Digital Commons Network^™

Promoting Participation In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities (Id) Through Inclusive Theatre Education And A Professional Theatre Partnership, Lila R. Clark

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Intellectual Disabilities (ID) are characterized by a deficit in intellectual and adaptive function that affects between 1% and 3% of the general population (Patel et al., 2020). As young people age out of the school system between 18 and 21 years of age, opportunities for meaningful participation in their community drop drastically (Codd & Hewitt, 2020). This lack of opportunity can lead to decreased overall mental health and quality of life, possibly explaining why adults with ID are disproportionately affected by mental illness when compared to their typically developing peers (Hall, 2017; Pinals et al., 2022). The purpose of this …

Evaluating A Low-Burden, Client-Centered Home Activity Program For Stroke Survivors: A Mixed Feasibility Study, Latia A. Jones

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Importance

Stoke survivors often find it difficult to adhere to home exercise programs (HEPs), specifically those that are repetitive, impairment-based, or require technology, which can create barriers related to digital literacy, cognitive load, and access (Mahmood et al., 2019; Bol et al., 2018; Verma et al., 2022; Lang et al., 2007).

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, usability and acceptability, and perceived usefulness of a low-burden, client-centered home activity program for adults with chronic stroke.

Design

A mix-methods feasibility study using structured quantitative measures and semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted after one week of home activity use.

Setting

MUSC Stroke Recovery Research …

Addressing Financial Toxicity In Student-Run Free Clinics (Srfcs) Through Development Of Inventory System And Community Resource Guide For Durable Medical Equipment (Dme), Samantha Boggess

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Student run free clinics (SRFC) provide care to uninsured or under insured patients with physical and mental health impairments. Under insured patients must make difficult decisions about their healthcare, not based on best practices, but on what they can reasonably afford.  For example, they may have to forego durable medical equipment (DME) (e.g., shower chairs, wheelchairs, and self-care equipment)or treatments due to high out-of-pocket costs.

Financial toxicity (FT) refers to the negative impact of medical expenses on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. FT is a new concept that has …

Improving Implementation And Effectiveness Of Self-Regulation Strategies In Clinical And Home-Based Settings, Carlie M. Foltz

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Self-regulation is defined as an individual’s ability to manage behavior, emotions, thoughts, and attention in order to achieve goal-directed actions (Chen et al., 2024). Occupational therapists support participation in meaningful occupations such as school, play, and self-care, where limited self-regulation skills may hinder engagement. Despite the well-documented importance of self-regulation, inconsistent implementation and assessment of self-regulation tools limit carryover and long-term effectiveness.

This doctoral capstone project, completed in collaboration with a local pediatric occupational therapy rehabilitation clinic, aimed to improve the implementation and carryover of self-regulation tools for children ages 4-13. As identified in a prior needs assessment, children reported …

Enhancing Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapythrough Self-Regulation Interventions, Teresa L. Marinaccio

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Enhancing Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapy  Through Self-Regulation Interventions

Self-regulation is defined as the understanding, acceptance, and regulation of emotional responses necessary for successful adaptation to one’s psychosocial environment, goal achievement, and overall mental health (Alarcón-Espinoza et al., 2022). This project was conducted in collaboration with two Charleston based mentors who developed a self-regulation education program with the mission to empower children and their caregivers through research-informed, trauma-sensitive strategies. The program emphasizes interoception, mindful awareness, and compassionate connection to support children in understanding their sensory needs and fostering emotional regulation.

The purpose of this project was to expand pediatric self-regulation resources …

Supporting Positive Interactions With Individuals With Disabilities: A Law Enforcement Guide, Brittany James Jefferson, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project developed an educational guide to support law enforcement officers in creating safe and effective interactions with individuals with disabilities. A needs assessment informed the guide’s development, which was grounded in occupational therapy principles and the Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) model. The guide was implemented within a law enforcement setting and evaluated through officer feedback. Findings indicated strong baseline experience among officers, with added value in providing structured strategies to support communication, interpretation, and de-escalation. This project highlights the role of occupational therapy in promoting inclusive, community-based practice.

Translating Self-Regulation Concepts Into Practice: A Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapy Activity Toolkit, Catherine Spaulding

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Translating Self-Regulation Concepts into Practice: A Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapy Activity Toolkit 

Self-regulation is a foundational skill that enables individuals to manage emotions, behaviors, attention, and physiological responses to engage meaningfully in daily life. In childhood, the development of self-regulation predicts academic success, social relationships, mental health, and lifelong wellbeing (Philpott-Robinson et al., 2023; Robson et al., 2020). When children experience self-regulation difficulties, early identification and intervention by pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) can help prevent future mental health and wellbeing challenges (Philpott-Robinson et al., 2023). Pediatric OTs support self-regulation through sensory-based strategies, mindfulness practices, environmental modifications, caregiver education, and collaboration …

Enhancing Occupation-Based Engagement For Adults With Idd, Miranda Brown, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This study aimed to explore the importance of occupation-based engagement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through the lens of occupational therapy (OT). Literature review and needs assessments informed the development of client-centered interventions and program modules. Project outcomes highlighted the benefit of increased opportunity and appropriate grading of occupation-based engagement for adults with IDD, as well as education for community-based site staff and caregivers.

Play For All: Promoting Inclusivity And Providing Modifications For Kids With Disabilities Within An Indoor Play Space, Yasmeen Ikbal, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children’s environments need to be enhanced to match their developmental levels (Winter & Dempsey, 1994). There is a lack of tools, play equipment, and structures specifically targeted to children with disabilities (Therrien et al., 2022). Lack of opportunities for these children can hinder their development (Mullick, 2013). This capstone intends to educate staff and parents on how to promote inclusivity by increasing their understanding of disabilities, creating accessible environments, adapting activities, and building confidence in supporting children with disabilities to participate in their occupations.

Medication Nonadherence And Social Participation For African American Adults With Low Vision, Shakeda Mcghee, Mary Jan Greer Phd, Otr, Jaimee Fielder

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The concept of this capstone is to analyze how quality of life (social participation, health management) is affected in adults ages 18-55 with low vision/blindness with conditions to include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Cognition And Mental Health: Addressing The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injuries (Tbi) On Adults, Hannah E. Smith, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Anne Mcdonnell, Mpa, Otr/L, Cbist

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project addresses cognitive and mental health challenges in adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It developed evidence-based resources, including a clinician handbook and user-friendly survivor guidebook - using research, interviews, and observations. The materials were refined with expert feedback and support improved interventions, education, and quality of life for individuals with TBIs, and their caregivers.

Implementing Positive Mental Health Promotion In An Under-Resourced School, Cameron M. Friedel, Angela Blackwell, Cat Daniel

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The realities of under-resourced schools, while often described in terms of constraint, also present a meaningful opportunity for schools to intentionally promote positive mental health. By recognizing and building upon students’ existing strengths and adaptive capacities, school-based initiatives can transform everyday environments and routines into contexts that foster regulation, inclusion, and well-being for all students now and in the future. The integration of positive mental health within a school system impacts the behavior, social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, and academic development of all students. Given this information a digital toolkit was created as a targeted, occupational therapy (OT) informed solution for …

Interprofessional Collaboration: A Functional Vestibular Screening Framework For Children With Hearing Loss, Corinne Marascio

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: The vestibular system is comprised of five organs located in the inner ear that support balance, coordination, and spatial awareness (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Due to the proximity of the hearing and vestibular organs, children with hearing loss are at an increased risk for vestibular dysfunction (Cushing & Papsin, 2018; Kelly et al., 2021). Early recognition and treatment of vestibular disorders via vestibular rehabilitation therapy can support healthy development throughout childhood (Monshizadeh et al., 2022; Wrobel et al., 2020). While vestibular assessment falls within the audiological scope of practice, barriers preclude routine screening of vestibular deficits in pediatric patients with …

Cognitive And Mental Health Challenges: Addressing The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Adults, Hannah E. Smith, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Anne Mcdonnell, Mpa, Otr/L, Cbist

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone examined the challenges adults face following traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and explored interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive functioning and mental health. This capstone also aimed to reduce caregiver stress and burnout by expanding knowledge and resources focused on cognitive and mental health within the population. TBIs can result from a variety of causes, affecting cognitive abilities, mental health, and functional outcomes. This capstone shows evidence-based interventions designed to improve cognitive functioning, facilitate engagement in meaningful activities to improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life for adults recovering from TBI. This also will demonstrate potential for occupational …

The Necessity Of Adaptive Sports: Addressing Financial Barriers To Participation In Children With Spinal Cord Injuries, Megan G. Wells, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with spinal cord injuries (SCI) face significant financial barriers that limit access to adaptive sports, despite the physical and psychosocial benefits of participation. This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing a comprehensive financial resource guide for families. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, a needs assessment was conducted through semi-structured interviews, clinical observations, and stakeholder input, revealing a lack of accessible and centralized funding information. In response, a guidebook was created that includes educational content, local and national funding opportunities, and practical tools for navigating financial aid and grant applications. The guide was piloted and refined …

Bridging The Gap: At For Those With Physical Or Intellectual Disability, Rebekah Nesbitt

The 2026 Assistive Technology for Persons with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities Conference

No abstract provided.

Challenges And Opportunities To Access Assistive Technology In The Americas Region, Yasmin Garcia Mendez

The 2026 Assistive Technology for Persons with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities Conference

No abstract provided.

Developing A Community Partnership Toolkit To Expand Vocational Opportunitiesfor Adults With Disabilities In A Day Program Setting, Bonnie Chapman

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to address the gap in community-based vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities within a day program setting. It was identified that participants lacked consistent opportunities to engage in real-world work experiences, which limited their ability to develop vocational skills and explore meaningful roles within the community. This gap was further compounded by a limited number of local businesses willing or prepared to establish partnerships with the program. Additionally, staff reported having insufficient resources and tools to effectively develop and sustain these partnerships, creating a significant barrier to expanding vocational opportunities.

The purpose of this project was …

The Mommy Wine Culture: A Scoping Review Using The Person-Environment-Occupational Model., Sabina Khan

Student Dissertations

Maternal alcohol use as a coping response to parenting-related stress has received growing attention in public health and psychology but remains underexplored within occupational therapy. This gap limits understanding of how daily role demands, environmental pressures, and individual vulnerabilities combine to shape drinking as a functional coping behavior. This dissertation aimed to identify and synthesize factors associated with maternal alcohol use in the context of parenting stress and interpret these determinants using the person–environment–occupation model. A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched without date or …

Improved Child Participation And Performance At Saddle Up!, Maya Pakulski

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was created in partnership with the staff at Saddle Up! in Franklin, TN. Saddle Up! is a PATH accredited non profit organization that offers hippotherapy, adaptive riding and various horsemanship lessons and opportunities for children and youth with various disabilities to learn and engage with horses. The primary goal of this project was to address a need for improved child and family participation in various aspects of lessons and therapy sessions. The focus was to develop a functional communication and visual schedule system that was accessible and easily understood by all staff. This system included a wide …

A Systemic Review Of Functional Outcomes And Patient Satisfaction Across Lower-Limb Prosthetic Types In Military Personnel And Veterans, Emma Ho Harris, Amir Ghafarian, Sen Gao, Khaled Saleh, Jason Pasley

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Military personnel and veterans are at increased risk of lower-limb amputation, often due to combat-related trauma such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as secondary factors including tobacco use, peripheral artery disease, and diabetes. This study systematically reviews and compares lower-limb prosthetic technologies in military personnel and veterans, focusing on functional outcomes, mobility, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed MeSH terms to identify studies examining lower-limb prosthetic use and outcomes among military personnel and veterans. The final MeSH-based search yielded 27 results.

Results: The review included 27 studies on lower-limb prosthetic use …

The Effect Of Cerebral Somatosensory Network Priming On Language Function In Chronic L-Mca Ischemic Stroke: A Companion Case Study, Mandelin E. Wollesen

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chronic aphasia following a left middle cerebral artery (L-MCA) stroke is often associated with limited recovery beyond the acute phase, necessitating interventions that target neuroplastic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of somatosensory pneumotactile stimulation paired with cognitive-linguistic tasks on functional language performance in an individual with chronic aphasia. Using a single-subject pre-post design, the participant completed a 10-week intervention protocol involving repeated pneumotactile stimulation via the GALILEO system combined with language and motor tasks. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures, discourse-based language samples, oral reading, repetition, and phonemic verbal fluency. Discourse was analyzed using Correct Information Units (CIUs), words …

Effects Of Static Ankle Stretching On Balance And Gait: The Roles Of Age And Parkinson's Disease, Taylor M. Gauss

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation involves the effects of static ankle stretching on balance and gait in adults of different ages and with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A brief introduction in Chapter 1 precedes a detailed literature review in Chapter 2, in which we identify gaps in research on balance and gait following ankle stretching and explain why ankle stretching may serve as a predominant strategy for improving motor performance in aging and PD populations. In Chapter 3, we present the first study identifying whether muscle group selection or stretch duration influences balance in young adults. Results showed that longer durations …

Evaluating Clinical-Academic Partnerships In Physical Therapy Education: A Critically Appraised Topic On Available Assessment Tools, Jocelin Friedman, Hannah Bennett, Rachel Atkinson, Leona Hidalgo

Pacific Journal of Health

Scenario: Physical Therapy Clinical Education represents a significant component of curricula and requires cooperation between academic institutions and clinical education sites (CES). Curriculum structure variation, clinical instructor availability, and student internship demands impact the academic institutions and CES partnership. For stakeholders, communication of expectations and the individuality of the student placement workflow can strain partnerships. Longevity of the clinical-academic partnership depends on effective evaluation incorporating perspectives of both parties. Question: Are there bi- directional assessment tools or protocols available to help academic institutions and CES to evaluate each other in the areas of administrative and collaborative performance? Methods …

Supporting School Readiness: A Visual-Motor Integration Program For Children Ages 2.5-10, Bailey Williams, Wendy Tremaine, Carla Hamilton

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on supporting school readiness through the development and implementation of a visual-motor integration (VMI) program for children ages 2.5–10 with developmental delays. A needs assessment was conducted to identify gaps in caregiver knowledge and resources related to VMI development. In response, a 6-week educational program was created, incorporating targeted activities and caregiver education to promote VMI skill development. Findings indicated improved caregiver understanding of VMI concepts and increased confidence in implementing strategies at home. These results highlight the importance of early intervention and caregiver involvement in supporting children’s academic readiness and overall developmental outcomes.

Program Development For Maternal Mental Health During The Transition To Motherhood, Lindsey A. Lindsley, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The transition to motherhood can be both rewarding and challenging, with many women experiencing increased vulnerability to postpartum depression (PPD). This capstone project focused on developing and implementing a six-week maternal mental health program designed to support postpartum women through education, occupational engagement, and peer connection. Grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), the program used a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual sessions to improve accessibility. Program outcomes were evaluated using surveys, the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA), and participant feedback. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge of postpartum mental health, greater confidence in their maternal roles, and improved ability to …

Occupational Therapy For People With Internet Gaming Disorder: A Concept Paper, Samuel R. Bender, Steven Gerardi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with occupational imbalance and disrupted routines, contributing to challenges in occupational participation and performance. Due to there being a gap in occupational therapy-based research and guidance for people with IGD, this capstone project focused on the development of a concept paper informed by The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) that frames problematic video gaming as an occupational issue. The concept paper organizes assessment strategies, identifies problems, outlines intervention ideas, and discusses potential next steps for assisting people with IGD within occupational therapy. This capstone project is intended to help current occupational therapists more effectively …

Integrating Maternal Pelvic Floor And Mental Health In Occupational Therapy, Diana S. Theodore, Lesley Sally Khan-Farooqi, Amanda Ciecior, Teresa Martinez, Brooke Caldwell

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster highlights an integrated occupational therapy approach to maternal pelvic floor and mental health. Postpartum recovery is often addressed in fragmented ways, separating physical symptoms from emotional and functional impact. This work emphasizes the connection between pelvic floor function, nervous system regulation, and daily activities. Drawing from clinical experiences across acute, outpatient, and community settings, this project presents practical, client-centered strategies to support recovery. Key areas include breathing, bowel and bladder health, and functional movement. By focusing on occupational performance, such as toileting, mobility, sleep, and caregiving. This approach demonstrates the role of occupational therapy in supporting whole-person postpartum …

Pathways To Independence: A Transitional Education Program For Adults With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Joseph Ribaudo, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pathways to Independence is a transitional education program implemented into the young adult program of a school for individuals with neuro developmental disabilities (NDD). The objective of program implementation was to progress the skills of the adult with NDD students to promote increased independence upon the transition out of IDEA services. The program was delivered to 20 adult with NDD students ranging from 18-21 years old.

Supporting School-Based Adaptive Movement: Developing Resources For The Flip For Function Program, Isabel C. Creasey

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Flip for Function, an adaptive gymnastics program that incorporates occupational therapy principles to serve children with and without disabilities. The primary aim of this project was to facilitate the expansion of adaptive movement programming into school-based settings through the development of structured resources, evaluation tools, and educational materials. A comprehensive literature review was completed to examine the relationship between physical activity, executive functioning, self-regulation, and school-related outcomes in children with disabilities. Guided by these findings, key deliverables were developed, including a school-based implementation guide, outreach materials for school personnel, a teacher-reported …