Why Functional Capacity Assessments Deserve Better — And How We’re Setting the Standard

For many people navigating the NDIS, a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is one of the most important pieces of evidence in their journey. It’s the report that can open doors to funding, supports, and opportunities for a better quality of life.

But here’s the problem: too often, FCAs don’t live up to their purpose.

In our work, we’ve reviewed reports stemming from public and private domains, and what we found was worrying. These reports, while filled with data, often miss the mark when it comes to clarity, flow, and usefulness for NDIS planning. In fact, many reports do the opposite of what they’re meant to do: they confuse, complicate, or bury the real story of the person’s disability and functional needs.

The Common Problems We See in FCA Reports

Again and again, we notice the same issues cropping up in reports across the sector:

• Data overload without meaning. Assessment tools are presented as raw numbers and tables, with little explanation of what they actually mean for the person’s daily life or support needs.

• Poor structure and flow. Many reports are packed with unnecessary headings, subheadings, or repeated information. Instead of guiding the reader through a clear story, they feel like a maze.

• Basic errors. We’ve seen spelling mistakes, incorrect pronouns (a clear sign of copy-paste shortcuts), and tables within tables that make reports almost unreadable.

• Filler content. Long-winded descriptions and irrelevant items that don’t connect back to NDIS funding decisions or goals.

The result? Reports that should advocate for a participant instead create barriers — confusing planners, frustrating support coordinators, and delaying the funding people urgently need.

And if the quality issues weren’t enough, there’s also the problem of long waitlists and turnaround times. Too many families and service providers are waiting months for an FCA, only to receive a report that feels rushed, disjointed, or ineffective.

We believe people with disability deserve better.

Our Approach: Setting a Higher Standard

When we decided to offer FCAs, we set out to raise the bar. We knew that if we were going to do this, we had to do it differently — and better.

Here’s how our approach stands apart:

• Logical, clean structure. Our reports are designed to flow in a way that makes sense to everyone — from participants and families, to support coordinators, to NDIS planners.

• Data with meaning. We don’t just present test scores or tables. We translate data into evidence that clearly connects with functional domains, NDIS planning categories, and participant goals.

• No fillers, no fluff. Every section of the report is purposeful and directly contributes to building a strong case for support.

• Fast turnaround. While we won’t promise specifics here, we make it a priority to deliver reports faster than what participants and providers typically experience in the sector. Because waiting shouldn’t be part of the problem.

• Attention to detail. From correct pronouns to professional presentation, we take the time to ensure reports reflect respect, accuracy, and credibility.

In short: our FCAs don’t just tick boxes. They advocate.

Why This Matters

At the end of the day, an FCA is not just a clinical document. It’s a gateway to life-changing funding and supports. When reports are poorly written or take too long, people with disability are the ones who miss out.

We believe it’s time for a higher standard in the disability sector — one where reports are clear, professional, and powerful tools for advocacy. One where turnaround times are reasonable. And one where participants, families, and support coordinators feel confident that the assessment truly represents the person and their goals.

That’s the standard we’re committed to setting.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

If you’re a support coordinator, service provider, or family member tired of long waitlists and confusing FCA reports, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch today to have a chat about your referral.