The figure of Specialist in Assistive Technology: considerations for its implementation in Chile

Abstract

In Chile, there are several challenges in the systematization and responsible management of government resources allocated to disability that result in the loss and/or disuse of technological assistance and the impossibility of responding to the large number of national populations in a situation of disability. In response to them, the figure of the expert/specialist in personalized Technological Assistance emerges, recognized in countries such as the United States, capable of effectively identifying the needs of the person with disabilities and designing, manufacturing and/or adapting the appropriate technological assistance for their personalized objectives, in addition to training the user in care.  maintenance and responsible use of it. To implement this figure in Chile, it is crucial to disseminate knowledge about this profession and create national training and certifications that provide the necessary competencies, from different knowledge, to be able to delegate and supervise the fulfillment of each of these phases and respond to the need to deliver personalized Technological Assistance for people who need them at the lowest possible cost, in the most responsible way possible, with the necessary knowledge not to waste resources, extend their expectation of use and improve the quality of life of as many users as possible.