Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Sleep Disturbances And Children: An Occupation-Based Program For Parents And Caregivers Of Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Katelyn Godoy, Pamela Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Marcia Hamilton

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parents of children with spastic cerebral palsy have barriers to improve their child's quality of life and well-being due to a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of sleep and rest, as well as the potential causes of sleep disturbances and home-based solutions. The problem is that there is a lack of occupation-based programs for parents that address sleep regulation to improve sleep participation for children with spastic cerebral palsy, which results in difficulties with sleep initiation and maintenance of sleep (Hulst et al. 2020, Löwing et al., 2020, Petersen et al. 2020). The purpose of this program development type …

Support For Saint Paul Police Federation’S Retirees, Kaitlin E. Johnson

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed at the Saint Paul Police Federation in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Federation represents all sworn officers, excluding the chiefs at the Saint Paul Police Department, and Saint Paul emergency communications professionals at the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center. This project was focused on increasing the support provided to the retiring and the retired police officers by improving accessibility to the information needed to make educated and informed decisions throughout the retirement process and then afterwards. The website was developed and published so that retirees and active members can easily access to this information, which is …

A Working Taxonomy For Describing The Sensory Differences Of Autism, Jason L He, Zachary J Williams, Ashley Harris, Helen Powell, Roseann C. Schaaf, Teresa Tavassoli, Nicolaas A J Puts

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Background: Individuals on the autism spectrum have been long described to process sensory information differently than neurotypical individuals. While much effort has been leveraged towards characterizing and investigating the neurobiology underlying the sensory differences of autism, there has been a notable lack of consistency in the terms being used to describe the nature of those differences.

Main body: We argue that inconsistent and interchangeable terminology-use when describing the sensory differences of autism has become problematic beyond mere pedantry and inconvenience. We begin by highlighting popular terms that are currently being used to describe the sensory differences of autism (e.g. "sensitivity", …

Nashville Dolphins Volunteer Training Development, Caitlin Barnickel

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nashville Dolphins. The Nashville Dolphins offer free swim lessons and swim team programs for children and adults with disabilities. They serve over 300 participants each season and the programs are entirely run by volunteers. The focus of this project was to identify current needs and develop more volunteer training resources. These resources incorporate; sensory processing strategies, behavior management techniques, visual schedule information, communication strategies, description of specific water properties, skill development tips, equipment recommendations, and general tips for teaching children with disabilities. Volunteers were provided with a resource guide and …

Building Resilience Through Pregnancy Utilizing Tools From Occupational Therapy And Yoga, Rachel Brown

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nurture Nashville, a local yoga and movement studio focused on promoting wellness and connection for pregnant and postpartum people throughout their journey in motherhood. The primary focus of this project was developing resources to promote resilience during the perinatal period by utilizing tools from both occupational therapy and yoga practice. Outcomes included the synthesis of research into a resilience toolkit, the creation and implementation of a 5-week yoga and sharing circle curriculum, and the re-establishment of a community-centered studio event titled “Meet the Doulas.”

The Impact Of Social Emotional Learning In Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms, Kendall C. Jackson

OTD Capstone Projects

The Impact of Social emotional learning supports in early childhood education. First Steps Inc. is both an outpatient clinic and childcare facility for children with and without special needs and medical conditions. This capstone project attempts to bridge the gap between the therapy team and education team by creating therapeutic supports to help implement and teach social emotional learning in the classroom.

Nashville Dolphins Program Development, Laura Graves

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nashville Dolphins. The Nashville Dolphins offer free swim lessons and swim team programs for children and adults with disabilities. The organization serves over 300 swimmers each season and the programs are entirely run by volunteers. The focus of this project was to develop programming resources to enhance the services offered by the Nashville Dolphins. Deliverables provided to the organization include an 8-week swim curriculum, color level guides, stroke checklists, and an equipment activity guide.

Week 13: Promoting Occupational Balance During Trauma Healing Journey Post-Program Participation, Rachel Hicks

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in a partnership with REBOOT Recovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting trauma healing through participation in faith-based, peer-led courses. The purpose of this project was to provide program participants with additional content to promote improved occupational performance as they continue into the next phase of the healing journey after completing the original 12-week courses. The project was given the title “Week 13” within the organization to illustrate its role in guiding members’ next steps in trauma healing. Content areas included rebuilding healthy routines, reclaiming restful sleep, conflict resolution in personal relationships, education on …

Nashville Dolphins Program Development, Laura Graves

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nashville Dolphins. The Nashville Dolphins offer free swim lessons and swim team programs for children and adults with disabilities. The organization serves over 300 swimmers each season and the programs are entirely run by volunteers. The focus of this project was to develop programming resources to enhance the services offered by the Nashville Dolphins. Deliverables provided to the organization include an 8-week swim curriculum, color level guides, stroke checklists, and an equipment activity guide.

Life Skills Guide For Supported Recovery For Individuals With Mental Health Conditions & Their Support Systems, Natalie Metzger

OTD Capstone Projects

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Davidson County provides educational courses, support groups, and advocacy for individuals with mental health conditions and their support systems. This semester long project included advocacy for occupational therapy’s role in the mental health community, involvement in legislative events, and creation of a comprehensive recovery life skills guide for individuals who have been discharged from psychiatric hospitals. Specifically, this guide assisted them in directed recovery within the home and increased their participation in foundational skills.

Program Development Through Therapeutic Camps, Bayleigh B. Powers

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Wonderlight Therapy, a mobile pediatric therapy clinic offering speech and occupational therapy in Nashville, TN. The focus of this project was to develop and expand sustainable & inclusive community programming to serve the greater Nashville area. Throughout this project, 9 new & inclusive community programs (camps) were created, planned, and some implemented to children Wonderlight serves. Additionally, the creation of a sponsorship/scholarship program was implemented, offering local businesses the chance to support inclusive camps in their community.

Integrating Occupational Therapy In An Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program (Ipse) At Auburn University - Eagles, Tori Jean

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project focuses on incorporating occupational therapy in an inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program at Auburn University. The Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (EAGLES) program is an IPSE program at Auburn University for young adults with intellectual disabilities. This capstone project identifies how an occupational therapist can assist with wellness, independent living, social skills, and emotional regulation skills in IPSE programs.

Enhancing Otd Clinical Studies Course Curriculum, Katherine J. Rauch

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to build upon the foundation of the Belmont School of Occupational Therapy clinical studies course curriculum. Project goals included conducting surveys of current students regarding their opinions of the courses for preparing fieldwork readiness skills, creating and piloting learning activities, and informing current faculty about best practices for teaching clinical reasoning skills. This project culminated with the production of an educational handout summarizing current literature regarding teaching professional reasoning skills, multiple learning activities implemented in lectures, and data synthesis of surveys conducted.

Building A Brighter Future: Developing Function Out Of Dysfunction, Adrian Ewald

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with REBOOT Recovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing trauma healing through faith-based, peer-led courses. The purpose of this project was to develop content to supplement the existing 12-week courses that emphasized participation in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and life roles. The project was titled “Week 13” within the organization, which consisted of content areas of emotional regulation, education on access to clinical care for mental health needs, financial management, social relationships, and decision-making skills. Content within these areas included reflective questions, calls-to-action, and fillable worksheet templates. Additional content was …

Center For Courageous Kids Volunteer Training Resources And “Through Our Eyes” Video, Megan M. Cusick

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY. Center for Courageous Kids is a fully accessible medical camp that provides children with serious illnesses and medical complexities the opportunity to participate in camp. They run weekend family retreats during the spring and fall, and independent camps during the summer. The goals of this project were completed in two parts. Part 1: To create a video to play during family camp weekend retreats to reach potential campers for independent summer camp. The video portrays what summer camp is all about through the …

Perspectives Of Fieldwork Educators: The Relationship Between Emotional Competence And Occupational Therapy Level Ii Fieldwork Success, Kathleen Hughes-Butcher

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

Emotional competence encompasses multiple skills and attributes that are essential to success of occupational therapy level II fieldwork. Learning more about the relationship between emotional competence and level II fieldwork success holds implications for occupational therapy students, academic programs, fieldwork educators and recipients of occupational therapy services. The Emotional Competence Theory of Mikolajczak (2009) guided the conceptual foundation of this study. This qualitative study, using a phenomenological approach, explored the relationship between emotional competence and level II fieldwork success from the perspective of fieldwork educators. Purposeful sampling was utilized to recruit the three occupational therapists who serve as fieldwork educators …

Developing Group Protocols In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Madison Quan

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital (VSRH) in Nashville, TN. The focus of this project was the development and implementation of various protocols to be used in group therapy sessions in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The project sought to provide guidelines for treating a variety of conditions in a group setting and promote individualized patient care. The process for project completion included a thorough review of current literature and available resources at VSRH to guide the creation of multiple evidence-based protocols. This process also included collaboration with the therapy staff to ensure …

Occupational Therapies Role In Inpatient Obstetrics, Emily Bryant-Wimp

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to create an occupational therapy maternal Health intervention guide. However, due to the novelty of this emerging practice area in OT, there is currently limited evidence about the needs of mothers and the interventions OTs might provide to meet their needs during the perinatal period. Therefore a research study was conducted to better understand the perceptions of birthing people with recent hosptial birth in Nashville, TN. Using the research data combined with the current literature, the IGNITE NICU course, practicing clinicians, and testimonials from birthing people an intervention resource for occupational therapists was …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Sensory Needs And Fine Motor Development Through Teacher Training, Kennedy M. Morgan

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with The Early Learning Center at Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. MTCS provides a faith-based, college preparatory education for students in grades PK3 – 12. High academic standards, a Christian-centered environment, and opportunities for creative and social development help our students become well-rounded, self-disciplined, responsible individuals who make good life choices and contribute to the growth and development of their family, church, and community. One of the primary foci of this project was to create a handbook to introduce the topic of The Zones of Regulation. Another primary focus of …

Modification Of The Comfortable Cafeteria Program To Foster The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities, Abigail Barnette

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

The purpose of this capstone was to design and implement a modified lunch program that fits the distinct needs of students with low-incidence disabilities within Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The final product included modified lesson plans and materials that will guide future implementations.

How Programing And The Enviorment Impact Occupation Participation With Individuals Living On A Secured Unit, Courtney Gast

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This Capstone was completed at Crestmont North in Lakewood. Modifications to the enviorment and activities program increased purpose and meaningful participation for older adult residents 55 years and older living within a secured unit. A written guide was developed for the activities staff with resources to enhance the care of older adults

Occupational Therapy For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Clarice Aquila

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone was completed at Cleveland State University as a point of outreach to various organizations in Northeast Ohio to determine the gaps in services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Occupational therapy services within this population have been promoted to various organizations.

Sensory Map Of Local Zoo: A Capstone Project, Felicity Elsaesser

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone was conducted at the Cleveland Zoo in partnership with Cleveland State University. An accessible map was created to allow individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy this large, outdoor space. The final outcome was an increase in the accessibility and inclusivity at the zoo.

Assessment Tool For Pet Ownership In The Older Adult Population (Poat), Eva Petrik

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Having a pet can be a meaningful occupation that promotes healthy aging. Many older adults may have difficulty taking care of pets. This capstone focused on the development of an assessment tool to evaluate the challenges of pet ownership for older adults and identify supports needed to maintain pet ownership.

Mental Health Promotion In Occupational Therapy, Taylor Frazee

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

The capstone project was completed at Cleveland State University to assist the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program with the creation of learning experiences for its students so they may effectively advocate and promote the mental health of clients served. It identified barriers in practice, gathered evidence to support the use of mental health promotion in practice, and created resources to enhance students’ abilities to advocate for OT’s scope of practice in mental health.

Online Stress Management Resources In Higher Education: A Pilot Study, Diana Leonardo

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

The focus of this capstone was to promote mental health through stress management at Cleveland State University. A Blackboard shell was developed using evidence-based stress management strategies. In collaboration with Cleveland State University, we explored the efficacy of the shell and updated it for future use on campus.

Improving Children's Mental Health Through Outdoor Recreation, Hannah Presot

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone focused on using outdoor recreation to improve mental health in the pediatric population. In partnership with the Center for LifeSkills, a modified curriculum manual and caregiver handouts were developed to enhance the development of positive metal health among the children who participate in the program.

Life Skills Program For Refugees, Diana Hasan

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

p capstone included the development and implementation of a 6-week life skills program fro refugees at U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. This program provided the refugee population with hands on experience and education of the necessary life skills to adapt and navigate in their new home and community, while improving their quality of life.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Using Video Games As An Exercise Modality For Community Dwelling Older Adults, Sara Janosik

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Video games for physical rehabilitation have gained popularity in the clinic and community. This capstone project, completed at Cleveland State University, analyzed the physical, environmental, in-game, and real-world requirements for various Nintendo Switch games using therapeutic practice frameworks in order to incorporate them into clinical implications for health promotion and prevention.

Occupational Therapy In The Criminal Justice System: Assessing Social And Occupational Engagement Within The Correctional Facility Context, Erika Tucker

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone consisted of conducting an observational research study at Northeast Reintegration Center utilizing the Assessment tool for Occupation and Social Engagement -- Correctional Facilities to understand how a prison environment supports and/or limits pro-social behaviors and engagement in productive activities among the understudied population of females who are incarcerated.