Writing Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) as an occupational therapist carries a weight of responsibility that’s hard to describe. These reports are far more than just paperwork – they’re our attempt to capture someone’s life, challenges, and needs in a way that will resonate with people who have never met them.
Recently, one of our team members received touching feedback from the parents of a 13-year-old with autism. They expressed how happy they were with how comprehensively the report articulated their child’s difficulties and advocated for the support they needed. This kind of feedback is rare and very meaningful for our team.
Every report involves concentrated effort, and the time needed will vary. Some assessments and reports can take as much as twelve to seventeen hours of careful observation, documentation, and writing. A lot is riding on the result, so we all feel pressure to ensure we are giving the most accurate report possible. We want participants and their families to get value from these documents.
Once we submit a report, it usually ends there. We often don’t hear back unless someone needs edits or additions. Now and then, we’ll see a plan come through and recognise our contribution. Those moments remind us that our detailed work translates into tangible support for families.
That’s why this week’s positive acknowledgment was so precious. It’s significant because we’re trying to represent our clients the way they want to be represented, often after spending just two or three hours with them. When that representation resonates with families, it gives us that immediate sense of satisfaction – that confirmation that ‘I am making a difference in the community.’
The real magic happens when you find a way to enter their world and understand what they’re going through. When clients feel that “this person understands what I’m going through and is willing to help me get what I need,” that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Feedback isn’t just a pat on the back – it’s fuel that gives us the momentum to continue doing what we do. It validates our effort to ensure our reports are comprehensive and impactful. These moments of appreciation remind us why we do what we do and underscore the crucial role these assessments play in helping NDIS participants access the support they need to live their best lives.
