Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring Accessibility And Social Inclusion For Children With Hearing Impairments In Residential Camps Through The Occupational Therapy Lens, Tiffany Coles

Student Capstone Papers

Children are encouraged to engage in various play, leisure, and social participation activities to enhance the development of life skills, independence, and social skills. A common leisure and social participation activity for children aged 6 to 18-years-old is to attend residential camp. Residential camps provide children a structured opportunity to engage in leisure activities while learning to become independent and self-confident when socializing and making new friends. Attending camp can be a fun and engaging environment to help accelerate growth in key developmental outcomes, such as positive identity, social skills, physical skills, positive values, and spirituality.

Within the residential camp …

Environmental Barriers And Supports To Participation For Individuals With Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Ali M. Grinde, Ella V. Johnson, Anya H. Larson, Jordan A. Mills, Gretta N. Obeid, Bridgett N. Tegen, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project considered the following question: What environmental supports and barriers influence participation for individuals with disabilities and are there disparities, inequalities, or inequities between disabled and non-disabled groups?

Evaluation Of Participation And Environments For Individuals With Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project Bailey, Bailey Allen, Abby Anderson, Natalie Bruno, Sydney Grohman, Katie Martinek, Cassidy Mattson, Maddie O'Reilly, Zachary Wells, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project considered the following question: What measures are available to evaluate participation and environmental supports and barriers for individuals with disabilities and what are their psychometric properties?

Attitudes And Biases Of Health Professionals Toward Individuals With Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Kelsey L. Colvin, Kelly J. Eckert, Payton V. Gilreath, Ellen M. Hiestand, Alexandra L. Jendersee, Rachel G. Kullas, Justene N. Martin, Sydney R. Mckenzie, Marissa K. Smith, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project considered the following question: What are the attitudes and biases of health professionals toward individuals with disabilities and what are the implications for training?

Perspectives And Experiences Of Participation By Individuals With Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Mckenzie Brink, Kelsey Holmer, Sydney Hrastich, Kelly O'Connor, Simon Olmstead, Stephen Schuster, Hailey Valencour, Mikael Viazcan, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project considered the following question: How do individuals with disabilities describe their perspectives on and experiences with participation?

Social And Community Participation Interventions For Individuals With Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Madisyn Anderson, Alex Demarais, Vanj Ebel, Anna Foster, Tyler Hobson, Kaitlyn Huntley, Alli Park, Allie Roehl, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project considered the following question: What measures are available to evaluate participation and environmental supports and barriers for individuals with disabilities and what are their psychometric properties?

Upper Extremity Kinematics And Pain Outcomes During Activities Of Daily Living In Pediatric Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Olivia Yanez Wilwert

Theses and Dissertations

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of heritable connective tissue disorders, consisting of thirteen different subtypes. Among the thirteen, Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common. Individuals with this condition present with frequent joint instability that results in ongoing subluxations and dislocations. Secondary diagnoses of this condition include chronic pain, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The diagnostic process of hEDS is convoluted by the lack of a genetic identifier (Malfait et al., 2017). Individuals with hEDS are often not diagnosed until later in adulthood, leaving their adolescent life full …

Work Participation Interventions For Individuals With Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Tina B. Dalki, Maureen C. Doran, Taylor P. King, Paige M. Loy, Alex W. Manos, Mia R. Massaro, Emily M. Medcalf, Alexis M. Walsh, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project considered the following question: What are the characteristics of interventions, programs, and services that are effective in supporting work participation for individuals with disabilities and their employers?

Healing The Mind And Soul With Art And Music, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Gracie Fisher, an artist and composer based in Santa Barbara, California, provided the cover art for the Fall 2020 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “The Fruit of Spirit” is a 16” x 20” oil painting on canvas. When a rare neurologic condition left Gracie paralyzed from the neck down, art and music helped to heal her mind and soul. Upon returning home from the hospital, Gracie’s wish was to create an inclusive environment where children of all abilities could engage in art and music. She founded the Grace Fisher Foundation so others could experience the healing …

Patient Activation And Engagement (Pae): Guidelines For Acute Care Occupational Therapy Practice, Koob Moua

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper provides a set of guidelines for occupational therapists practicing “patient activation” and “patient engagement” approaches in the acute care hospital setting. Patient activation and engagement (PAE) has gained attention in the health care setting as the new effective intervention. Occupational therapists create client-centered goals and treatment plans in alignment with PAE approaches in the health care system but barriers continue to exist in practice settings that prevent appropriate implementation of such techniques. This paper presents evidence that an occupational therapist’s role should not be limited to the assessment of a client’s independence with activities of daily living in …

Doing It Right: Ot Meeting Population Needs With Covid-19, Amanda Balser, Shirley P. O'Brien, Peggy Wittman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

An Unexpected Outcome Of A Pediatric Simulation Encounter For Occupational Therapy Students., Anne H. Zachry, K. Booker, S. B. Lancaster

Faculty Presentations

This presentation reviewed how to plan and implement a pediatric simulated educational experience to align with the targeted course learning objective(s). Participants learned how to incorporate best practices into simulation education in order to advance occupational therapy education.

Doing It Right: Ot Meeting Population Needs With Covid-19, Amanda Balser, Shirley O'Brien, Peggy Wittman

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Faculty and Staff Research

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) identified strategic goals for health promotion and disease prevention in Healthy People 2020. Some of the overarching goals were to “achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups” in order to address inequities tied to race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, geography, and disability (p. 3). The plan also targeted health disparities by recognizing social determinants of health and creating “social and physical environments that promote good health,” including the development of policy and programs (HHS, 2010, p. 3). Health disparities are population specific and …

Understanding The Impact Of Social Distancing On Older Adults And Senior Centers To Better Adapt Towards A New Normal, Salina Jivan

Student Capstone Papers

COVID-19 brought about social distancing mandates that posed as a new barrier to meaningful social participation in the community. The purpose of this project was to understand the impact of social distancing on older adults and senior organizations to better inform the role of OT in helping seniors adapt towards a new normal within the community. A qualitative study and needs assessment were performed through phone interviews with seniors and organizations that support them from around the United States. Themes highlighted seniors desire for social contact and cautious return to the community once mandates are lifted. Both seniors and organizations …

Promoting Interprofessional Collaboration Through Education In The Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Emma Murphy

OTD Capstone Projects

As part of a 14-week occupational therapy doctoral capstone project, the author partnered with Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital to research and address interprofessional collaboration in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. The project sought to attain a comprehensive assessment of the current interdisciplinary collaboration environment at VSRH, improve communication between the therapy and nursing departments, provide rehabilitation education for nurses on staff-identified topics, and promote interprofessional collaboration as a whole.

Occupational Therapy And Accessibility In The Outdoors And Summer Camps, David M. Lewis

Student Capstone Papers

Opportunities for positive youth development (PYD) are promoted through both outdoor and camp experiences. The experiences provided by the outdoors and camps are ideal for developing physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. These areas of PYD are further generalizable to several aspects of occupational performance and participation, while continuing to have benefits throughout the lifespan. While the outdoors and camps provide these valuable opportunities for development, the environments and contexts of these opportunities are often limiting factors for individuals with disabilities. Utilizing an occupational therapy approach allows for further understanding of how to promote inclusion and accessibility practices in these …

Understanding The Impact Of Social Distancing On Older Adults And Senior Organizations To Better Adapt Towards A New Normal, Salina Jivan

San Marcos, Summer 2020

COVID-19 brought about social distancing mandates that posed as a new barrier to meaningful social participation in the community. The purpose of this project was to understand the impact of social distancing on older adults and senior organizations to better inform the role of OT in helping seniors adapt towards a new normal within the community. A qualitative study and needs assessment were performed through phone interviews with seniors and organizations that support them from around the United States. Themes highlighted seniors desire for social contact and cautious return to the community once mandates are lifted. Both seniors and organizations …

Moving On Up: The Transition From Middle To High School For Neurotypical Adolescents, Corinne Dever, Ots, Julia Forebaugh, Ots, Alexandra Mangino, Ots, Madeline Gamble, Ots, Samantha Morse, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Define the role of occupational therapy for the middle to high school transition.
• Identify potential interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to facilitate the transition from middle to high school.
• Acquire the knowledge from current research to apply occupational therapy interventions to neurotypical adolescents transitioning from middle to high school.

PICO Question

What kind of (I) interventions fall within the scope of occupational therapy (O) to increase school participation for (P) neurotypical adolescents transitioning from middle school to high school?

Smooth Transitions: Adapting To New Roles For Transgender Individuals, Rylea Hager, Ots, Daniella Mazzo, Ots, Meredith O’Neal, Ots, Eileen Young, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Outcomes:

• Define transgender and understand the occupational challenges associated with the gender-affirming transition process.
• Discuss the impact of the knowledge gap in gender-inclusive care, as well as the barriers to accessing healthcare services for transgender individuals.
• Acquire knowledge from current research and apply to occupational therapy interventions for transitioning transgender individuals in the process of new role assumption

PICO Question:

How can occupational therapists utilize interventions within their scope of practice (I) to promote positive transitions to new occupational roles (O) for individuals who are transgender (P)?

Let’S Get Spiritual! How Integrating Spirituality Into The Ot Process Impacts Well-Being For Those Experiencing A Life-Altering Diagnosis, Taneisha Esplin Jolley, Ots, Jeffrey Gold, Ms, Ots, Nicholas Luca, Ots, Antôn Nguyễn, Ots, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Outcomes:

• Define spirituality as it applies to the scope of occupational therapy practice for individuals experiencing life-altering diagnoses and conditions
• Describe current evidence that supports incorporating clients’ spirituality into the occupational therapy process to ensure a holistic approach to practice
• Apply spiritual-based interventions in order to achieve positive outcomes for individuals experiencing life-altering diagnoses and conditions

PICO Question:

How does incorporating spirituality within the OT process impact well-being/QOL for individuals who have experienced life-altering conditions or diagnoses?

Ready For Relationships: Promoting Appropriate Dating Behaviors In Adolescents & Young Adults With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Lauren Buch, Ots, Kelly Dennin, Ots, Chelsea Fife, Ots, Eileen Mee, Ots, E. Adel Herge

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

• Identify the need for effective relationship, sexuality expression, and sex education programming for adolescents with IDD based on current literature.
• Examine the role of occupational therapy in facilitating the development of healthy dating behaviors for adolescents with IDD.
• Apply components of a best practice approach to facilitate the development of appropriate dating behaviors for adolescents with IDD.

PICO Question:

What interventions within the scope of occupational therapy will lead to appropriate dating behaviors in adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Promoting Coping For Adults With Neurodegenerative Conditions, Julia Kraushaar, Ots, Melanie Watt, Ots, Kristine Ismael, Ots, Julia Snavely, Ots, Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Identify neurodegenerative conditions and how they impact occupational performance and quality of life (QoL)
• Describe the effects of coping skill interventions on QoL among adults with neurodegenerative conditions
• Examine the role of occupational therapy in improving QoL in adults with neurodegenerative conditions

PICO Question

Within the scope of occupational therapy, what are the effects of coping skills interventions on improving quality of life in adults with neurodegenerative conditions?

Empower The Future: The Impact Of Family-Centered Interventions On School Success For Children From Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds, Jacqueline Bruce, Ots, Ornella Delle Noci, Ots, Amaris Dobson, Ots, Bryan Johnston, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Describe poverty’s impact on early childhood development and subsequent effects on school participation.

• Discuss evidence-based, family-centered interventions associated with increased school success for children from low-income communities.

• .Acquire the knowledge to apply effective interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to promote improved school success.

PICO Question:

What is the impact of family-centered occupational therapy interventions on future school participation for children (0-6 years old) from low socioeconomic backgrounds?

Promoting Independence: Empowering Successful Transitions Out Of The North American Foster Care System, Samantha Chong, Ots, Kevin Dang, Ots, Leondra Graves, Ots, Taylor Holt, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Identify the supports and barriers of youth transitioning out of the North American foster care/foster home care systems.
• Describe occupational therapy’s current and emerging roles in life skills/IADL training with youth transitioning out of the foster care system.
• Describe the positive outcomes related to successful transitions into adulthood for foster youth.

PICO Question:

What life skills training interventions conducted by occupational therapy practitioners improve independence for youth transitioning out of the foster care system?

Bringing Function To Families: Ot’S Role In Parenting With Sci, Alexandra Economou, Ots, Molly Flannery, Ots, Nikki Tutelman, Ots, Courtney Wagner, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

• Describe participation challenges that impact the role of parenting for parents with SCI
• Identify evidence-based intervention areas within the scope of OT that facilitate participation in the role of parenting with SCI
• Discuss the unique need and application for OT services to support parents with SCI

PICO Question:

What are interventions within the scope of OT practice that increase participation in the role of parenting with spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Integrating Art Into Life In Pursuit Of Occupational Balance, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Sharon Gutman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, an occupational therapy professor and artist based in New York, provided the cover art for the Summer 2020 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Goldfish” is a 10” x 13” watercolor painting. Dr. Gutman has nearly 30 years of experience in clinical practice, higher education, research, and service to the profession. Dr. Gutman pursued a career in occupational therapy because it was a field where she could use her creativity. This decision led to an extraordinary career and a life of service to others. When the demands of a busy lifestyle …

Designing Effective Capstone Experiences And Projects For Entry-Level Doctoral Students In Occupational Therapy: One Program’S Approaches And Lessons Learned, Sara Stephenson, Oaklee Rogers, Cynthia Ivy, Richard Barron, Jennifer Burke

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Entry-level doctoral occupational therapy programs require students to complete a capstone experience and project that supports advanced skills through an in-depth learning experience with a student-selected mentor. Strong curriculum design and mentorship are vital aspects of successful capstone experiences and projects. Through the application of these key components, students are supported, in collaboration with mentors, to achieve mutually beneficial projects allowing advancement of the profession through dissemination of capstone work.

Effectiveness Of A Metacognitive Shopping Intervention For Adults With Intellectual Disability Secondary To Down Syndrome, Katherine V. O'Neill, Sharon A. Gutman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a metacognitive strategy-training intervention on the shopping performance of adults with intellectual disability secondary to Down syndrome.

Method: A single subject ABA design across six participants was employed and included a 2-week baseline data collection period, followed by an 8-week intervention phase, and a 2-week follow-up data collection period 1 month after intervention end. Time, frequency, and level of assistance required by the participants to demonstrate targeted shopping skills were measured during baseline, intervention, and follow-up probe phases.

Results: As a group, the participants experienced …

Occupation-Based Learning Modules In Preparation For Parole: A Program Evaluation, Alisha Cheyne, Gabrielle Martino, Elizabeth Vander Wall, Natalie Wallace

Community Based

A qualitative research study was conducted that examined occupational therapy students’ fieldwork rotation at Muskegon Correctional Facility, where they implemented a 15-week pre-parole program. One focus group with three participants was conducted. Transcription, coding, and theming followed, providing five themes; restriction, OT perceptions, learning styles, future needs, and relationships. Results showed areas of needs within this population, ways occupational therapy can address this need, and general improvements that can be made to pre-release programs.

Redefining The Meanings Of Daily-Occupations And Life Quality Amongst Mothers Living With Their Autistic Children, Eko Sumaryanto, Gandes Mutiara Aziz

English Language Institute

Raising children with autism is very challenging for mothers due to changes on how occupational performance and occupational roles are performed. This circumstance demands these mothers to redefine the meaning of doing occupations and how they perceive their well-being in general. This study empirically investigates how mothers redefine the meaning of daily activities and self-report their well-being. The study employs in-depth interviews and formulates specific themes of findings. The study uses the phenomenology approach to investigate the dynamics of meanings experienced by the respondents and how they construct the new version of well-being from raising the autistic children.