Male OT for NDIS FCAs Across Regional Western Victoria

In short: Reliance Care and Support now has a male occupational therapist available to complete NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs), Assistive Technology assessments and Home and Living assessments, including for SIL and SDA. He travels to regional and rural communities across Western Victoria, including Ballarat, Geelong, Winchelsea and areas classified MM3 to MM7. We are accepting referrals now.

What is new?

Our occupational therapy team has added a male occupational therapist who completes assessments for NDIS participants outside metropolitan Melbourne as well as in Melbourne's west. Some participants, and some families, prefer to work with a male clinician. That preference can now be met for assessments as well as ongoing therapy.

The assessments he completes include:

Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs)
Supporting evidence for NDIS plan reviews and reassessments
SIL and SDA assessments
Assistive Technology (AT) assessments
Home and Living assessments, including home modifications
Capacity-building recommendations

Which areas does this cover?

We currently have availability for participants in:

Ballarat and surrounding areas
Geelong and surrounding areas
Winchelsea and surrounding areas
Regional and rural communities across Western Victoria classified MM3 to MM7

MM3 to MM7 refers to the Modified Monash Model, which the Australian Government uses to describe how remote a location is. It runs from MM1 (major cities) to MM7 (very remote). MM3 to MM7 covers large and small rural towns through to remote communities.

If you are in Melbourne's west, our OTs also see participants at our Truganina clinic and through community visits. See areas we serve for the suburbs we cover.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment is an assessment by an occupational therapist of how a person manages everyday activities. It usually looks at self-care, mobility, household tasks, communication, community access and safety, and how much support the person needs with each.

The OT writes a report with their findings and recommendations. Participants and their support teams often use FCA reports as evidence when the NDIS is reviewing a plan, or when asking for supports such as Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), assistive technology or home modifications. The NDIA makes the funding decision. The report gives it clear information to decide with.

To learn more about the discipline itself, read what an occupational therapist does, or our guide to NDIS occupational therapy in Melbourne's west.

How do SIL, SDA, AT and home modification assessments fit in?

These assessments look at a particular part of a person's life and the supports that could help:

SIL assessments look at the day-to-day support a person needs to live as independently as possible in a shared or individual home. Read more about SIL accommodation in Melbourne.
SDA assessments look at whether a person needs specialist housing designed for very high support needs, and what design features would suit them.
Assistive Technology assessments look at equipment such as mobility aids, bathroom equipment or communication devices, and which options suit the person's needs and environment.
Home modification and Home and Living assessments look at how someone manages at home and whether changes such as rails, ramps or bathroom modifications could help.

How do I make a referral?

Participants, families, support coordinators and plan managers can refer directly:

Make an NDIS referral online
Contact our team or call 03 9958 6699 to talk it through first
Let us know in the referral if the participant would prefer a male clinician, and which area they live in

Our NDIS support team can help with questions about the referral process. Support is also available in several languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a male occupational therapist for an NDIS assessment?

Yes. A male occupational therapist is available to complete Functional Capacity Assessments, Assistive Technology assessments and Home and Living assessments. Mention the preference when you make a referral and our team will arrange it where availability allows.

Do you travel to regional Victoria for Functional Capacity Assessments?

Yes. We currently have availability for participants in Ballarat, Geelong, Winchelsea and their surrounding areas, and in regional and rural communities across Western Victoria classified MM3 to MM7. Contact our team to confirm availability for a specific town.

What does MM3 to MM7 mean?

It refers to the Modified Monash Model, an Australian Government classification of how remote a location is. MM1 is a major city and MM7 is very remote. MM3 to MM7 covers large rural towns, small rural towns and remote communities.

Can an FCA report be used for an NDIS plan review?

An FCA report is often used as supporting evidence for an NDIS plan review or reassessment. It describes how the participant manages daily activities and what support they need. The NDIA decides what is funded, so a report supports a request but does not guarantee an outcome.

Who can refer a participant for an FCA?

Participants, family members, carers, support coordinators and plan managers can all make a referral. You can use our online NDIS referral form, or call our team on 03 9958 6699.

How is an FCA funded?

Functional Capacity Assessments for NDIS participants are usually funded from the Capacity Building budget of an NDIS plan, depending on what the plan includes. Your support coordinator or plan manager can confirm what applies to your plan before you book.

Trusted sources for further reading

This article is general information only and does not replace individual professional advice. NDIS funding decisions depend on your individual plan and circumstances. For advice about your situation, please speak with a qualified occupational therapist, your support coordinator or the NDIS.

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