1) What the NDIS covers (and how OT fits)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds supports that help you build independence, safety and participation. Occupational Therapy (OT) can be included in your plan to help with:
- Daily living skills such as dressing, grooming, cooking and mobility
- Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) to inform plan reviews
- Assistive Technology (AT) selection, trials and training
- Home modifications including rails, ramps and bathroom changes
- Psychosocial support to build routines, executive functioning and community access
OT turns your goals into practical changes at home, in the community, at work or in study environments.
2) Eligibility basics for WA participants
- Under 65 at the time of application
- Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected SCV holder
- Permanent or significant disability affecting daily life
- Living in an NDIS-serviced area (the scheme is statewide in WA)
How to apply: call 1800 800 110 or begin online at ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply. You will usually need medical or allied health evidence describing functional impact.
3) Where OT fits in your plan (budget categories)
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
Covers therapy sessions, skill building and functional capacity assessments.
Capital Supports – Assistive Technology & Home Modifications
Funds equipment and modification assessments, complex AT and installation.
Tip: align goals (e.g. “shower safely”, “prepare meals independently”) so the right budgets are included.
4) Step-by-step: accessing OT via the NDIS in WA
- Apply or confirm eligibility: submit an access request with supporting evidence.
- Planning meeting: describe daily activities, safety and participation goals; request OT supports where relevant.
- Select your OT provider: NDIA-managed plans must use registered providers; plan- and self-managed participants can choose any suitable OT.
- Assessment & plan of care: your OT completes assessments (e.g. FCA), recommends interventions or AT and sets measurable goals.
- Interventions & reviews: sessions, AT trials, home visits and progress notes help inform future funding.
5) FAQs for Western Australia
Do I need a GP referral? Not once your plan is active. A GP letter supports the initial access request, but you can contact an OT directly after approval.
Is telehealth available in regional WA? Yes. Telehealth OT is widely supported for regional and remote participants.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)? A structured OT assessment describing abilities, daily living impacts and recommended supports for funding decisions.
Where do home mods and AT fit? Low-cost AT may draw from core or capacity budgets; complex AT and home modifications are usually funded under Capital Supports and require quotes.
6) Why choose Pinnacle Occupational Therapy
- Functional Capacity Assessments and clear, goal-aligned reports
- Home modification and assistive technology recommendations
- In-home visits and telehealth therapy across WA
- Paediatric, adult and psychosocial OT capability
- Collaboration with support coordinators and plan managers
Ready to get started? Contact us to discuss your goals and plan options. Prefer a call? Include your phone number and we will ring you back.
7) Checklist for your next plan meeting
- List 3–5 daily activities you want to improve (e.g. showering, cooking, community access)
- Note falls, near-misses or safety concerns at home
- Record current equipment and gaps
- Ask for OT assessments, therapy and AT/home modifications linked to your goals
- Keep letters and reports ready for your planner