What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?

Written by Ruth Goble, Occupational Therapist.

If you've been asked by the NDIS to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA), or you've heard the term but aren't sure what it means, you're not alone. A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessment that looks at how a person manages everyday activities and participates in daily life.

Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, an FCA explores how a person's strengths, challenges and environment affect their independence and participation at home, school, work and in the community.

The information gathered is used to develop practical recommendations and, where appropriate, support NDIS planning and funding decisions.

At Square One Therapy Hub in Kogarah, our Occupational Therapy team completes FCAs for children, adolescents and adults across the St George area and wider Sydney.

Why might an FCA be recommended?

The NDIS commonly requests an FCA when:

• A participant is applying for NDIS funding.
• A plan is due for review.
• Additional supports or funding are being requested.
• There has been a significant change in a person's functional abilities.
• Further evidence is required to support future planning.

Some people also choose to complete an FCA privately to better understand their strengths, identify areas requiring support and guide intervention planning.

What happens during an FCA?

Every assessment is individualised because no two people have the same goals or support needs.

For example:

• For an adult, the assessment may explore areas such as cooking, personal care, community access, work, home management and independent living skills.
• For a child, the focus may include play, self-care, school participation, emotional regulation, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, attention and social participation.

Occupational Therapists also consider how a person's physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs influence everyday functioning.

How long does an FCA take?

An FCA often includes:

• Initial interviews with the participant and family
• One or more assessment sessions
• Standardised assessments (where appropriate)
• Review of relevant reports
• Collaboration with other professionals
• A comprehensive written report

The overall process usually takes 8–15 hours, though this varies depending on the complexity of the person's needs and the assessment.

What assessment tools might be used?

Occupational Therapists select assessment tools based on the person's age, goals and areas of difficulty. These may include:

• Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
• WHODAS 2.0
• Vineland-3
• Beery VMI
• BOT-3
• Sensory Profile
• PEDI-CAT

Clinical observation, interviews and functional tasks are equally important parts of the assessment.

What's the difference between an Occupational Therapy assessment and an FCA?

A standard Occupational Therapy assessment is usually completed to understand a person's needs and guide therapy intervention.

A Functional Capacity Assessment is much more comprehensive. It brings together clinical observations, standardised assessments, interviews and professional recommendations into a detailed report describing how a person's functional abilities impact everyday life. This report can then be used to support NDIS planning, funding decisions and future therapy recommendations.

Why are FCAs becoming more common?

As the NDIS places increasing emphasis on functional evidence rather than diagnosis alone, Functional Capacity Assessments have become an important way of demonstrating how a person's disability impacts their daily life.

They also provide valuable information for families, schools, support coordinators and other health professionals by identifying practical strategies and recommendations that help people participate more independently in the activities that matter most to them.

Book a Functional Capacity Assessment in Kogarah

If you would like to learn more about Functional Capacity Assessments or discuss whether an FCA may be appropriate for you or your child, get in touch with our Occupational Therapy team at Square One Therapy Hub in Kogarah. We provide comprehensive Occupational Therapy Functional Capacity Assessments for children, adolescents and adults across Kogarah, the St George area and wider Sydney — contact us today to discuss your family's needs.