At Optimal Living Therapy, we provide independent medical examinations (IMEs) focused on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) under the NDIS. We deliver clinically rigorous, functional assessments that align with current NDIS legislation and reflect a clear understanding of how eligibility decisions are made.
Our team of experienced occupational therapists regularly completes SDA and SIL assessments. We’re confident in our clinical reasoning, considered in our recommendations, and always objective in our approach. Whether you’re preparing for an appeal, seeking a second opinion, or acting on behalf of the NDIA, our reports are evidence-based, impartial, and designed to inform decision-making.
What We Assess
We provide assessments that include:
- A comprehensive evaluation of functional capacity in daily living and home-based tasks
- Assessment of the individual’s ability to access, use and be supported within different housing environments
- Evaluation of support requirements within the home (including shared vs. individualised models of support)
- Consideration of support needs across physical, cognitive, sensory, and neurological presentations
- Alignment to the NDIS Act, current SDA Design Standard, SDA Rules, and relevant Operational Guidelines
Our team has significant experience working with a wide range of disabilities, including degenerative conditions, acquired injuries, and lifelong impairments.
Please note: we do not accept referrals for clients whose primary support needs are related to psychosocial disability as this is outside our scope of expertise.
Who Refers to Us
- Legal representatives acting for NDIS participants
- Lawyers acting on behalf of the NDIA
- Support coordinators and advocacy organisations
- Plan nominees and family members
- Allied health professionals seeking a second opinion
Why choose Optimal Living Therapy for your IME
- Our occupational therapists complete SDA and SIL assessments weekly and understand the nuance of complex housing assessments
- Every report undergoes an internal peer-review process, led by a senior OT with experience in complex NDIS housing assessments.
- Our Director is an NDIS-registered SDA Assessor, bringing legislative insight and policy-level understanding to guide the structure and framing of reports.
- We maintain a high standard of clinical governance, ensuring each report is aligned to the NDIS Act, SDA Rules (2021), SDA Design Standard, and current Operational Guidelines.
- We work with a wide range of disability types, including degenerative, neurological, cognitive, and physical conditions, and carefully triage all referrals to ensure clinical suitability.
- We operate with transparency, objectivity, and professionalism and we’re trusted by both participant-aligned and agency-appointed legal teams.
- We are a WA-based team with availability for metro, regional and telehealth assessments.
We bring a grounded, evidence-informed voice to complex decision-making. Our IME reports are built on real-world experience, robust assessment, and a commitment to clear, defensible recommendations.
Enquire or Refer
If you’re seeking an independent medical assessment and occupational therapy report to support SDA or SIL decision-making, we’d love to hear from you.
FAQs
What is an IME report?
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) report is an objective, third-party assessment conducted by a qualified clinician. In the NDIS context, an IME report from an occupational therapist provides a comprehensive evaluation of a participant’s functional needs and support requirements. It is often used to inform decisions related to SDA or SIL funding, particularly in appeals or legal proceedings.
What does the assessment process involve for an IME?
The process typically includes a thorough file review, a structured interview with the participant (and often their support network), and a detailed in-person or telehealth functional assessment. Where appropriate, we may consult with existing therapists or review prior reports. Our final report includes a detailed summary of functional capacity, support needs, and housing fit, and is framed in line with NDIS legislation and operational guidelines.
Who conducts the IME assessment?
Our IMEs are conducted by experienced occupational therapists with expertise in SDA and SIL assessments. All reports are peer-reviewed internally and overseen by a senior clinician with a deep understanding of NDIS legislation. This ensures a high level of clinical quality, objectivity, and consistency in all reporting.
