Functional Capacity Assessments: Making Sense of What ‘Capacity’ Really Means

The words “Functional Capacity Assessment” can sound clinical — even intimidating.

But at its core, an FCA is simply a snapshot of your child’s everyday life: what they can do independently, what they need help with, and what supports make things easier.

These assessments play a crucial role in the NDIS planning process, helping to ensure that families receive the right level of support for their child’s needs.

At RippleAbility’s Carer Respite Centre, Rocky Bay clinicians shared how FCAs help families tell their stories clearly, confidently, and compassionately — in ways that planners can understand and fund.

💬 “It’s not about proving what your child can’t do — it’s about explaining what they need to thrive.”