NDIS and Functional Capacity
What is Functional Capacity?
Functional capacity refers to an individual's ability to perform tasks and activities necessary for daily living. The NDIS examines six key areas of functional capacity, and they assess how a disability impacts a person's independence, self-management, mobility, communication, social participation, and learning.
Key Areas of Functional Capacity
1. Mobility/Motor Skills
2. Communication
3. Social Interaction
4. Learning
5. Self-care
6. Self-management
Let’s break down each of these areas and explore the evidence needed:
1. Mobility/Motor Skills
This refers to a person’s ability to move around in their environment, including walking, climbing stairs, using transport, or using assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers. Mobility also includes fine and gross motor skills such as reaching, lifting, grasping, or manipulating objects.
Evidence Requirements:
• Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy reports that detail:
o Specific limitations in walking, standing, or transferring. o The need for assistive devices (e.g., wheelchair, cane) or environmental modifications.
• Medical or specialist assessments indicating permanent motor impairments or injuries affecting mobility.
Example Impact Statement: "Due to spinal cord injury, the participant is unable to walk independently and requires a wheelchair for mobility. They need assistance with transfers from bed to chair and cannot navigate stairs without support."
2. Communication
This refers to how effectively a person can understand others and express themselves, whether verbally or non-verbally. This also includes the use of alternative or augmentative communication aids or devices.
Evidence Requirements:
• Speech Pathologist’s assessment highlighting:
o Difficulty in forming words, understanding speech, or using appropriate social language.
o The need for communication aids such as picture boards, devices, or interpreters.
• Cognitive or psychological assessments showing comprehension or expressive difficulties.
Example Impact Statement: "The participant has a moderate intellectual disability which affects their ability to understand complex language. They communicate through short sentences and rely on visual aids and gestures."
3. Social Interaction
This refers to the ability to engage and interact with others, including forming and maintaining relationships, understanding social cues, and regulating emotions or behavior in social situations.
Evidence Requirements:
• Psychological or behavioural assessments that describe: o Challenges in initiating or maintaining conversations or relationships. o Difficulty interpreting social cues or emotional responses.
• Reports from therapists or social workers detailing any social or behavioral interventions.
Example Impact Statement: "Due to Autism Spectrum Disorder, the participant has difficulties in making eye contact, understanding social cues, and managing their emotional responses. They find it challenging to interact with others and avoid crowded places."
4. Learning
This area covers the ability to understand and remember information, acquire new skills, and apply knowledge to everyday tasks. It includes academic learning as well as practical skills for daily living.
Evidence Requirements:
• Cognitive assessments or educational reports indicating:
o Delays in cognitive development, memory impairments, or learning disabilities.
o The need for specialized education supports or aids.
• Psychological evaluations indicating intellectual disabilities or limitations in problem-solving or reasoning abilities.
Example Impact Statement: "The participant has a learning disability which affects their short-term memory and comprehension. They require step-by-step instructions and cannot follow complex verbal instructions independently."
5. Self-care This refers to the ability to perform daily activities related to personal care and hygiene, such as dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, and toileting.
Evidence Requirements:
• Occupational Therapist or medical reports detailing:
o Specific self-care tasks the person cannot perform independently.
o The level of assistance required for activities like showering, dressing, or eating. • Speech Pathology or Nutritional assessments if there are difficulties in swallowing or feeding.
Example Impact Statement: "Due to muscular dystrophy, the participant is unable to dress or shower without assistance. They require help in transferring to the bathroom and in using adaptive equipment for grooming."
6. Self-management This refers to a person’s ability to make decisions, organize their life, manage their finances, and undertake planning or problem-solving tasks. It includes the ability to be independent in day-to-day life and handle responsibilities.
Evidence Requirements:
• Psychological or neuropsychological assessments that indicate: o Impairments in decision-making, planning, or managing daily tasks independently. o Difficulties in handling finances, appointments, or medications.
• Occupational Therapy reports describing the level of support needed for decision-making or planning.
Example Impact Statement: "The participant has an acquired brain injury, which impacts their executive functioning skills. They are unable to manage their finances or plan daily activities without support from a family member.