Functional Capacity Assessments
Phase One Therapy provides functional capacity assessments across Brisbane and surrounds, delivered by experienced occupational therapists. We come to you, or meet in the clinic or via telehealth, and turn what we observe into clear, evidence-based reports that support NDIS, Disability Support Pension and compensation or scheme decisions.
What is an FCA?
A Functional Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment that evaluates an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities, participate in work, and manage functional demands. The assessment identifies strengths, limitations, and support needs using structured observation, standardised tools, and clinical reasoning.
We also provide occupational therapy functional capacity assessments for Disability Support Pension applications. These assessments are tailored to the functional criteria outlined in the application requirements, ensuring relevant functional information is clearly documented.
Functional Capacity Assessments are completed for pension support and other compensation or scheme based purposes. Reports are evidence based and focused on functional capacity rather than treatment.
What an FCA Looks At
An FCA considers how a person manages the practical demands of daily life, including:
- Personal care and daily living tasks (self-care, meal preparation, household activities)
- Mobility, transfers and physical tolerances
- Community access, transport and shopping
- Cognition, communication and problem solving
- Capacity for work, study or volunteering
- Social and psychosocial participation
- Current supports, equipment and the home environment
Who an FCA is For
- NDIS participants preparing for a plan review or requesting funding for supports
- People applying for the Disability Support Pension who need functional evidence
- Clients under NIISQ, compensation or other scheme arrangements
- Support coordinators, plan managers, solicitors and insurers seeking an independent functional report
Funding We Accept
- NDIS: self-managed and plan-managed
- NIISQ
- Support at Home
- Private and self-funded clients
- Solicitor, insurer and scheme-instructed assessments
For fees, see our pricing page.
What is the process?
It typically involves one or two in-person sessions wherein your daily functioning is evaluated through discussion, observation and standardised assessment. The results are used to inform recommendations for supports, equipment, funding and environmental changes that can support independence and everyday participation.
Where telehealth is appropriate, part of the assessment can be completed online. Once the assessment is complete, you receive a written report suitable for your NDIS, pension or scheme purpose.
Clear, Evidence-Based Reports
Report writing is a core strength at Phase One Therapy. Your FCA report sets out functional findings clearly and is prepared to suit its purpose, whether that is an NDIS plan review, a Disability Support Pension application, or a compensation or scheme matter. We focus on documentation that is useful to everyone involved, from participants and families to support coordinators and decision makers.
Mobile, Telehealth & In-Person Across Brisbane
Mobile assessment is our preferred service, so we come to your home or community where that gives the most accurate picture of everyday function. We also offer telehealth, and in-person appointments on a fortnightly basis at our Carina clinic. We support clients within about 100km (one hour) of the Brisbane CBD
Related Services
An FCA often works alongside our other occupational therapy services. You may also be interested in:
- Assistive technology assessments (including complex seating)
- Occupational therapy driving assessments
- Home visits or telehealth
Frequently Asked Questions
An FCA typically involves one or two sessions, plus time to prepare the written report. The exact timeframe depends on your situation and the purpose of the assessment.
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both assess how a person manages functional tasks; a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) may place more emphasis on work and physical capacity, while an FCA looks broadly at everyday function.
Yes. Mobile assessment is our preferred service across Brisbane and surrounds, and telehealth is available where appropriate.
We accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS, NIISQ, Support at Home, and private clients, as well as solicitor, insurer and scheme-instructed assessments.
Request a Functional Capacity Assessment
Book a complimentary 15-minute call to talk through your needs, or send a referral and we will be in touch.