Digital Commons Network^™

Designing Inclusive Dog Training Opportunities For Handlers With Diverse Access Needs: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Lauren Huffman

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone focused on designing inclusive dog training opportunities in the community by integrating occupational therapy approaches to empower meaningful participation and increase carryover of skills into daily life. The project addressed a need for options that are supportive of dog owners (typically referred to as “handlers” in the dog training setting) who experience health and learning barriers impacting human-dog interactions and the ability to attend dog training classes in a group setting. Occupational Therapy’s role in adaptive recreation and use of occupation-based practice guided the development of a foundations-level accessible small group class, individual adaptive sessions, and educational …

Enhancing Feeding Skills: Development And Implementation Of A Pediatric Feeding Group Program In An Outpatient Setting, Alexia Spyrka

Capstone Projects

Children with autism spectrum disorder are five times more likely to present with feeding difficulties when compared to the general pediatric population (Baraskewich,et.al., 2021). Pediatric feeding difficulties can include picky eating, restrictive diets, limited independence with feeding skills, and limited food repertoire. Not only can this effect the child’s nutrition and growth but can affect family members as they are additionally focusing on their child's socialization, communication, and regulation. When addressing feeding difficulties, occupational therapy services are provided 1:1 with clients while educating and supporting family members to improve carry over into the home. However, there is a gap in …

Beyond Baby: How Occupational Therapy Supports Families In The Prenatal And Postpartum Period, Taylor Maysonet

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project focuses on the role of occupational therapy in maternal and infant health, supporting families during the prenatal and postnatal period. While occupational therapy has a strong foundation in promoting health, independence, participation and roles and routines, there remains a gap in community awareness of available support for families during this life transition. Many caregivers report feeling underprepared, overwhelmed, and disconnected from resources that could support their physical, emotional, and occupational wellbeing.

The objective of this project was to identify gaps within the interdisciplinary team during the prenatal and postpartum period. From there, I was able to …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Sensory Education: Training Paraprofessionals To Support Students’ Sensory Needs, Sophia Hubber

Capstone Projects

Sensory processing plays an important role in the development and participation across the lifespan and is a key focus of occupational therapy (OT) in school settings. This doctoral capstone project addresses the gap in sensory education and training among paraprofessionals, who spend much of the day supporting students with the highest level of needs. While occupational therapists have extensive knowledge in sensory processing, their large caseloads often limit the opportunities to provide direct education to staff.

To address this gap, the project involved collaborating with the occupational therapy department, conducting research on sensory processing, and developing five educational videos with …

The Importance Of Holistic Care: The Development And Implementation Of Spiritual Resources For Caregivers And Staff At Joni’S House El Salvador, Chloe Veilleux

Capstone Projects

It is within the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice to not only address client needs related to mind, body, and spirit, but also those of caregivers as a means of fostering overall improved quality of life. Additionally, when OTs address spirituality and implement spiritual/spirituality-informed interventions, correlations of improved psychosocial factors such as well-being, motivation, and reduced stress have been shown, as well as improved hope and reduced burden for caregivers. There remains, however, a gap in the research and implementation of spiritually informed care and resources specifically as it pertains to caregivers of those with disabilities. To address this …

Social Skill Program Development For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Clayton Stapert

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was completed at the Center for Disability Services (CDS) and focused on developing and implementing a social skills program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Many existing social skills programs focus on general or work-related skills, but there is a need for programs that help individuals apply social skills during real-life community activities. This project aimed to address that gap by creating a structured, occupation-based program within an adult day skill-building day center.

The program included education, group discussion, role-playing, and community outings to help participants practice skills such as interacting with cashiers, …

Wmu Board Of Trustee Board Meeting, Thursday February 12, 2026, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

• Acceptance of the Agenda
• Approval of the Minutes (December 4, 2025)
• Remarks by the Vice Chair of the Board
• Remarks by the President and Celebrating WMU Employee Graduates
• Updates by the Faculty Senate President
•  Updates by the Western Student Association President
• Updates by the Graduate Student Association President
• Presentation: An Overview of Our Research Innovation and Creative Scholarship Enterprise: Yesterday, Today, and the Future
• Public Comments Regarding Action Items
• Action Items
• WMU Board of Trustees Annual Officer Election
• WMU Board of Trustees Bylaws Revisions
• City of Battle Creek Lease College of Aviation Property
• Transfer Stewardship of Asylum Lake Preserve to …

Necessary, But Insufficient: School Counselors’ Informal Learning Experiences With Writing Letters Of Recommendations, Mandy Savitz-Romer, Tara Nicola, Julius Dilorenzo, Jen Ha, Amy Desiderio, Sebastian Munoz Galvez, Matthew O'Brien

Journal of College Access

Submission of recommendation letters from high school counselors is a requirement for undergraduate admission at many selective colleges. However, there has been limited research to-date examining these critical application components and the front-line professionals who generate them. This study examines how high school counselors, who are key actors in holistic admission practices, learn how to craft recommendation letters. Given previous research has found that counselors have limited training in college admission counseling, understanding the learning processes that shape their letter writing is a critical first step for improving the quality of letters and their utility for student success in the …

Reconstructing Life One Clay Pot At A Time, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Kate Lewis, a ceramicist and teaching artist based in Grand Rapids, MI, created the artwork for the Winter 2026 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The image features a collection of heart-shaped ceramic pinch pots, produced after she was told she may never be able to move her left arm again. She created them on the recommendation of an occupational therapist who understood the value of meaningful occupations for recovery. These vessels represent a pivotal shift in Kate’s rehabilitation from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Diagnosed in 2018 after sustaining an injury to her wrist, the minor …

Meeting Population Health Needs: Are Occupational Therapy Health Promotion Programs Scalable?, Tracy Chippendale, Szu-Wei Chen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Facilitators And Barriers To Sustainable Global Rehabilitation Projects, Fredrick Pociask, Rosanne Dizazzo-Miller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The sustainability of projects addressing significant rehabilitation needs in lower-resource countries is considered one of the most critical outcomes of these initiatives. While some information is available from public health and medical projects on promoting sustainability, less evidence exists on facilitators and barriers to the sustainability of global rehabilitation development projects. Interviews with eleven medical and rehabilitation professionals, each with over 8 years of experience in global project development, contributed to the discussion of barriers and facilitators for sustainability with direct implications for occupational therapy practice and research. The presence of established professional standards was a distinctive facilitator, and disruptions …

Professional Standards As Gateways, Not Barriers, In Occupational Therapy, Ryan Thomure

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Perceived Educational Value Of Different Types Of Simulation In Occupational Therapy Education: A Mixed-Methods Study, Marie-Eve Bolduc, Barbara Shankland, Bernadette Nedelec

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Simulation is an important instructional method in occupational therapy (OT) programs. However, it remains unclear if the various types of simulation hold the same educational value. The objective of this study was to determine the perceived educational value of three different types of simulations (role-play between students, live scenarios with simulated patients [SPs] and tele-simulation with SPs) and the factors that contributed to a higher educational value. This cross-sectional study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. An online questionnaire was used, and two focus groups were conducted to develop a richer understanding of the answers obtained in the questionnaire. Forty-two …

Investigating The Efficacy Of An Online Multigenerational Awareness Course For Occupational Therapy Students – A Pilot Study, Susan Blair, Barbara M. Doucet, Jerilyn Callen, Kirsten Davin, Shelby Hutchinson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In today’s multigenerational society, particularly in health care settings, thriving can be challenging because of generational differences. Occupational therapy educational programs (OTEPs) prepare students for work environments where three to four different generations may be present. This study examines the effectiveness of an online multigenerational awareness (MGA) course. The secondary objectives include increasing students’ knowledge of enhanced multigenerational collaboration and communication strategies in preparation for future clinical practice. A pilot group of eight participants from various university departments reviewed the course content and completed preenrollment and postenrollment surveys, providing feedback regarding the applicability and perceived usefulness of the multigenerational awareness …

Intentional Resiliency Mentoring: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring A Pilot Mentorship Program For Occupational Therapy Students, Courtney J. Taylor, Ana K. Brussa, Kate G. Barlow

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Because of high levels of reported stress, occupational therapy (OT) students’ ability to employ interpersonal skills and professionally manage conflicts is impeded. This mixed methods pilot study investigated the impact of an Intentional Relationship Model (IRM) informed mentorship program on OT students’ perceived stress and self-efficacy for interpersonal communication. Students (N = 21) completed pre and posttests of the Self Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self Scale (SETUS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Six monthly mentor journals (N = 6) were collected to further explore the student experience. Quantitative findings demonstrated students’ (N = 21) ability to manage stress …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Perspectives On Using Virtual Reality Simulation In Preparation For Objective Structured Clinical Examinations: A Qualitative Study, Pegah Firouzeh, Craig R. St. Jean, Christine Ha, Mary Roduta Roberts

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The use of virtual reality (VR) simulations in clinical education has been receiving increased research attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate first-year occupational therapy (OT) students’ experiences using a VR-simulated clinical interview as part of their preparation for a client history-taking Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This qualitative study used focus groups to understand students’ (n = 20) perceptions of the effect of VR simulation on learning and exam readiness. We also explored students’ perceptions of the simulation’s authenticity, strengths, and weaknesses. Qualitative data analysis was conducted to identify codes and develop categories in association with the …

Rehabilitation Habits And Roles: The Dual Impact Of Iadls And Psychosocial Interventions Poststroke, William Sit, Ryan Hulla, Veronica Smith, Joanna Ruiz, Steve Abraham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This randomized study assessed an 8-week program for stroke survivors at an outpatient center in the United States. The program focuses on a holistic approach to recovery through habits and roles.

Method: Two researchers randomly divided 19 participants (N = 19) into two groups, with each group focusing on two distinct programs: the Occupational Therapy Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) program and the Psychosocial Modules (PS) program for stroke survivors. Participants attended weekly group sessions and individual phone sessions, which reinforced learned strategies, provided personalized guidance, and ensured adherence to program goals. The Canadian Occupational Performance …

A Polyvagal And Sensory Integration And Processing Approach To Supporting Development In Young Children With Autism, Catherine Cavaliere, Nadia Rust, Michelle Rogowski, Alyssa Calderone, Rebecca Marash, Amy Zdrodowski, John Damiao

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The polyvagal theory presents a framework for understanding the autonomic nervous system’s role in influencing behavior, engagement, and connection. Children with autism experience regulation and sensory integration and processing differences that impact their sense of felt safety and engagement in their environment. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an auditory program designed to stimulate the vagal system and support nervous system regulation.

Methods: A retrospective multiple subject pretest-posttest design was used to examine the impact of the SSP on regulation, engagement, and skill acquisition in children with autism ages 2 to 3 enrolled in an early intervention center …

More Than Covering Ears: A Clinical Inventory For Characterizing Decreased Sound Tolerance (I-Dst) In Autism, Tana B. Carson, Angela Medina, Katherine L. Long, Yuxi Qiu, Monica Noriega

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Decreased sound tolerance (DST) is among the most common and distressing forms of sensory over-responsivity experienced by children with autism spectrum disorders. DST includes hyperacusis and misophonia, among others, and can limit participation in daily activities. Recently, a new screening tool, the Pediatric Hyperacusis and Misophonia Questionnaire (PMHQ-4) has been developed to allow health professionals to better identify and differentiate these conditions using a single assessment. Additional clinical tools are needed to further characterize DST symptoms to facilitate treatment planning after diagnosis.

Methods: In this mixed-methods study n = 15 parents of autistic children 6 to 17 …

Navigating Kingship: Sea Power And Sovereignty In Gower's Confessio Amantis, Elizabeth D. Brissey

Accessus

This article examines John Gower’s Apollonius of Tyre in the Confessio Amantis through the lens of the blue humanities, giving special attention to the ways in which the tale treats the sovereign’s maritime domain as integral to the terrestrial. Apollonius depicts sovereignty over aquapelagic space, with the sea serving both as a channel of exchange and as a figurative medium through which sovereignty is negotiated. The crucial issue that aligns the Apollonius tale with the concept of English sovereignty lies in its vision of thalassocratic space in which kingship is grounded in sea power and the sea as a connecting …

The Permeable Self: Five Medieval Relationships, By Barbara Newman, Laura Moncion

Medieval Feminist Forum: A Journal of Gender and Sexuality

No abstract provided.

Reframing Narratives, Reclaiming Futures: Antiracist School Counseling And Black And Brown Girls In Stem, Renae D. Mayes, Lia D. Falco, Shontell Zenon, Dequindre Hughes, Yijia Chen, Lydia Ross, Medha Dalal

Journal of College Access

Black and Brown girls often have educational experiences that stifle their career aspirations, especially in STEM fields. These experiences can be exacerbated by educators who misunderstand and refuse to recognize their STEM potential, thus limiting their opportunity to build STEM identities. School counselors can disrupt these experiences through antiracist practices that cultivate homeplace and joy for Black and Brown girls to heal and grow while working to address harmful policies and practices. In this paper, authors discuss how school counselors can specifically use antiracist school counseling practices to support Black and Brown girls in STEM as a part of multi-tiered …

Problems And Possibilities Of Namelessness In Late Antiquity And The Early Middle Ages, Jamie Wood, Hope Williard, Máirín Maccarron, Julia Hillner, James R. Burns

Medieval People

No abstract provided.

61st International Congress On Medieval Studies, Medieval Institute, Western Michigan University

International Congress on Medieval Studies Archive

The printed program of the 61st International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 14–16, 2026), together with the Corrigenda.

Complete Issue, Christopher Tremblay, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Laura Owen, Diana Camilo, Moya Malcolm

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence Adoption Among Future Journalism And Mass Communications Professionals: A Tam-Based Approach To Students’ Generative Ai Adoption Intent, Chinwendu P. Akalonu

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, journalism and mass communications professions are slowly adapting to these technologies. This study employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and AI-TAM frameworks to examine predictors of AI adoption intent among college students preparing for careers in the field. Survey results reveal that perceived usefulness, trust in AI output quality, organizational requirement, ethical awareness, and certain sociodemographic factors such as race predict AI adoption intent. Additionally, the study highlights differences in adoption intent among students in different subfields of mass communication, including journalism, advertising, and public relations. It underscores the importance of expanding traditional TAM-based …

Making Their Community Proud: First-Generation Latinx Students' Participation In Clep, Michelle Van Beek, Abby Holland

Journal of College Access

This study explores the impact of earning Spanish CLEP credit on first-generation Latinx students' levels of self-efficacy, college-going mindset toward earning a post-secondary degree, and their perceptions of bilingualism. Study participants (n=47) were all enrolled or previously enrolled in a college access program in high school. All participants received the opportunity to take the Spanish CLEP exam. Participants (n=33) completed a pre/post survey, and a paired sample t-test showed self-efficacy, college-going mindset, and language perceptions remained neutral for participants. Five semi-structured group interviews (n=26) were conducted after the post-survey. Participants showed that earning Spanish CLEP credit impacted their way of …

Designing A Scalable Recruitment & Partnership System For The Leadership And Business Strategy (Lbs) Program Through Strategic Marketing And Brand Development, Daniela Padilla

Honors Theses

The Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program at Western Michigan University delivers a highly immersive experience that allows students to learn business by doing business. Students engage directly with executives, including CEOs, working alongside them on complex consulting projects with real companies. The program takes place at Sleeping Giant Capital, a Michigan-based private equity firm, where students operate in a real business environment and gain exposure to high-level strategy and decision-making. Yet despite its impact, many students only discover LBS after enrolling at the university. Student data reinforces this gap, showing that while most students know their intended major before …

High School Science Experience For Students With Cognitive Disabilities: A Pilot Study, Cassandra Wychers

Honors Theses

Although education has become more adaptive, inclusive of all students who learn differently including for people with cognitive disabilities, closer examination may reveal that high school science classrooms are still challenging learning spaces. Science is an important part of the school curriculum as it teaches students about engaging in the world around them while also encouraging skills involving evidence, inquiries, and critical thinking. All students are entitled to learn science in their classrooms even if they have a cognitive disability (Apanasionok, et al. 2019). Although there are many complexities to defining disability in the world and in education, this study …

An Exploratory Evaluation Of The Kalamazoo River Watershed Council: Assessing Organizational Impact And Value, Alexander Mendez

Honors Theses

The Kalamazoo River Watershed Council (KRWC) plays a central role in protecting, restoring, and promoting the long-term health of the Kalamazoo River watershed, a geographically expansive and ecologically complex system facing persistent challenges from legacy contamination, nonpoint source pollution, land-use pressures, and inequitable access to watershed resources. This honors thesis presents an exploratory organizational evaluation of the KRWC, assessing its role and relevance within the watershed, the effectiveness of its programs and partnerships, the strengths and limitations of its governance structure, and opportunities to strengthen its long-term sustainability and impact.

Guided by principles of Practical Participatory Evaluation (PP-E) and Fourth …