Recognising Adaptability as a Core
Component of Functional Capacity
Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submitted by: Cyren (Ren) Covacich
Roles: Support Team Lead (Hireup), emerging Lifeskills Program Developer/Facilitator (Be Well
Be Me)
Introduction
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.
I am a Support Team Lead working with adults with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, as well as an emerging Lifeskills Program Developer/Facilitator. My dual roles involve supporting participants to build confidence, independence and everyday life skills while leading frontline disability support teams.
Over several years working in the disability sector, I have repeatedly observed that many participants are limited not by a lack of practical skills, but by difficulty adapting to change. Participants may demonstrate the ability to complete everyday tasks in familiar circumstances, yet struggle to apply those same skills when routines, environments or support arrangements change.
This recurring observation has led me to question whether current understandings of functional capacity fully capture the barriers many people experience in everyday life.
I welcome the intent of the Bill to improve consistency, sustainability and fairness across the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In particular, I support the move towards a consistent and evidence-based approach to assessing functional capacity. My submission focuses on how these reforms could be strengthened during implementation.
1 of 4
Summary of Recommendations
I respectfully recommend that, as the Bill is implemented:
1. Functional capacity assessments explicitly recognise adaptability as a core component of functional capacity. 2. Greater emphasis be placed on preventative capacity building that develops adaptability, confidence and self-direction before support needs escalate. 3. Micro group capacity-building models (typically involving three to four participants) are recognised as an effective and efficient way of developing functional independence.
Recommendation 1- Recognise Adaptability as a Core
Component of Functional Capacity
I support the Bill’s objective of introducing a more consistent and evidence-informed approach to assessing functional capacity. A clear legislative framework provides an important foundation for equitable and transparent decision-making across the National Disability Insurance (NDIS) Scheme.
The Bill proposes that functional capacity be assessed based on a person’s ability to undertake activities in a standardised context, as distinct from the supports or environmental factors that may influence their day-to-day performance. I support this distinction and recognise its value in creating greater consistency in assessment.
As future functional capacity assessment tools and guidance are developed, I encourage the Government and the proposed Technical Advisory Group to consider adaptability as an important component of functional capacity.
Through my experience leading disability support teams, I have observed that many participants possess the practical skills required to complete everyday activities but experience significant difficulty applying those skills when circumstances change. Changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, transitions between support workers or unexpected events can significantly affect a person’s ability to function independently, even when their underlying skills remain unchanged.
In my view, adaptability is an intrinsic capability, not an environmental factor. It reflects a person’s ability to respond to change, manage uncertainty and continue applying existing skills across different situations.
As future guidance is developed, I encourage consideration of whether functional capacity assessments should also examine a person’s ability to:
● adapt to changes in routine or environment ● manage stress during everyday activities
2 of 4
● recover following unexpected disruption ● apply learned skills across different settings ● make decisions when circumstances change ● communicate personal boundaries effectively.
Recognising these capabilities would complement the Bill’s objective of creating a fair, objective and evidence-informed assessment framework while providing a more complete understanding of the factors that contribute to genuine functional independence.
Many people with disabilities are not limited by what they know how to do. They are limited by their ability to continue doing it when life changes.
Recognising adaptability within future assessment guidance would better reflect this reality while remaining consistent with the intent of the Bill.
Recommendation 2 – Strengthen Preventative Capacity
Building
The Bill seeks to improve the long-term sustainability of the NDIS while ensuring supports remains effective and equitable.
Preventative capacity building can contribute to these objectives.
Many participants receive additional supports after challenges have escalated. Earlier investment in adaptability, confidence, decision-making and self-direction may help participants maintain independence before more intensive supports becomes necessary.
Supporting participants to strengthen these capabilities is not simply about learning new skills. It is about increasing their ability to use existing skills consistently across changing environments and life circumstances.
I encourage continued recognition of preventative capacity-building approaches as part of achieving better participant outcomes and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Scheme.
3 of 4
Recommendation 3 – Recognise Micro Group Capacity
Building as a Distinct Service Delivery Model
Micro group capacity-building programs, typically involving three to four participants, provide a valuable balance between individual support and larger group programs.
Their small size enables facilitators to tailor learning to individual needs while providing opportunities for peer learning, communication, problem-solving and practising skills in human size environments.
Micro group capacity-building models provide an opportunity to balance participant outcomes with NDIS Scheme sustainability. They enable personalised learning while fostering peer interaction, confidence-building and skill application in smaller social settings. This combination may support stronger functional outcomes than either individual supports or larger groups alone for some participants.
From a participant perspective, micro groups create a supportive environment where individuals can develop confidence, observe and learn from peers, receive timely feedback and practise new skills in meaningful social contexts.
From an NDIS Scheme perspective, they represent an efficient service delivery model by combining the benefits of personalised support with shared learning opportunities.
As future guidance and market development occur under the amended legislation, I encourage consideration of micro group capacity-building models as a distinct service delivery approach that supports participant choice, functional independence and the long-term sustainability of the NDIS Scheme.
Conclusion
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future
Generations) Bill 2026 provides an important opportunity to improve the consistency and sustainability of the Scheme.
As the new functional capacity framework is developed, I encourage consideration of adaptability as a core component of functional capacity alongside practical life skills.
Many people with disabilities are not limited by what they know how to do.They are limited by their ability to continue doing it when life changes.
Recognising this distinction within future assessment frameworks would better reflect participants’ lived experience, strengthen independence and support the long-term objectives of the NDIS Scheme. Thank you for considering this submission.
4 of 4