Introduction: Disability certification is a tool for the effective recognition of rights, access to benefits, and social participation (inclusion) of people with disabilities in Colombia. The occupational therapist (OT) is included among the certification professionals.
Objective: To recognize and analyze from the beneficiaries’ perspective the role of the OT in the disability certification process in Colombia.
Methods: Qualitative, phenomenological, interpretative design. In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with people with disabilities, caregivers, and social leaders. A constructive qualitative analysis was carried out, based on frequency, category, and relative importance.
Results: Interviews were conducted in three areas of Colombia: rural (Valledupar), peri-urban (Tocancipá), and urban (capital, Bogotá). 18 leaders, 25 people with disabilities, and 14 caregivers/families participated. Saturation of information for each stakeholder and thematic category was met. The areas of interest focused on: 1) dynamic role (steps and technical-professional procedures for disability assessment), 2) analysis from occupation (recognition of daily life and work activities), and 3) relationship between disability and quality of life (social participation, productivity, and life project).
Conclusions: The OT has a dynamic role, is recognized by the population, and includes in their assessment all dimensions of life, development, and occupational potential of a person with a disability (not only) obtaining a disability certification. New studies should characterize and professionalize the actions of the OT in the certification process at both national and international levels.