A ballot to decide the representative will take place at the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima between August 23 and September 1.

The role is seen as a key way in making sure the views of athletes are represented in the governance of the organisation.

Ileana Rodriguez is the current incumbent after the American swimmer was elected at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.

"We athletes are the heart of the Paralympic Movement and therefore need to be prepared and have the necessary knowledge and resources to ensure our voices continue to be heard and our actions keep making a positive and sustainable impact," she said.

"I have witnessed first-hand both as a Paralympic swimmer and APC athlete representative the immense growth that the Paralympic Movement has experienced across the Americas.

"More National Paralympic Committees in the continent are understanding the importance of having an athlete representative and Athletes' Commissions, especially as a result of the first APC Athletes' Workshop we organised in Ecuador back in 2018.

"As the Movement gets bigger and bigger in size and scale, it is more important than ever that as athletes we come together and work hard to guarantee the APC and more Americas NPCs continue to be athlete-centered."

Each nominated candidate should have "strong leadership qualities, as well as broad knowledge of the Paralympic Movement and be respected both on and off the field of play".

The APC "particularly welcomes candidates with experience in, and a commitment to, the advocacy of athlete related issues".

Nominations need to be made by May 17.