Assisters

Assisters are individuals or organizations that provide support and guidance to people navigating complex systems, processes, or forms. This support is often offered to individuals who may face barriers due to language, literacy, disability, or lack of familiarity with the system in question. The goal of an assister is to empower individuals to access necessary services, benefits, or rights.

The types of assistance provided can vary widely depending on the context. For example, assisters may help individuals enroll in health insurance programs, apply for government benefits, complete legal documents, or understand their rights as consumers or patients. This assistance can take the form of direct form-filling assistance, information provision, navigation support, or advocacy.

Assisters are often found in community-based organizations, non-profits, government agencies, and healthcare settings. They may be volunteers or paid staff. Effective assisters typically possess strong communication skills, empathy, cultural competency, and a thorough understanding of the systems they are helping people navigate. They act as a bridge, simplifying complex information and processes to ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources for all individuals.