What methods are used in a Functional Capacity Assessment?

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.

What are informal assessments?

Informal assessments involve discussions with the individual, their family, carers, or support network to understand their experiences and perspectives on their occupational performance and participation.

What are observational assessments?

Observational assessments involve the occupational therapist observing the individual performing specific tasks and analysing each step of the process to identify strengths, challenges, and potential modifications or supports.

What are formal assessments?

Formal assessments are evidence-based and often standardised tools designed to provide accurate and reliable data. Examples include the WHODAS 2.0, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 3, Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), Care and Needs Scale (CANS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), and Life Skills Profile (LSP-16).

What areas are assessed in a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A functional capacity assessment may address various areas, including 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.

Functional Capacity Assessments

Q: What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment provides 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.

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What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?

A FCA is an assessment of performance, participation and support needs in meaningful activities (self-care, work/study, play and leisure). It can identify strengths, areas of difficulty and environmental factors, often used to guide funding decisions and for planning supports and interventions.

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At Fast Track Therapy, we adapt our approach to suit you, and assess the tasks that you may find challenging or require additional support width.

We take the time to truly understand your disability so we can clearly communicate your needs to the NDIS and help you get the right support in place.

How We Help You

Chat & Plan: We talk with you and your support circle to hear your story and understand what matters most to you.
Observe & Support: We look at daily tasks with you to find your strengths and see where simple changes can help.
Structured Tools: We use clear, trusted assessment tools to measure your skills and gather simple facts about your needs.

Our functional capacity assessments look at the full picture of your day, including moving around, daily self-care, communication, and taking part in your local community.

If we already provide services to you, your FCA length may be shorter because we already know you well. Otherwise, an assessment usually ranges from 10 to 15 hours, depending on your individual needs and complexity.

We also offer shorter, Brief Functional Capacity Assessments, providing a faster, more cost-effective option for individuals with targeted support needs, lower complexity, or specific NDIS requests.

Brief Functional Capacity Assessments

Home & Living Assesssments

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, you can start by contacting us today.

An FCA provides evidence for the NDIS (or other funding bodies) about how Disability affects everyday functioning. It is often used for new applications, plan reviews, increased supports, assistive technology funding, or home and living decisions.
Our assessments are completed by a qualified occupational therapist. Other allied health professionals may also contribute depending on the situation.
It includes interviews, observations and (when appropriate) standardised assessments. Your therapist will look at areas such as self-care, mobility, communication, household tasks, community access and social participation.
Timeframes vary depending on complexity. A Functional Capacity Assessment typically involves up to 3 sessions, including an initial 2-hour assessment and two 1-hour follow-up sessions, along with around 8 hours of report writing.
We allow up to 15 hours in total (including travel charges) to ensure a comprehensive assessment. You will only be charged for the time and services provided.
We generally complete reports within one month from the initial appointment.
The report is used to help the NDIS understand support needs and make funding decisions. It can support requests for therapy, assistive technology, home modifications and daily living supports.
No formal preparation is required. It can help to think about your daily routines, challenges, goals and any supports you currently use.
Yes. Assessments are often completed in the home or community to better understand real-life functioning and environmental barriers.
The usual cost for a Comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessment is $2,323.88, based on up to 12 hours of assessment and report writing at $193.99 per hour, plus up to 3 hours of travel at $97 per hour.
Some assessments may vary depending on complexity and time required. Your therapist will confirm the exact cost upfront before starting, and you will only be charged for the time and services provided.
Cost is indicative only and may vary depending on individual needs and assessment requirements.

Brief FCA’s are available from $970
You can contact our team directly. We will discuss your goals, confirm suitability for an FCA and arrange the next steps.

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48 hours

We will reach out to introduce ourselves, discuss services and next steps

24 hours

After our discussion and receiving all the sign-up details required, we will send a service agreement for you to sign online.

2 weeks

Where possible, we will book our first appointment for within 2 weeks of receiving your completed service agreement

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