The development of technology competencies and training guidelines for occupational therapists

The ability to use technology has become a survival skill in our society. This paper discusses technology trends related to the demands of the Information Age, the increasing availability of information and assistive technologies, and the impact of recent civil rights legislation mandating that persons with disabilities be given equal access to technologies that can enhance functional performance. Occupational therapists must become competent in the application and integration of these technologies into reasonable accommodation interventions if we are to meet the changing needs of persons with disabilities. To address this need for technology training, a multitiered set of technology competencies specifically designed for occupational therapy practitioners was authored by the American Occupational Therapy Association Technology Special Interest Section and reviewed by occupational therapists with technology expertise. The process of developing these competencies and recommendations for implementing them within occupational therapy educational programs are discussed.