NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments for Adults
AÂ guide to conducting clear, comprehensive and evidence-based functional assessments under the NDIS
Are your functional assessments aligned with NDIS requirements?
Do your reports clearly support funding applications and participant needs?
If you've ever received a referral for a functional capacity assessment but you haven't been quite sure where to start, this workshop is for you.
Focussing specifically on the process of conducting functional assessments under the NDIS, this workshop explores the essential skills for OTs working in this space.
Access workshop nowWhat will you learn?
- Define functional capacity in the NDIS context, including the purpose of an FCA and when it’s required
- Apply the ICF framework to explore function across daily living, self-care, community access and participation
- Conduct assessments using a structured process – from referral screening through to observations, interviews, standardised tools and report writing
- Identify and communicate the participant’s functional limitations, support needs and associated functional benefit
- Use NDIA-aligned language, including support descriptors and ratios, to strengthen clinical justification
- Select and interpret appropriate standardised assessments and integrate findings with observational data
- Write reports that are clear, persuasive and aligned with operational guidelines – including practical examples of support recommendations across Core, Capital and Capacity Building categories
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for allied health professionals who complete functional capacity assessments under the NDIS – whether you're new to the process or seeking to refine your approach.
It will be particularly useful for:
- OTs in private practice – strengthen your clinical reasoning, align reports to funding criteria and refine how you gather and present evidence
- Community and home-based OTs – learn how to assess real-world function and support needs in dynamic, everyday environments
- OTs involved in report writing – build your skills in writing persuasive, NDIA-aligned reports that clearly communicate functional impact and justify funding
Why attend?
Enhance your professional practice with exclusive access to:
- A clear, structured process for conducting functional assessments under the NDIS
- Tools, templates and practical language to streamline your workflow
- Examples and insights from experienced practitioners working in NDIS contexts
- Strategies to link functional evidence to support needs in line with funding rules
- Guidance on writing reports that are clear, defensible and grounded in current NDIS operational expectations
About the Presenter
Sarah Collison is an Occupational Therapist and the Director of Verve OT, specialising in assistive technology, home modifications, and complex functional assessments for NDIS participants. She leads a team of 55 OTs servicing the Sydney and Blue Mountains regions, delivering in-home and community-based supports to NDIS participants.
As a trainer and presenter, Sarah has educated thousands of OTs across Australia, equipping them to confidently navigate the complexities of the NDIS. She is the founder of Verve OT Learning, an education hub that empowers OTs to deliver high-quality, evidence-based services.
Sarah is also the facilitator of the NDIS OT Community of Practice, a network of over 11,500 OTs, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for better participant outcomes. In addition, she is the co-host of the OT Unplugged podcast, where she brings real conversations and practical insights to OTs navigating the NDIS space.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
I found the workshop very informative and helpful. The framework used to write NDIS Functional Assessments which was outlined in the workshop, was clear and comprehensive. Its important OTs are aware of all components within such an assessment so as to ensure clients receive the funding they need.
It was a great resource for an OT who isn't too familiar with NDIS and just needed a basic overview of what a functional Ax entails and what NDIS is looking for. Really brought back core OT skills and assessments into the webinar which was great!
