Functional Capacity Assessments

There is a common misconception that Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) can only be undertaken by Occupational Therapists (OTs). However, as confirmed by NDIS, several Allied Health Professionals may undertake an FCA, provided that it is within their scope of practice.

Arise Society offers complete Social Work based Functional Capacity Assessments for participants diagnosed with Autism, FASD, Intellectual Disability and certain Psycho-Social Disabilities.

For NDIS Participants with other disabilities, we can work closely together with their Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to create a joint, holistic report or provide a socio-environmental report to accompany an existing Functional Capacity Assessment.

Please note: Child participants and participants with limited communicative ability are not required to be present for the full assessment. We recognise that the primary caregiver will have the most valuable information about their true day-to-day functioning, so most information gathering will be done with the caregiver.

The Assessment Process

A full Functional Capacity Assessment with Arise Society generally exists out of three appointments of about 2.5 to 3 hours each. The appointments can take place at the participant's home, or via Telehealth. We prefer to have at least one meeting at the participant's home, if possible, as part of the environmental aspect of our assessment.

ECO MAPPING

A person (and their support need) cannot be understood without an understanding of their environment, as these are interconnected. An Ecomap is a tool used to visualise the person’s relationships with the external world and the quality of these connections. It does not only focus on pathology and problems but also on the strengths and resources of the participant in interaction with their environment. An Ecomap assists with identifying appropriate support recommendations based on the unique circumstances of a specific participant in the context of their environment.

LIFE DOMAINS

Through conversation, we explore what's currently happening in life and how the participant's disability impacts on this. We generally discuss Mental Health, Physical Health, Finances, Housing, Social Relationships, Romantic Relationships, Family Relationships, Vocation, Parenthood, Spirituality, Interests & Hobbies and Community Connection.

STANDARDISED ASSESSMENT

Last, but certainly not least, we complete a standardised assessment together that captures the participant's functioning compared to similar-aged peers. For child participants, we generally undertake the Vineland-3, and for adult participants, we generally undertake the ABAS-3.
Both these tools assess a person's capacity without assistance, and their general participation. In other words, the capacity is not determined by what a person physically and intellectually can do but what they are able to intrinsically engage in without any prompting, reminding or assistance.

The Report

All information gathered through the assessment, and review of any shared medical and allied health reports is described in a comprehensive FCA report. The report includes a description of the participant's primary and secondary disabilities, the participant's Eco Map, their functioning domains, updated goals and support recommendations.

Arise Society prides itself in going the extra mile to address all the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Criteria for each recommendation, based on best-practice evidence in line with the participant's unique circumstances.

We generally do not have a waitlist for Functional Capacity Assessments.

How Much Does A Functional Capacity Assessment Cost?

We charge 15 hours at the rate of $193.99 per hour to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment. The total cost is $2909.85. There is no GST to this service as it is a direct NDIS service.

For this cost, you get a comprehensive report (usually between 40-60 pages in length) that provides detailed information to the NDIA about your functional capacity, AND we provide a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced Support Coordinators to provide you with some information and support to make sure that you have everything you need to maximise your plan review/change of circumstances / NDIS planning meeting.

The Support Coordinator access is not an additional cost and will not be billed to your NDIS plan. You do not need to have the Support Coordinator approved funding in order to access this. Furthermore, if you don’t want to access this complimentary service, there is no reduction in the price of the FCA, as this is a complimentary service only and not built into the price.