Occupational Therapy
Functional Capacity Assessments

Functional capacity assessments provide a comprehensive overview of how a disability or health condition impacts an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities and the types of support they may require. While individuals with disabilities are often experts on their own experiences and occupational performance, a functional capacity assessment can help articulate these impacts in a structured way that is accessible to others, including funding bodies such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Functional capacity assessments take a holistic approach and use a variety of methods tailored to each person. These methods may include informal assessments, observational assessments, and formal assessments:

• Informal Assessments: These involve discussions with the individual, their family, carers, or support network to understand their experiences and perspectives on their occupational performance and participation. This personal input informs the remainder of the assessment process.

• Observational Assessments: These involve the occupational therapist observing the individual performing specific tasks and analysing each step of the process. This helps identify strengths, challenges, and potential modifications or supports to enhance task performance.

• Formal Assessments: These are evidence-based and often standardised tools designed to provide accurate and reliable data. They may include structured forms or measures that quantify information about the individual’s abilities. Examples of formal assessments used by Fast Track Therapy include the WHODAS 2.0, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 3, Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), Care and Needs Scale (CANS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Life Skills Profile (LSP-16), and others.

A functional capacity assessment may address various areas, including but not limited to mobility, communication, sensory needs, fine and gross motor skills, domestic skills, self-care, community participation, emotional regulation, play skills, attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.