What is functional assessment? This is a question that many people are asking, especially now that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is being rolled out across Australia. Functional assessment is a process used to identify and understand the functional abilities of an individual. It can be used to assess both children and adults with disabilities, as well as those who are elderly or frail. In this article, we will discuss why functional assessment is important and how it can help you or your loved one access the NDIS.
Firstly, functional assessment helps to determine what supports and interventions are needed for an individual. This can include assistive technology, therapy, and other services that can improve their daily functioning and overall quality of life. It also establishes a baseline for monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of these supports and interventions.
Secondly, functional assessment is essential in developing an NDIS plan. The NDIS will only fund reasonable and necessary supports that align with an individual’s functional abilities and goals. Without functional assessment, it may be difficult to accurately identify the appropriate level of support needed. Additionally, functional assessment NDIS can provide important information for planning meetings with NDIS planners or local area coordinators.
Lastly, functional assessment helps individuals understand their own strengths and challenges. This self-awareness can aid in setting personal goals and making informed decisions about support needs.
How does this work? A functional assessment involves observing and gathering information about an individual’s functional abilities in areas such as communication, mobility, self-care, and social skills. This can be completed by a professional occupational therapist or through collaboration with others who know the individual well.
While functional assessments have traditionally been used for individuals with disabilities, they can also be helpful for anyone seeking support through the NDIS. It is important to note that functional assessment results cannot determine eligibility for NDIS funding — only a person’s disability status can do that.
What are the requirements?
1) A functional assessment should be completed by a qualified professional, such as an occupational therapist.
2) The functional assessment must focus on the individual’s functional abilities in all key life areas, such as communication, mobility, self-care, and social skills.
3) The functional assessment results can inform the development of a person’s NDIS plan, helping to identify support needs and goals that may improve their quality of life.
4) It is important for the functional assessment to consider the individual’s personalized strengths, needs, and preferences in order for it to be meaningful and useful for planning purposes.
5) Functional assessments should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in functional abilities or support needs.
In conclusion, functional assessment plays a crucial role in the NDIS process. It helps determine appropriate funding and supports, as well as promoting self-awareness and goal-setting for individuals with disabilities. It is important to understand the purpose and benefits of functional assessment when navigating the NDIS system.
For more information on functional assessment NDIS, check online.
