THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY COMPETENCES AND TRAINING GUIDELINES FOROCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

The ability to use technology has become a survival skill in our socie ty. This paper discusses technology trends related to the demands of t he Information Age, the increasing availability of information and ass istive technologies, and the impact of recent civil rights legislation mandating that persons with disabilities be given equal access to tec hnologies that can enhance functional performance. Occupational therap ists 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 compete ncies 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 edu cational programs are discussed.