Occupational Therapy Services
Assessments and On-going Support
At FunctionAbility, we provide thorough, client-centred Occupational Therapy assessments for children, young people, and adults. Our assessments are designed to build a clear understanding of an individual’s strengths, challenges, and functional needs, allowing us to make practical, evidence-based recommendations that support participation at home, in education or work, and in everyday life.
Our assessments can be used to support EHCPs, private assessments, education settings, workplace support, health-related needs, or planning for future provision.
We use a combination of standardised assessments and individualised clinical observations, always tailored to the person we are working with. Assessments may include (but are not limited to):
A detailed Occupational Profile, including background information, routines, roles, and daily living skills
Clinical observations of posture, balance, movement patterns, eye movements, and reflexes
Sensory processing assessments to understand how sensory input impacts regulation, attention, and participation
Handwriting assessments, including the Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting (DASH), where appropriate
Visual perception assessments, such as the Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP-3 or DTVP-A:2)
Motor coordination assessments, including the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement ABC – 3rd Edition)
Client, parent, and caregiver interviews to capture real-life experiences and priorities
Educational, workplace, or functional environment observations, where relevant
In addition to assessment, we offer ongoing Occupational Therapy support, which may include:
Implementing tailored OT strategies and interventions
Monitoring progress towards personalised goals and outcomes
Providing clear written reports and evidence
Re-assessing needs where circumstances change or additional evidence is required
FunctionAbility’s OT's can act as expert witnesses, providing independent, evidence-based opinion for a range of legal and statutory processes. This includes attendance at EHCP tribunals, Court of Protection proceedings, and medico-legal cases. Our role is to present clear, objective OT evidence, grounded in functional assessment and clinical reasoning, to support informed decision-making. Reports and attendance are provided in line with professional standards, with a focus on clarity, proportionality, and the individual’s functional needs.
Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration (SI) encompasses the complex processing, harmonsing, and organising of sensory signals originating from both our bodies and the surrounding environment.
Essentially, it refers to how we percieve, understand, and react to sensory information, whether by acknowledging or filtering it out. This process is crucial in all our daily activities, including tasks such as self-care, engaging with others and productivity tasks.
SI intervention necessitates the expertise of a qualified SI Practitioner, who, at FunctionAbility, is an OT with specialist postgraduate training in SI. This entails an in-depth grasp of the neuroscience and empirical foundation supporting SI, as well as proficiency in assessing and administering interventions for individuals facing SI challenges.
SI interventions encompass structured exposure to sensory stimuli, movement therapy, balance regimens, and tailored physical activities and adjustments, such as environmental or routine modifications including development of a sensory diet.
For many individuals, minor adaptations to their surroundings or movement allowances at home or school can significantly enhance their ability to navigate daily life. If you believe that sensory integration intervention could benefit you or someone you know, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Manual Handling Training
We provide OT led manual handling training designed to promote safety, confidence, and best practice when supporting children, adults, and older people with movement and physical support needs. Our training is practical, evidence-based, and tailored to the real-life environments in which support is provided, including homes, schools, nurseries, colleges, and care settings.
Manual handling training focuses on reducing the risk of injury for both the individual being supported and the people providing care. Training includes:
Safe moving and handling principles
Posture, body mechanics, and risk reduction
Supporting transfers (e.g. sit-to-stand, bed, chair, floor)
Use of manual handling and moving equipment
Supporting individuals with physical, neurological, or sensory needs
Adapting techniques to the environment and individual abilities
As Occupational Therapists, we take a person-centred approach to manual handling. Training is adapted to the individual’s needs, abilities, and goals, ensuring techniques are safe, dignified, and appropriate rather than generic.
Our manual handling training is suitable for:
Parents and family members
Teaching staff and support workers
Carers and personal assistants
Care providers and support teams
Independent Living
Preparing to live independently can be challenging for every young adult. Even more so for those living with mental health or physical challenges. These challenges may impact on a young adult’s ability to perform activities such as planning to shop, maintaining the home area or finding appropriate employment.
At FunctionAbility, we offer assessments and intervention to assist with preparation to live independently. This may include assistance with pre-vocational skills (such as finding work and post-schooling education) as well as instrumental activities of daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and financial management skills. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist in preparing for independent living.
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGS), Home environment assessments and Specialist equipment
Our OT's provide independent home environment assessments and specialist equipment advice for people of all ages and abilities. While we are not a Local Authority service and do not manage DFGs, we can provide professional OT evidence to support a DFG application made through your Local Authority.
We carry out person-centred home assessments to understand how the home environment supports, or limits, everyday activities such as mobility, personal care, cooking, rest, and access within and outside the home. Our assessments focus on safety, independence, dignity, and long-term suitability.
Following assessment, we can provide a detailed OT report that may be used as supporting evidence for a DFG application. Our reports clearly outline:
Functional needs and environmental barriers
The impact of the current home environment on daily living
Recommended adaptations or specialist equipment
The functional benefits of the proposed changes
*All DFG applications and funding decisions remain the responsibility of the Local Authority, but our evidence can help ensure needs are clearly understood and appropriately justified.*
We also provide independent advice and recommendations for specialist equipment and environmental adaptations, which may be funded privately or considered by statutory services. This may include:
Access equipment such as ramps or stairlifts
Bathroom or kitchen adaptations
Moving and handling equipment
Equipment to support daily living, safety, and independence
Falls prevention
This service is suitable for children, adults, and older people, including those with physical, neurological, sensory, or long-term conditions. Our role is to provide clear, professional OT evidence and guidance, supporting individuals and families to make informed decisions about their home and care needs.