The difference between reduced functional capacity and substantially reduced functional capacity?

To determine the eligibility for the psychosocial recovery scheme’s support and services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia is essential.

Reduced Functional Capacity

When a person with a psychosocial disability faces challenges, and their limitations or impairments affect their daily life performance or, to some extent, hamper their participation in community activities, it can be termed as reduced functional capacity.

Aspects of Reduced Functional Capacity

  • The difficulty may impact the person’s social life and community participation.
  • It may seem difficult to perform regular household chores and other daily activities.
  • Recovery management is necessary but may not be required. as an ongoing lifetime support.

If a participant comes under the ‘List A Medical Conditions’, then they might be able to meet the disability requirements by NDIS functional capacity.

Substantially Reduced Functional Capacity

Suppose a person with psychosocial disability shows more reduced functional capacity than usual, and it seems to be a permanent impairment, with a more significant impact of the disability to make regular life performances and function independently. In that case, it can be called a substantially reduced functional capacity.

Aspects of Reduced Functional Capacity

  • A person with a psychosocial disability faces severe limitations in performing multiple functions in life due to disability.
  • If communication with other people involves using sign language or gestures, it can be difficult to express or make others understand the thought. 
  • If the behaviour or interaction with the community or coping and expressing feelings to the social segment is an issue
  • Getting out of bed, sitting in a chair, or moving around at home or in the community is an issue. If self-management or managing your life is a problem, like making decisions, planning an activity, and doing daily tasks at home, 
  •  if the person cannot manage the monetary side, solve problems or maintain day-to-day tasks NDIS can be considered a mental or cognitive disability
  • Without regular support or intervention, quality of life and the ability to engage in activities cannot be maintained. 
  • The participant may require ongoing support and service to manage the disability and live independently.

Differences between both reduced functional capacity and substantial reduced functional capacity

  • The limitations of reduced functional capacity may be limited and not seen as highly critical or severe across different areas of life. Substantially functional capacity shows signs of more severe limitations across all the areas of life.
  • Reduced functional capacity may require support for a certain period, but substantially reduced functional capacity requires ongoing support. 
  • The severity of the reduced functional and substantially reduced functional capacity determines eligibility for support and service through the NDIS.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between reduced functionality capacity and substantially reduced functional capacity is essential to determining the range of supports and services available for both, depending on the severity and functional limitations.

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