Introduction: Navigating Your NDIS Plan with Occupational Therapy Support
If you or someone you care for is living with a disability on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, finding the right occupational therapy support under the NDIS can feel overwhelming. Whether you need a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA), are looking to build independence in daily life, or want to move into meaningful employment, an experienced NDIS occupational therapist can be the catalyst for real, lasting change.
At Rebound Health in Frenchs Forest, our occupational therapists work alongside NDIS participants to unlock their potential — from thorough assessment and report writing through to hands-on, goal-focused therapy. This guide explains exactly how OT supports NDIS participants, what to expect from key services, and how our team can help you make the most of your plan.
What Is an NDIS Occupational Therapist?
An occupational therapist (OT) is an allied health professional who helps people participate in the activities — or “occupations” — that matter most to them. Under the NDIS, OTs play a critical role in:
- Assessing how a disability impacts a participant’s daily functioning
- Writing clinical reports that inform planning decisions
- Delivering therapy to build skills and independence
- Recommending assistive technology and home modifications
- Supporting participants in reaching work and community goals
OT services under the NDIS are most commonly funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity) and Capacity Building — Finding and Keeping a Job, though they may also be funded under Core Supports depending on your individual plan.
What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?
A Functional Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation conducted by a qualified occupational therapist. It examines how your disability affects your ability to perform everyday tasks — from personal care and household management through to communication, mobility, and social participation.
What Does an FCA Cover?
A thorough FCA typically assesses:
- Personal care and self-management — bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and medication management
- Domestic tasks — cooking, cleaning, shopping, and managing the home environment
- Mobility and transport — getting around the home and community safely
- Social participation — connecting with others, accessing community activities
- Communication — understanding information and expressing needs
- Executive functioning — planning, problem solving, memory, and attention
- Work and vocational capacity — ability to engage in employment or study
- Mental health and emotional regulation — managing mood, anxiety, and stress in daily life
Why Is an FCA Important for Your NDIS Plan?
Your FCA report is one of the most powerful documents in your NDIS journey. It provides the NDIS with objective clinical evidence of how your disability creates functional impairment, which directly influences:
- The type and amount of support funding allocated in your plan
- Eligibility for specific Capacity Building or Core Supports
- Justification for assistive technology, home modifications, or supported accommodation
- Access to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Without a high-quality FCA, participants may receive insufficient funding to meet their genuine needs. A well-written, thorough FCA — produced by an experienced NDIS OT — can make a significant difference to planning outcomes.
The FCA Process at Rebound Health Frenchs Forest
At Rebound Health, our occupational therapists conduct FCAs using validated, standardised assessment tools alongside clinical observation and structured interview. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with an intake conversation to understand your background, your goals, and the nature of your disability. This helps us tailor the assessment to your specific circumstances.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
Your OT will conduct a face-to-face assessment, which may take place in our Frenchs Forest clinic or in your home environment for greater ecological validity. We use a combination of:
- Standardised functional assessments
- Activity observation
- Participant self-report
- Carer or support worker input (where appropriate)
- Review of existing medical and allied health reports
3. Report Writing
Following the assessment, your OT prepares a detailed written report for the NDIS. This includes clinical findings, functional impact ratings, recommended supports, and clearly articulated goals. Our reports are written with NDIS language and framework in mind to support strong planning outcomes.
4. Handover and Planning Support
We walk you through the report findings and help you understand how to use the recommendations during your NDIS planning meeting or plan review.
NDIS Improved Daily Living: What Can an OT Help With?
Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity) is a Capacity Building support category designed to help participants build the skills and independence to manage their daily lives. OT services under this category are broad and highly individualised.
Common Improved Daily Living OT services include:
Skills-Based Therapy
Hands-on sessions focused on building practical skills — such as meal preparation, personal hygiene routines, household management, or using public transport — to increase independence at home and in the community.
Home Modification Assessments
Your OT can assess your home environment and make recommendations for modifications — such as grab rails, ramps, wet room modifications, or kitchen adaptations — to improve safety and independence.
Assistive Technology Assessment and Prescription
From specialised seating and mobility aids through to communication devices and smart home technology, our OTs identify the right tools to support your function and quality of life.
Cognitive and Executive Functioning Support
For participants with brain injury, neurological conditions, ADHD, autism, or mental health diagnoses, OT can provide strategies and skill-building to support memory, organisation, time management, and emotional regulation.
Sensory Processing Intervention
Particularly relevant for participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing differences, OT can support the development of personalised sensory strategies that allow full participation in daily life.
Fatigue Management and Energy Conservation
For participants living with chronic conditions, MS, cancer, or post-COVID symptoms, OT provides practical fatigue management strategies to maximise participation in daily activities.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
OT has a strong evidence base in mental health recovery. Our therapists support participants to establish meaningful routines, manage occupational roles, and build resilience across work, self-care, and leisure domains.
NDIS Finding and Keeping a Job: How OT Supports Employment Goals
For many NDIS participants, employment is a central life goal — and one that can feel out of reach without the right support. The Finding and Keeping a Job support category (CB Employment) funds OT services specifically aimed at helping participants move toward meaningful work.
This is an area where Rebound Health OTs have deep expertise. We understand that disability doesn’t define what someone is capable of — it simply means the pathway into work may require a more tailored approach.
Vocational Assessments
Your OT can conduct a formal vocational assessment to understand your strengths, transferable skills, work history, and how your disability affects your ability to perform specific job tasks. This forms the foundation of a realistic, evidence-based employment plan.
Workplace Assessments and Modifications
Already employed but struggling with aspects of your role? Our OTs can visit your workplace, assess the physical and cognitive demands of your job, and recommend modifications, assistive technology, or role adjustments to support you to stay in work.
Job Readiness Skills Training
From building a daily routine that supports reliable attendance, to developing communication skills for the workplace, our OTs work on the practical, functional skills that underpin sustainable employment.
Graded Return to Work Programs
Following injury, illness, or a period of disengagement from the workforce, our OTs design and deliver graded return-to-work programs that balance rehabilitation with increasing participation in meaningful employment.
Collaboration with Employment Service Providers
We work closely with Disability Employment Services (DES) providers, job coaches, and support coordinators to ensure our OT input integrates seamlessly into your broader employment support plan.
Who Can Access NDIS OT Services at Rebound Health Frenchs Forest?
Our occupational therapists work with NDIS participants across a wide range of disability types, including:
- Physical disabilities — spinal cord injury, limb difference, musculoskeletal conditions
- Acquired brain injury (ABI) — stroke, traumatic brain injury, hypoxic injury
- Neurological conditions — Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Intellectual disability
- Mental health conditions — psychosocial disability, anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia
- Developmental delay and childhood disability
- Chronic conditions and complex health needs
We also see clients who are undergoing NDIS access requests for the first time and need assessment and report support to establish eligibility.
Do I Need a Referral to See an OT at Rebound Health?
No referral is required. If you have an active NDIS plan with funding under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living or Capacity Building — Finding and Keeping a Job, you can contact us directly to book an appointment.
If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can engage Rebound Health directly. If you are NDIA-managed, your supports must be delivered by a registered NDIS provider — please contact us to confirm current registration status.
If you’re unsure what funding you have or whether OT is covered under your plan, we’re happy to help you navigate your plan documents.
Why Choose Rebound Health for NDIS Occupational Therapy on the Northern Beaches?
Rebound Health is a specialist allied health practice based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with a clinic conveniently located to serve participants in Frenchs Forest, Dee Why, Brookvale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Mona Vale, and across the wider Northern Beaches LGA.
Here’s what sets our NDIS OT team apart:
- Allied health specialists, not generalists — we are a multidisciplinary team with deep expertise across OT, exercise physiology, and dietetics
- NDIS-experienced clinicians — our OTs understand the NDIS framework, the language of planning, and how to write reports that achieve results
- Person-centred, goal-focused care — your goals drive everything we do, from the first assessment to the final session
- Holistic support — where relevant, we co-ordinate OT with exercise physiology (movement and strength) and dietetics (nutrition) for a truly integrated approach
- Neurodivergent-affirming practice — our team has specific experience and training in supporting participants with ASD, ADHD, and sensory processing differences
- Transparent communication — we keep you, your support coordinator, and your care team informed at every stage
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Functional Capacity Assessment take?
The assessment itself typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the complexity of your situation. Report writing and review adds additional time. We aim to have completed FCA reports ready within 2–3 weeks of the assessment.
How much does an FCA cost under NDIS?
FCA costs are typically claimed against your Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget at the current NDIS price guide rate for OT services. We will provide a clear fee schedule and service agreement before any assessment commences.
Can an OT help me during an NDIS plan review?
Absolutely. We can provide updated reports, letters of support, and attend planning meetings (where appropriate) to advocate for the right level of support in your plan.
My child has autism. Can your OTs support them?
Yes. Our occupational therapists have experience working with children and young people with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and sensory processing differences. We offer assessments, therapy, and home/school-based recommendations.
I live in Dee Why / Brookvale / Warriewood — can I still access your services?
Yes. Rebound Health is centrally located on the Northern Beaches and we see participants from across the peninsula, including Frenchs Forest, Dee Why, Brookvale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Newport, and beyond. In some cases, home visits may also be available.
Ready to Book Your NDIS OT Appointment in Frenchs Forest?
Whether you need an FCA for your upcoming plan review, are ready to start working toward your employment goals, or simply want to understand how occupational therapy can help you live more independently — our team is here to help.
📍 Rebound Health | Frenchs Forest, Northern Beaches, Sydney
🌐 www.reboundhealth.com.au
Rebound Health is a specialist allied health practice serving NDIS participants on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Our team of accredited exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, and dietitians work together to support your health, independence, and quality of life.