Functional Capacity Assessments – NDIS & Medicolegal Services

We handle the complex paperwork and approval process, so you can focus on gaining independence and reaching your NDIS goals.

About the service

At Within Reach Therapy, we provide Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) that deliver detailed evaluations of physical function, work capacity, and functional limitations. With extensive medicolegal and NDIS experience, we provide accurate, evidence-based reports that meet the strict requirements of the NDIA, insurance providers, and legal professionals.

Whether you require an FCA for NDIS funding, return-to-work planning, or compensation claims, our assessments are tailored to your individual needs and objectives.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment is a structured evaluation designed to determine how  a person is impacted by their attributed impairments and describe how this affects their ability to perform daily activities, work-related tasks, and participate in their community. The results are used to support funding decisions, workplace planning, or legal proceedings.

Our FCA Services

NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments

Describes how your disability impacts your daily activities and participation.

Identifies supports, equipment, and interventions needed to improve function and independence.

Provides NDIA-compliant reports to support access requests, plan reviews, and assistive technology applications.

Helps your support team make informed decisions about your care and goals.

Common NDIS FCA purposes:

Accessing initial NDIS funding

Plan review evidence

Justification for capacity building supports, asistive technology or home / vehicle modifications.

Support coordination and planning

Medicolegal Functional Capacity Assessments

For legal, insurance, and workplace contexts, an FCA:

Objectively measures physical function, work tolerance, and vocational capacity.

Supports decision-making in compensation claims, workplace injury cases, and dispute resolution.

Includes detailed analysis linking medical findings to functional outcomes.

Meets the standards required by lawyers, insurers, and courts for admissible expert evidence.

Common medicolegal FCA purposes:

Return-to-work assessments

Workers’ compensation claims

Motor vehicle accident claims

Total and permanent disability (TPD) assessments

Public liability and personal injury cases

Why Choose Within Reach Therapy?

Dual expertise in NDIS and medicolegal assessments

NDIA, insurer, and court-ready documentation

Clear, objective, and defensible reporting

Collaborative approach with participants, legal representatives, insurers, and support teams

Flexible assessment locations — in-clinic, at home, or workplace visits

Book Your Functional Capacity Assessment

Whether you’re navigating the NDIS or involved in a legal or insurance process, we ensure your Functional Capacity Assessment is comprehensive, accurate, and tailored to your situation.

📞 Call us today to arrange your FCA and get the evidence you need for funding approval, workplace planning, or legal proceedings.

Book a consultation today

Lets have a free chat to see how Within Reach Therapy can assist you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Technical Advisor in the NDIS?

Technical Advisors in the NDIS support the NDIA with expert reviews of complex reports, on any type of funding request. They ensure that documentation aligns with the legislated reasonable and necessary criteria and provide insight into clinical best practice and all critical elements of a complex plan. While not publicly promoted as a service, understanding the internal roles within the NDIS can help allied health professionals and support coordinators prepare stronger, solution focused reports.

What is the role of an Occupational Therapist under the NDIS?

Occupational Therapists (OTs) support participants to build independence, improve daily living skills, and work towards their personal goals. This includes functional assessments, assistive technology prescriptions, home modifications, and therapeutic supports.

Do you provide Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)?

Yes. We specialise in detailed Functional Capacity Assessments tailored to support physical and neurological impairments.  Our reports can range from access requests, plan reviews, and funding changes as well as any other medico-legal reports. Our reports are clinically robust, goal-focused, and align with NDIS requirements — backed by extensive experience, including prior work as a Senior Technical Advisor to the NDIA.

Can I use NDIS funding to access OT services?

Yes. If your plan includes Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living funding, OT services are typically covered. We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants.

Do you provide complex home modification assessments?

Yes. We are qualified to complete Complex Home Modification (CHM) assessments and provide all required documentation, including floor plans, scope of works, and other AT assessments. We collaborate with builders, Support Coordinators, and designers to ensure accessible and safe living environments.

What types of participants do you work with?

We work primarily with adults and older participants living with physical, neurological, and cognitive disabilities. Our experience includes complex cases requiring strong clinical justification and advanced knowledge of NDIS processes.

Do you offer assistive technology (AT) assessments?

Yes. We assess and recommend a wide range of assistive technologies — from basic daily living aids to complex equipment like powered mobility, pressure care, environmental controls, and vehicle modifications.

Can you provide reports for NDIS plan reviews?

Yes. We provide high-quality reports tailored to NDIS decision-making criteria. Our reports clearly link the participant’s goals and functional needs to funding recommendations and help support positive outcomes during plan reassessments.

What is the process for starting OT services with you?

You can be referred by a Support Coordinator, LAC, or self-refer. Once we receive your referral and service agreement, we’ll arrange an initial consultation — either in person, in your home, or via telehealth, depending on your location and needs.

Do you service my area?

We are based on the Gold Coast and service Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW.  Under very specific circumstances, we may provide certain assessments via telehealth with options Australia-wide.

What makes your service different?

We offer a unique combination of clinical expertise and deep understanding of the NDIS system. Our background as a former NDIA Technical Advisor means our reports are aligned with what decision-makers need — helping participants access the right supports faster and with greater confidence.