Occupational Therapists are uniquely positioned to complete Functional Capacity Assessments due to their focus on functional performance within everyday contexts. Assessment is grounded in observation, task analysis and clinical reasoning to translate impairment into functional impact.

Occupational Therapy assessment considers how physical, cognitive, psychosocial and environmental factors interact during daily activities. This approach allows functional capacity to be described in a practical and meaningful manner rather than relying on diagnosis alone.

Occupational Therapists have conducted functional assessment since World War I, developing methods to analyse activity demands, grade task complexity and integrate multiple assessment approaches to form a comprehensive understanding of functional performance. This recognised expertise in functional analysis and adaptive strategy development supports the translation of assessment findings into clear and practical recommendations.

Functional Capacity Assessments may be used across clinical, statutory and service planning contexts where clear functional evidence is required.

 Within NDIS contexts, assessment commonly informs access, planning and plan review by providing structured evidence of functional capacity, supervision needs and support requirements.

Functional Capacity Assessments may also be requested by legal representatives to provide independent Occupational Therapy evidence regarding functional capacity and care needs in administrative or review settings. In these contexts, assessment is completed for review and decision-making rather than treatment.

In hospital and inpatient settings, Functional Capacity Assessment may support discharge planning by assisting teams to determine safe discharge options, identify support needs and inform recommendations for equipment or environmental supports.

Across all contexts, Functional Capacity Assessment translates medical and diagnostic information into practical functional evidence that supports informed and consistent decision-making regarding eligibility, risk, supports and outcomes.

Functional Capacity Assessment is completed using a structured approach designed to support consistency and clear clinical reasoning. Depending on the referral purpose, environment, and individual circumstances, assessment components may occur concurrently and may not follow a fixed sequence.

Assessment may include:

• Review of the referral purpose and available documentation, including NDIS plans where applicable and relevant medical or allied health reports.
• Information gathering through discussion with the person with disability and where involved, family members, informal supports or support workers.
• Consideration of functional performance across relevant daily activities, informed by direct observation where possible and supported by available information.
• Evaluation of environmental demands, barriers and contextual factors that influence functional performance.
• Integration of assessment findings with relevant clinical information to support accurate interpretation of functional capacity.
• Reporting is structured to clearly describe functional performance and to support appropriate interpretation within NDIS, statutory, or legal contexts.

Reporting is structured to clearly describe functional performance as observed at the time of assessment and to support appropriate interpretation within NDIS, statutory, or legal contexts.