What is Occupational Therapy and How a Functional Assessment Helps with NDIS Planning
Empowrd • March 18, 2025
Occupational Therapy (OT) is vital in helping individuals with disabilities gain independence, improve daily living skills, and achieve their goals. For some NDIS participants, an Occupational Therapy Functional Assessment may be necessary to determine the required support level and provide evidence for funding requests. But what exactly is Occupational Therapy, and how does a Functional Assessment help with NDIS planning? Let’s break it down.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy focuses on helping individuals participate in everyday activities, also known as "occupations." This can include tasks like:
- Personal care (dressing, showering, eating)
- Household activities (cooking, cleaning, using appliances)
- Social and community participation
- School or workplace tasks
- Mobility and physical movement
For people with disabilities, OT helps develop skills, modify environments, and provide assistive technology to enhance independence and quality of life.
How Does Occupational Therapy Help NDIS Participants?
Under the NDIS, Occupational Therapy can provide support in several ways:
- Skill Development – Helping participants build skills to complete daily tasks more independently.
- Assistive Technology & Equipment – Recommending wheelchairs, bathroom aids, or home modifications.
- Sensory Processing Support – Helping individuals who experience sensory sensitivities.
- Functional Assessments – Assessing a participant’s abilities to ensure their NDIS plan includes the right level of support.
What is a Functional Assessment?
A Functional Assessment is a detailed evaluation by an Occupational Therapist to assess a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. This assessment helps determine the support and funding needed under the NDIS.
The assessment typically includes:
- Daily Living Skills Review – Evaluating how a participant manages tasks like dressing, eating, and personal care.
- Mobility & Physical Functioning – Identifying difficulties with movement and whether assistive devices are required.
- Environmental Assessment – Assessing whether modifications to the home or workplace are necessary.
- Cognitive and Sensory Processing – Understanding challenges related to thinking, learning, and sensory sensitivities.
- Social & Community Participation – Evaluating participant’s ability to engage in community, work, or social settings.
How a Functional Assessment Helps with NDIS Planning
A Functional Assessment is a key document used in NDIS planning meetings. It provides evidence-based recommendations to support a participant’s funding requests. Here’s how it helps:
- Justifies Support Needs – Clearly outlines why a participant requires specific supports, therapy, or equipment.
- Strengthens NDIS Applications – Provides professional documentation to support funding approvals.
- Ensures Tailored Supports – Helps create a plan that reflects the participant’s unique needs and goals.
- Identifies Assistive Technology Needs – Ensures funding is allocated for essential mobility aids, home modifications, or therapy.
How to Get an Occupational Therapy Functional Assessment
If you think an OT Functional Assessment could help with your NDIS planning, here’s how to get started:
- Discuss it with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager – They can help determine if an OT assessment would benefit your plan.
- Find an NDIS-registered Occupational Therapist – You can choose an OT provider specialising in functional assessments.
- Book an Assessment – The OT will visit you at home or in a clinical setting to assess your needs.
- Use the Report for NDIS Planning – The completed assessment can be provided to the NDIA to support your funding requests.
How Empowrd Can Help
Occupational Therapy can be vital in supporting NDIS participants to live more independently. A Functional Assessment ensures participants receive the right level of support, assistive technology, and home modifications to meet their needs. By working with an experienced OT and seeking the proper support, participants can maximise the benefits of their NDIS plan.
At Empowrd, we assist NDIS participants from our base in Port Lincoln by providing Support Coordination and Plan Management to help them access the needed services, including Occupational Therapy Functional Assessments.
- Need help arranging an OT assessment?
- Looking for guidance on including the right supports in your NDIS plan?
- Want to ensure your NDIS funding is managed efficiently?
Call (08) 8683 4401 or visit www.empowrd.com.au to learn more.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
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