If you’ve heard the term NDIS Capacity Building but aren’t quite sure what it means or how it applies to you, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explain what capacity building is, how the funding works, and how an occupational therapist (OT) can help you use this funding to build your independence and achieve your goals.
What is NDIS capacity building?
Capacity Building supports are specifically designed to help you learn new skills, increase your capacity, and gain more independence in everyday life. They’re not simply about support for the now, they’re about helping you move toward your goals.
These supports are part of the Capacity Building budget in your plan and are aligned with one of the Capacity Building sub-categories (for example: Improved Daily Living Skills, Increased Social and Community Participation).
The NDIA expects supports to be:
- Clearly linked to your goals and the impact of your disability;
- Delivered by qualified providers or therapists, using evidence-based methods; and
- Documented in assessment/reports so the need, frequency and expected outcome are clear
Examples of everyday goals that Capacity Building can support
Capacity Building funding is flexible and can be used for a wide range of goals that help you build skills and independence.
For example, it can support:
- Independent living skills: such as cooking, cleaning, or managing daily routines.
- Community access: learning to use public transport or engage confidently in community activities.
- Life stage transitions: such as moving out of home, starting work, or adjusting to new routines after an injury or illness.
- Cognitive and social skill development: building memory strategies, problem-solving, or social skills.
The NDIS divides Capacity Building into several areas that relate to different skill types and goals, but your plan is always tailored to your individual needs and priorities. The supports you receive, and how they’re delivered should reflect what matters most to you.
How to access capacity building funding through your NDIS plan
You can access Capacity Building funding as part of your NDIS plan. If you’re new to the NDIS, the first step is to apply and go through the planning process, more information is available on the NDIS website.
Once your plan is approved, you can choose a provider like Optimal Living Therapy to deliver your occupational therapy capacity building supports. Your OT will work with you to identify your goals, create a plan, and design therapy sessions that make meaningful progress toward the outcomes you want.
How an Occupational Therapist Can Help You Use Capacity Building Supports
Occupational therapists play a key role in helping you make the most of Capacity Building funding. At Optimal Therapy, our OTs support adults with neurological or physical/cognitive challenges to build skills that improve independence and quality of life.
An OT might help you:
- Develop or rebuild physical and functional skills (fine motor, coordination, self-care routines).
- Make use of assistive technology or adapt your environment to assist daily living.
Improve cognitive or problem-solving skills, goal-setting, and independent task management. - Build confidence in managing routines, environments, or community participation.
- Importantly, under the new guidelines, the therapy we provide is:
- Linked directly to your goals and measurable outcomes;
- Time-bounded and targeted (i.e., designed to build capacity, not simply maintain the status quo indefinitely unless your condition requires maintenance).
- Delivered by qualified professionals under relevant standards (ensuring you get value for money and are supported by evidence).
- Every plan is personalised, your OT will focus on what matters most to you, and create practical, achievable steps toward your goals.
Ready to Build Skills, Confidence & Independence?
If you’re ready to get started, we’d love to work with you. Reach out to us today to learn how Capacity Building support can help you achieve your goals, increase your independence, and shape your future.
