Functional Capacity Assessments for the NDIS
A comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of how a person manages everyday activities — with clear findings and recommendations to support NDIS plan development, review and reasonable-and-necessary funding decisions.
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) looks at what a person can do day to day — and where they need support. Our physiotherapists combine interview, standardised measures and real-world observation to produce a clear, defensible report that helps participants, planners and support coordinators make well-informed decisions.
What the assessment covers
A whole-of-person view of function, safety and support needs.
Mobility & movement
Walking, transfers, stairs, balance, endurance and use of mobility aids.
Daily activities & self-care
Personal care, household tasks and the supports needed to do them safely.
Home & equipment needs
The home environment, assistive technology and equipment recommendations.
Participation & goals
Work, study, community access and the participant's own goals.
Support recommendations
Clear, reasonable-and-necessary recommendations mapped to daily function.
Written report
A comprehensive, planner-ready report suitable for plan development or review.
How it works
We confirm the reason for the assessment, the participant's goals and what the plan needs to show.
Interview, standardised outcome measures and observation of everyday tasks — at the clinic or in the home.
A clear written report with findings, functional impact and reasonable-and-necessary recommendations.
We can liaise with your support coordinator and provide any follow-up recommendations needed.
Self-managed and plan-managed participants are welcome. FCAs are arranged by service agreement — get in touch and we'll confirm scope, timeframe and a written quote before we begin.
Who it's for
Functional Capacity Assessments are most often requested for NDIS participants whose plan is being developed, reviewed or changed, and for people whose function has altered enough that their current supports no longer fit. We also complete assessments where a heart or lung condition is the main driver of reduced capacity — the area we work in every day, and the reason a cardiorespiratory service is sometimes the right one to ask.
Requests come from participants themselves, from support coordinators and plan managers, and from allied health colleagues.
Where it changes what we can observe, part of the assessment is best done where you actually live — a stair you struggle with, a bathroom that is hard to use, or the distance from the car to the front door tells us more than the same task performed in a clinic. Home visits are available in Rockhampton and, by arrangement, alongside the outreach clinics in Emerald and Gladstone.
Timeframes and what you receive
An assessment usually takes place across one or two appointments, depending on how much needs to be observed and whether a home visit forms part of it. If you are working to a plan-review date, say so at the outset and we will confirm in writing whether that date is achievable before anything begins.
You receive a written report setting out what was assessed, what was observed, the functional impact on daily activities, and clear recommendations for supports, equipment or therapy — written to be usable by the person reading it, not only by another clinician. We are happy to talk through anything in the report once it has been issued.
Other services
Physiotherapy Assessment
A thorough cardiorespiratory assessment to build your individualised plan.
Learn MoreCardiorespiratory Rehabilitation
Structured, supervised exercise to build capacity, strength and quality of life.
Learn MoreLifestyle Change Programme
Supervised exercise and practical education, aimed at building strength and everyday function.
Learn More