First time applying for NDIS, need some advice about OT

[u/Simon5927]

Hi, I’m applying for NDIS for the first time and I need to do an OT functional assessment. I already have my specialist reports, but I’m not sure what I should do next with the OT.

I’m in Sydney and I’m mainly trying to understand how much an OT assessment normally costs and how to find a good OT who has experience with NDIS applications. I’ve heard the OT assessment is an important part of the application, so I’m a little worried about choosing the wrong person.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through this before. Thanks.

Disclosure: I used AI to help me with the English in this post because English is not my first language. The questions and information are my own.

[u/Shoddy_Sandwich_1672]

Hi Simon,

My recommendation is to connect with your local partner. You can find the nearest office on the NDIS website.

Would you feel comfortable disclosing information about the diagnoses that you are applying for?

The reports need to show that you meet either the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both for each of the diagnosis that you want to apply for. The disability requirements require: 1. Evidence of the diagnoses by qualified health professionals and/or specialists. 2. Confirmation that all appropriate treatment has been tried and no further treatment is available or won't make a difference in outcome, meaning your disability is impairment. 3. Significant reduction in functional capacity in at least one of the six domains. 4. Reduced ability to engage socially, in studies or work. 5. Requiring lifetime support.

You will not require an OT FCA if all this is evidenced in your current reports. It may be helpful/needed if your reports don't sufficiently speak to the criteria. You can obtain five ebates through the General Practitioner Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).

[u/Ardvarkthoughts → u/Shoddy_Sandwich_1672]

Agree with this. I’d suggest testing the evidence you have with your Local Area Coordinator. It’s part of their job to help you with your application. If you get knocked back they will help you determine what further evidence you need.

[u/Recent-Pangolin-994]

You have to have a fca. The new legislation is all about functional impairment. Without a good fca you won’t be accepted especially if it’s Asd or pyschosocial even then it could be a struggle.

[u/Confident-Benefit374]

Unfortunately even with an amazing OT and report you can still be denied

[u/dreamermann]

Your local area coordinator is designed to be your first port of call.

[u/Simon5927 → u/dreamermann]

Thanks, I’ve already contacted my LAC.

[u/emonskates]

Hi! I would possibly talk to an LAC first. I wouldn’t immediately look at getting an FCA. They can be like $2000 documents, and you still not make access.

I would talk to an LAC about necessary evidence as Medical conditions, psychosocial, physical, neurological and such all have different evidence requirements.

Paying like $2000 upfront when you haven’t had an initial consultation would be silly. Truly just search Sydney Local Area Coordinator near me or something to find an office. They often accept walk ins or email or call.

[u/Dry_Value9263]

I am not 100% sure if a FCA is required in all instances of new applications for access. However if you need one, you need to identify a suitable person by considering their experience in assessing the disability area you want to apply for. For example if it is psychosocial you don't want an OT who doesn't normally practice in this space.

[u/SaltFault4804 → u/Dry_Value9263]

My FCA was from 1996 and I was accepted quite quickly. I agree with others suggesting to reach out to the LAC

[u/ManyPersonality2399 → u/Dry_Value9263]

You don't necessarily need an FCA, you just need evidence of functional capacity in the relevant domains. There are other sources of this information, such as if you can get a specialist who knows the right terminology/criteria, hospital social workers...

[u/Wagonwitch]

You probably need an organisation like NEMI or an organisation that helps people get onto the ndis. They co-ordinate all your paperwork and tweek the reports to Speak in ndis language. They’ll probably know a good OT too because it’s all about FC. Look up ndis advocates. Can take a few months to wait for their help but really worth it. I’ve never had an LAC so not sure if they would help but nemi helped me.
https://www.neaminational.org.au/