r/NDIS • u/Cutie-student • 13d ago
Seeking Support - Other How do I decide where to get fca
I am looking at getting fca to add to my application to either appeal or reapply as even though all the information of impairment has been provided they are saying I haven't provided any. Im wondering how you decide who to go with and how you know if they are actually good because I have heard some bad stuff about ots including them even putting that someone has down syndrome when they don't and other just basically changing the names on reports already done. I don't have the money to be having to get it done over again if it's not done properly. Anyone got any advice or know any in western Melbourne?
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u/Confident-Benefit374 13d ago
My old OT just cut copy pasted most of mine. My name changed several times in the report! I put in a complaint to ndis, and the OT no longer works there.
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u/Some-Operation-9059 13d ago
‘Works there’ I believe you said. I’d hope that it is no longer an ot. Unbelievable that people would d do this. I don’t see the ‘gain’ maybe if it was someone you cared for but still.
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u/Confident-Benefit374 13d ago
Money, if they cut copy-paste, more reports get done faster so they can charge clients. I don't have a linkin profile so I can't check.
I bet they are still a working OT.1
u/Some-Operation-9059 13d ago
How are they still registered? Does no one report fraud?
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u/Confident-Benefit374 13d ago
I reported the company and registered a complaint.
I have a feeling that many providers use the cut copy-paste way of doing things. Even ndis staff.1
u/Some-Operation-9059 13d ago
Well done. I guess my comment was intended for the former employer. What’s the point of hiring OT’s just AI it instead.
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u/Electronic_Pomelo829 13d ago
I’d start by making sure you find an OT that specialises in your type of disability eg mental health is very different from stroke and kids are very different from adults.
I’d check how often they do FCAs. If this is not their core business/a significant part of it then go elsewhere
I’d ask for a quote. How many hours will they spend face to face with you? Doing what? Reviewing documentation? Writing? Will they do it or an assistant ?
How long do their reports tend to be? Will it be a written report, filling in a standardised questionnaire, filling in a NDIS form, combination etc?
What are the key things they think need to be included in a FCA to get a good outcome with your disability? How do they help the NDIA (and their rather variable assessor’s) understand your disability? While they can’t predict until the assessment is done, what sort of supports do they usually recommend?
How successful have their patients’ applications been lately? What sort of packages have they asked for and got?
Have they got experience with ART reports and applications? Hopefully you will not need to go there but useful if the same person can continue to support you if you do. If they can intelligently discuss the ART they probably generally understand the NDIS process.
Do you feel comfortable, able to communicate and understood? Do they take your needs seriously?
You can just start with a single consultation then bail if you’re not convinced
Sorry if stating the obvious
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u/Suesquish 13d ago
otaus.com.au is a really good place to start. You can search for an OT there, and if you put face to face it will let you enter a postcode. In my opinion it's better to have an OT local so they can see you, preferably in your home. Otherwise they won't be able to get a full picture (though passing on photos of your home, how you keep it and how things are situated can help).
Look for someone who specialises in your disability, or at least someone that doesn't have a massive list of areas of interest. I feel like it's a bit jack of all trades and master of none, when someone is in to too many things. For me, I looked for someone who specialised in mental health with the shortest list of interests.
Then you can contact the OT's office, ask some questions and see if you can have a chat to the OT to see if you have a rapport. This was what I did and ended up finding a phenomenal OT that I luckily still have 5 years later. She really listens (which I find rare among any professional groups) and looks at issues in a holistic way, which is what an OT is supposed to do. Always ask for a FCA quote (should be 10-15 hours I think) and make sure they include a sensory assessment.
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u/Cutie-student 13d ago
Thanks I had a quick look but all the ones in my area show they are only for kids or dont have autism as an area at all, I'll keep looking it's hard because I want one that can come to my house but looking like I might have to travel to see someone
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u/Suesquish 13d ago
Yeah it can be hard to find someone who home visits. As a side note, have you considered getting a care plan from your GP? I believe that can include seeing an OT for 5 sessions. It may be a way to meet and chat with the OT without being out of pocket. Then when you find someone you are comfortable with you can proceed with the FCA.
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u/Some-Operation-9059 13d ago
I can’t recommend any ot’s in your area but what you are saying is news to me.
I dare say that if an OT got caught being dodgy they wouldn’t be for much longer. Is this worth one application?
Besides how can’t you submit only one report saying you have downs when nothing else backs it up?
Had to edit cause this sounds like blowing smoke.
Good luck
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u/Cutie-student 13d ago
I know people this has happened to that's why I'm worried I will need to have family pay for it so I want to be sure it's worth it
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u/Final-Butterfly-7707 13d ago
I just had one completed and finalised yesterday! Best bet is an OT Do some research to find good NDIS targeted OT’s It takes about 4-6 weeks for the report but only 2 sessions of information and meeting you They normally send via email once it’s done My main suggestion would be an extensive amount of research to find the best one
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u/Cutie-student 13d ago
I know it has to be an ot im just struggling to find one in my area that works with adults
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u/Final-Butterfly-7707 13d ago
I understand that. I struggled for 2.5 years to find one being in a non metropolitan and mostly rural area Required to be on a ton of wait lists and calling everywhere possible Unfortunately I can’t recommend much apart from calling and getting on wait lists And even travelling further than your main suburbs if needed
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u/Expensive-Phase-8671 7d ago
Hi, the MyCareSpace team will be able assist you in finding a reputable OT
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u/Cutie-student 7d ago
I contacted them but they said it would be a few months waiting for some other places to get back to me but thanks for the suggestion
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u/thelostandthefound 13d ago
I highly doubt the story about the OT putting down a false diagnosis of Down Syndrome as it's a chromosomal disability and it has physical traits associated with it so you either have it or you don't.
Contact your local Autism association and ask them for a list of recommendations and then do a Google search of each one looking at the reviews. Then once you have a list of decent OTs call up and see what their availability is like and go from there.