capacity Assessments
Clear, evidence-based NDIS reports with immediate availability.
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your NDIS journey. A well-written report can be the difference between funding that fits your real life and funding that falls short.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
An FCA is a detailed clinical assessment that looks at how a person's disability affects day-to-day life, and what supports would be beneficial to achieving their goals.
It's completed by an Occupational Therapist and usually involves:
• A home, school, or community-based assessment session
• Standardised assessments to measure function objectively
• Conversations with you, your family, and anyone else who knows your daily life well
• A detailed written report with clear, goal-aligned recommendations
The NDIS uses your FCA report as evidence when making funding decisions. A strong FCA report can help you get the right level of support and funding to meet your needs and work towards your goals.
When You Might Need an FCA
Not every NDIS participant needs an FCA, but there are specific moments when one can make a real difference:
When applying for the NDIS for the first time to demonstrate how disability impacts daily function
When approaching your plan review , justify continued supports, or request changes to funding
When your NDIS plan does not provide the services or funding that you require to achieve your goals
When your support needs have changed, or are likely to change (i.e. transition from school, change in capacity, changes in family supports)
When Applying for Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
What Makes a Soft Steps FCA Different
Here's what you can expect from a Soft Steps OT report:
Written in plain English.
My reports use clear, easy to understand language while still accurately identifying your needs, goals and required supports.
Every recommendation linked to your goals.
I don't list supports in isolation. Each recommendation connects directly to a specific personal or NDIS goal you've told me matters, and to the NDIS's "reasonable and necessary" criteria.
Evidence-based assessment tools.
I use standardised, NDIS-preferred assessments (such as the WHODAS, Vineland, PEDI-CAT, and COPM, matched to your age and needs) so the findings are grounded in objective evidence.
3-4 week turnaround.
Many providers take 6-8 weeks or longer. I deliver within 3-4 weeks of the assessment session, so your report arrives in time for your plan review or access request.
I come to you.
As a mobile service, I can complete the assessment in the environment where real life happens, be it your home, your child's school, or the community.
Get in touch today
If you or a participant you work with would benefit from an FCA, click the link below to complete our quick and easy online referral form.