An occupational therapy (OT) assessment is a key step in accessing many NDIS supports, from assistive technology and home modifications to Specialist Disability Accommodation. If you've been referred for an OT assessment and aren't sure what to expect, this guide is for you.

What is an Occupational Therapy Assessment?

An occupational therapy assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by a qualified occupational therapist. The goal is to understand how your disability or health condition affects your ability to perform everyday activities, things like getting dressed, preparing meals, moving around your home, and participating in the community.

The assessment findings are documented in a report that can be used to:

Justify NDIS funding for assistive technology or home modifications
Support an application for SDA or SIL
Guide the development of your NDIS plan
Provide clinical evidence for other health and disability services

What Happens During an OT Assessment?

1. Intake and Referral

Your OT assessment will be arranged by your support coordinator, NDIS planner, or GP. You'll receive an appointment time and may be asked to complete some paperwork beforehand.

2. The Assessment Itself

The assessment typically takes 1–2 hours and may be conducted:

In your home: the most common setting, allowing the OT to see your living environment
At a clinic: useful for specialised assessments
Online: available for some assessment types

During the assessment, the OT will:

Ask about your daily routines and what activities you find difficult
Observe you performing everyday tasks (if appropriate)
Assess your physical, cognitive, and sensory function
Review your home environment and identify barriers
Discuss your goals and what you want to achieve

3. Standardised Assessments

The OT may use standardised tools to objectively measure your functional abilities. Common assessment tools include:

FIM (Functional Independence Measure)
COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure)
AMPS (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills)

4. The Report

After the assessment, the OT will write a detailed report. This usually takes 2–4 weeks. The report will include:

A summary of your diagnosis and functional limitations
Findings from the assessment
Recommendations for supports, equipment, or modifications
Quotes or specifications for recommended assistive technology

Tip: When the OT asks how you're coping, describe your worst days, not your best. NDIS assessments should reflect the real impact of your disability, not how you manage on a good day.

How to Prepare for Your OT Assessment

Before the Assessment

Write down your daily challenges: think about what's hard for you from the moment you wake up to when you go to bed
List your current equipment: bring or note any assistive devices you already use
Know your goals: what do you want to be able to do that you can't do now?
Have your NDIS plan handy: the OT may want to refer to your existing funded supports

During the Assessment

Be honest: describe your worst days, not just your best. The assessment should reflect your real challenges
Ask questions: if you don't understand something, ask the OT to explain
Bring a support person: you're welcome to have a family member, carer, or support coordinator with you

After the Assessment

Follow up with the OT if you haven't received your report within the expected timeframe. Review the report carefully and raise any concerns with the OT. Share the report with your NDIS planner or support coordinator as needed.

What If I Disagree with the OT's Findings?

If you believe the assessment doesn't accurately reflect your needs, you can:

Request a meeting with the OT to discuss your concerns
Seek a second opinion from another OT
Raise the issue with your NDIS planner or LAC

Need an OT Referral?

If you're an Innogreen SDA resident or NDIS smart home client, we can help connect you with experienced occupational therapists in Perth. Our team works closely with OTs to ensure your home environment and assistive technology recommendations are aligned.

OT Assessments: What to Expect and How to Prepare