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Functional Capacity Assessment

Overview of Functional Capacity Assessment

At Jardin Spectrum Assist (JSA), a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is more than just an evaluation—it's a comprehensive process aimed at understanding an individual's unique abilities and support needs for NDIS funding. Our FCAs are grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming approach that embraces each person’s identity and strengths, focusing on their overall well-being and quality of life.

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We recognise the interconnectedness of various aspects of life with disability, and our holistic approach ensures that all areas of need are considered. Our goal is to provide a clear understanding of the supports required to foster independence, participation, and a fulfilling life.

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Our FCA Assessments Include:
We conduct thorough assessments across a variety of functional areas, including:

  • Communication Skills: How individuals express themselves and interact with others.

  • Mobility and Physical Abilities: Assessing movement, coordination, and the ability to complete physical tasks.

  • Cognitive Functioning: Evaluating thinking skills, memory, and problem-solving capabilities.

  • Sensory Processing: Understanding how individuals perceive and respond to sensory stimuli.

  • Daily Living Skills: Assessing the ability to perform everyday tasks independently.

  • Social and Emotional Well-being: Evaluating social interactions, relationships, and emotional regulation.

 

Our Approach
Our multidisciplinary team—consisting of a Developmental Educator, Occupational Therapist, and Clinical Nurse—works collaboratively to ensure the assessment is comprehensive, person-centred, and comfortable. Each team member brings their expertise to provide a holistic view of the individual's strengths, needs, and goals, ensuring that every aspect of life is considered in the assessment process.

 

Why Choose JSA for Your FCA?
At JSA, we are committed to providing:

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices: We respect and celebrate each individual's neurodivergent identity throughout the assessment process, ensuring that assessments reflect the person’s unique strengths and needs.

  • Holistic Approach: Our assessments explore how different aspects of life—such as physical, emotional, social, and cognitive factors—intersect with disability to ensure a full understanding of the person’s needs and how to support them.

  • Personalised Support: Each FCA results in a tailored support plan that reflects the individual's goals and strengths. Our approach is flexible and adaptive, ensuring that support evolves as the person’s needs change over time.

  • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our team includes a diverse range of professionals, including a Developmental Educator, Occupational Therapist, and Clinical Nurse, who collaborate to ensure a well-rounded and thorough assessment. Each clinician brings their unique expertise to offer a holistic view of the individual.

  • Comprehensive Reporting: We ensure that the FCA reports we provide are comprehensive, clear, and ready for NDIS submissions, fully meeting the guidelines and criteria for NDIS funding applications and reviews.

  • Clear Communication: We maintain ongoing communication with clients and their families, ensuring that they understand each step of the process. We provide guidance on navigating the NDIS and ensure that all questions are answered promptly.

  • Compassionate Care: We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where clients and their families feel comfortable and respected throughout the assessment journey.

 

Our Functional Capacity Assessments are designed to empower individuals by identifying the supports they need to live independently and participate fully in their community.

 

Get in Touch
To learn more about how a Functional Capacity Assessment at JSA can help you or to schedule an assessment, contact our team today. We are here to provide guidance every step of the way.

How FCAs are Conducted

Intake

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Your clinician will get to know you and your circumstances during an intake that lasts about 90 minutes, and document observations and important details for the FCA assessment.

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Questionnaires

 

Our team will contact you with the FCA questionnaires and evidenced-based assessments that will be crucial for your FCA and communicating your needs to the NDIA.

 

Report

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Your clinician will use all the data, observations, and intake details to write a comprehensive FCA. Our multidisciplinary team will review this and then you receive a completed FCA.

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Timeline and Costs

We prioritise working within your schedule to complete your Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) in a timely manner, especially for any upcoming NDIS reviews. While most FCAs are completed within 4 weeks, timelines may vary depending on individual circumstances. We encourage you to let us know if your assessment needs are urgent, so we can accommodate your schedule.

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Cost Breakdown
Our service is billed at $193.99 per hour, with a total of 15 hours dedicated to comprehensive evaluation and reporting.

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  • Initial Assessment with Functional Interview (Intake): 1.5 hours – $290.98

  • Assessments: 1.5 hours – $290.98

  • Assessment Tool Scoring and Evaluation: 4 hours – $775.96

  • Report Writing: 8 hours – $1,551.92

  • Assessment Summary Discussion (Complimentary): 1 hour

 

Total cost for a Comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessment: $2,909.85

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After completion, you will receive a detailed, evidence-based report that provides valuable insights into your functional capabilities and is tailored for NDIA review and considerations.

Assessments we use for the FCA process:

Adult Assessments

  • WHODAS 2.0

  • Life Skills Profile (16-item version) (LSP-16)

  • Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-III

  • Vineland-3 Comprehensive

  • Sensory Profile Adolescent/Adult

  • BECK Anxiety Inventory (17 to 80 years)

  • BECK Depression Inventory (13 to 80 years)

  • BECK Scale for Suicide Ideation (17 years and older)

  • Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - 16 item version (DERS-16)

  • Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS)

  • Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire (American Medical Association)

  • Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS)

  • Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire-3 (RBQ-3)

  • Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire for Adults (EDA-QA)

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Child/Adolescents Assessments

  • Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test

  • WHODAS Child

  • Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-III

  • Sensory Profile Adolescent/Adult (11+ years)

  • Sensory Profile 2 (Birth to 14 years)

  • BECK Anxiety Inventory (17 to 80 years)

  • BECK Depression Inventory (13 to 80 years)

  • BECK Scale for Suicide Ideation (17 years and older)

  • Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire (American Medical Association)

  • Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS)

  • Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire-3 (RBQ-3)

  • Extreme Demand Avoidance 8-item measure (EDA-8) (5 to 17 years)

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Participants requiring nursing assessments in their FCAs can include: 

  • Braden Scale for Pressure Ulcer Risk

  • Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) for nutritional assessment

  • Numeric Pain Rating Scale for pain management

  • Fall Risk Assessment Tool (Morse Fall Scale)

  • Barthel Index for assessing activities of daily living

  • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function

  • Glasgow Coma Scale for Consciousness Level

  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for cognitive impairment

Our interventions at JARDIN SPECTRUM ASSIST go beyond standard practices. We are deeply committed to respecting the individual narratives of autistic and disabled people. Our support is tailored to recognise and honour the unique strengths and experiences of each person we work with. As we continue to listen, learn, and adapt, our mission remains clear: empowering individuals to lead lives defined by their own goals, dreams, and strengths—free from societal limitations.

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