Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Proposed Implementation Of An Occupation-Based Wellness Program To Reduce Chronic Disease And Illness For Employees Of A Large Factory Corporation, Sarah Dixon, Rikki Lara

MOT Student Capstones

Chronic disease and illness can have debilitating effects on factory workers, their productivity, number of missed workdays due to sickness, and quality of life. As employers grapple with increased amounts of missed workdays due to sickness, subsequent loss of money, pushed-back deadlines, and scrambling to cover shifts of sick individuals, the need for occupation-based wellness programs is increasing. Occupation-based wellness programs are beneficial as they are client-centered. To combat the issue of chronic disease and illness among factory workers, an in-service was created and presented to members of management within a large factory corporation. Objectives of the presentation included educating …

Transition Ready: Improving Transition Planning For Students With Asd In Rural Georgia Using An Occupational Therapy Based Program, Christen Flowers, Keisa Boykin, Thais Petrocelli

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

PURPOSE To develop an occupational therapy based program to educate school staff and personnel about the transition planning process

Anodal Contralesional Tdcs Enhances Cst Excitability Bilaterally In An Adolescent With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy: A Brief Report, Rodrigo G. Delatorre, Ellen N. Sutter, Samuel Nemanich, Linda E. Krach, Gregg Meekins, Timothy Feyma, Bernadette T. Gillick

Occupational Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Hemiparetic cerebral palsy (HCP), weakness on one side of the body typically caused by perinatal stroke, is characterized by lifelong motor impairments related to alterations in the corticospinal tract (CST). CST reorganization could be a useful biomarker to guide applications of neuromodulatory interventions, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), to improve effectiveness of rehabilitation therapies. We evaluated an adolescent with HCP and CST reorganization who demonstrated persistent heightened CST excitability in both upper limbs following anodal contralesional tDCS. Results support further investigation of targeted tDCS as an adjuvant therapy to traditional neurorehabilitation for upper limb function.

Adult Vocational Skills Program Development At Gigi’S Playhouse, Lavanya Reddy

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience aimed to further develop and individualize vocational skills programs for adults with Down syndrome through a partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse. The project entitled “Adult Vocational Skills Program Development at GiGi’s Playhouse” primarily focused on the expansion and individualization of the GiGi University program curriculum and the design of the GiGi Professional program. These programs are intended to improve vocational skills, confidence, and independent living skills for adults with Down syndrome.

An Occupational Therapist Role In Mental Health: Focus In Schizophrenia And Eating Disorders, Stephany Tourtillott, Lakeisa Boykin, Inti Marizita

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapy is a field that aims to help a population gain as much independence as possible within all areas of occupation. In many cases and populations, this tends to fall within the physical limitations domain and does not often consider populations where mental health is the main domain affected. In this capstone project, the writer dove into how an occupational therapist can help those with schizophrenia and eating disorders, specifically within the adolescent population. This capstone project began with a literature review in which five significant themes arose: background on mental health, the current treatment of schizophrenia and eating …

Advocacy For Accessible Air Travel, Alexandra Bruce, Lydia Kite, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: Passengers with disabilities decreased participation in air travel due to anxiety fear of injury, and damage to their assistive technology devices limits their ability to participate in occupations where air travel is used.

Purpose To highlight a need for occupational therapy (OT) collaboration with airlines and related stakeholders; and to advocate for more accessible air travel within the airline industry that can lead to a more safe experience for air travelers with disabilities.

Easydig, Austin Strzelczyk, Ots, Zachary Quain, Ots, Payton Cole, Ots, Elijah Jones, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "EasyDig" that assists those with difficulty bending and kneeling for long periods of time when gardening.

Simply Swivel Seat - Assistive Device, Patricia Cipollone, Ots, Amy Hanuschik, Ots, Adena Bannett, Ots, Joeseph Belardo, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "Simply Swivel Seat - Assistive Device" that allows you to sit while entering and exiting the bathtub safely. The seat sits over the edge of the tub and rotates as you lift your legs into or out of the bathtub. The device provides support and minimizes the fear of falling.

Cycle Ascension: 2023, Kerri A. Carpenter, Cota/L, Ots, Nicole Lester, Cota/L, Ots, Kalvin Matischak, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "Cycle Ascension: 2023" that is designed to maximize function and efficiency with an easy glide telescoping ramp feature, for effortless loading, without additional attachment parts or physical assistance.

Ez-Go Stairs, Jaclyn Jankowski, Ots, Kristina Camille Manapat, Ots, Bokyung Seo, Ots, Cariah London, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "EZ-GO Stairs" that is a device that will provide support when walking up and down the stairs with a basket attached to carry the items hands-free, and is adapted to client's staircase, height and ensured storability.

Writers (Un)Block Grip Expander, Stacey Lefkowitz, Cota/L, Ots, Briona Stauffer, Ots, Lauren Trinka, Ots, Morgan Wakefield, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "Writers (Un)Block Grip Expander" that aids in writing for prolonged periods for those with a weakened grasp.

Wheelie Clean Utility Table, Jacqueline Doto, Ots, Phoebe Perkins, Ots, Kyndall Scheffey, Ots, Jacob Rodriguez, Ids, Michael Leonard, Ma.Ed, Ms.Ed, Idsa

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "Wheelie Clean Utility Table" that has cleaning supplies which are attached and easily removed, as well as has lockable casters that are low profile and easy to maneuver.

Ez Reach From Cabinets, Dabrina Konowal, Ots, Michelle Schlechtweg, Ots, Ryan Beenders, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "EZ Reach from Cabinets" that allows those with limited range of motion in shoulders to reach objects from the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet.

Safestride Dog Leash: Designing For Occupational Participation, Ghadah Alharthi, Ots, Emilee Blonder, Ids, Andrew Maitski, Ots, Kristine Nguyen, Ots

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "SafeStride Dog Leash" that is a dog leash designed to promote stability by reducing the force exerted by the dog's sudden lurching movements.

Ez Leader, Kate Alonzo, Ots, Jordaniel Duran, Ids, Lauren Ettore, Ots, Serena Shim, Ots

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "EZ Leader" that is a buckle that was modified for K. due to specific client factors: 1) Easy release buckle; 2)Incorporated K.'s preferred dog collar, the gentle leader; 3) Incorporated cross body bag with magnets to store items while moving; and 4) Added adjustable Micro Educator to position wherever K. prefers it.

The Roll & Go Basket, Emily Christina, Ots, Sydney Melillo, Ots, Devon Franek, Ots, Benjamin Lentz, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of "The Roll & Go Basket" that is a multi-use storage basket for a rollator and on person use.

Reach-N-Grab, Cobi Shaw, Ots, Kayla Muasya, Ots, Naomi Dickenson, Ots, Nico Sawester, Ids

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster is of the "Reach-N-Grab" that features an articulating head, sleek profile, useful handle, handle loop, and rubberized jaws to firmly hold items in place.

Advocating For Occupational Therapy At The Systemic Level, Alyssa Schwartz

Capstone Projects

The future of occupational therapy, a commonly misunderstood and underutilized profession, is largely influenced by advocacy at the systemic level. The following capstone project was completed at the American Occupational Therapy Association with the federal advocacy department. The capstone site mentor, Abe Saffer, is a lobbyist who mainly works on workforce, mental health, and school-based occupational therapy issues. Throughout this project, the capstone student advocated for occupational therapy and those that occupational therapy serves through legislation, networking, and by facilitating the development of OTP advocates. Additionally, the student acquired skills to continue to advocate for herself, the clients she works …

An Occupational Therapist's Role As A Prospective Payment System Coordinator And Identifying Patient Trends In An Inpatient Rehab Center, Autumn Idalski

Capstone Projects

This capstone experience explores the role of a Prospective Payment System (PPS) Coordinator within an inpatient rehabilitation setting and how the skills of an occupational therapist qualify the profession to contribute to the success of a PPS team. A literature review revealed the importance of non-traditional education placements within the occupational therapy curriculum to provide well-rounded experiences to students to leverage their professional careers. A needs assessment revealed a need to identify patient outcome trends within different Rehabilitation Impairment Categories at the capstone site. Objectives for this capstone experience and project include gaining competence in reviewing patient charts within the …

Social Skill Program Development: A Bottom-Up Approach, Sydney Fallis

Capstone Projects

This Doctoral Capstone Experience involved developing and implementing a social skills group program for current clients at an occupational therapy outpatient pediatric clinic. The purpose was to provide an additional service for the clinic that clients could participate into further progress one’s social-emotional and social interaction skills. The program was developed for peers alike to learn and enhance their social skills within a realistic and supportive environment. Based on the mentor and client’s needs at Arcadia Center for OT, a social skill program was developed that integrated the bottom-up approach.

Program Development Of Meaningful Work For Those With Brain Injury: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Alyssa Mckenna

Capstone Projects

In the United States there were 18,557 people diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) with 49% of those injuries being caused by vehicular crashes in 2021 (Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center, 2021). Those who suffer from these injuries often struggle to maintain jobs due to the symptoms resulting from the TBI’s. Vocational rehabilitation programs have been created to address the skills necessary to participate in the work environment. Vocational rehabilitation is a specialized area of occupational therapy. Recent changes have been made to Michigan’s auto no-fault insurance policy that has created a gap between this …

Impact Of Cooking Groups On Children And Adolescents With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Abigail Willinger

Capstone Projects

Engagement in play and leisure activities is an important component of daily life for individuals of all ages. However, there is still a lack of leisure and recreation availability and knowledge regarding children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their participation in daily activities specifically related to play, recreation, and socialization. With healthcare advocacy efforts on the rise, the implementation of a meaningful leisure occupation, such as cooking, through group classes is evident in order to improve one’s overall quality of life. The aim of this 14- week education and program development based capstone project is to improve inclusivity and …

Occupational Therapy In A Daytime Homeless Shelter Setting, Ruth Erin Garcia

Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied health profession that works with individuals on improving their engagement and performance in meaningful occupations. This doctoral capstone project (DCE) was completed at Ministry with Community (MwC), a daytime shelter and resource center. There is emerging but limited literature regarding the role of OT working within a homeless shelter setting. Additionally, individuals experiencing homelessness are at risk for occupational injustice, or restriction to engagement in meaningful life activities.

The primary goal of this DCE was to improve engagement in meaningful occupations. The focus was program development with a secondary focus on advocacy. The objectives …

The Effects Of Theatre-Based Interventions With Older Adults Diagnosed With Neurodegenerative Diseases, Calli Hudson

Capstone Projects

The Doctoral Capstone Experience evaluated theatre and the relation with occupational therapy to observe the potential connection theatre can create to improve shared experiences, emphasize collaboration, and improve quality of life through participation and engagement of theatre-based interventions. In general, theatre allows the foundation of occupational therapy to remain pertinent within the intervention process by remaining flexible, client-centered, and meaningful to aid with participation and engagement by dismissing signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s with a concentration on novel activities. Within the site of the project, there is currently a gap with socializing of consumers, due to the diverse group population, …

Exploring And Implementing Evidence-Based Educational Approaches In An Entry-Level Doctoral Occupational Therapy Program, Hannah Schultheiss

Capstone Projects

As occupational therapy programs begin to shift from entry-level Master’s to Doctorate curriculum, progressing the rigor accordingly while holding true to the field’s occupational roots remains a crucial consideration. At a private university in the Midwest, faculty were working against time constraints while building an entry-level doctoral occupational therapy program from the ground up and sought to establish a healthy, professional culture between faculty and students. This capstone experience and project addressed these goals by exploring the role and expectations of working as an educator in the program. Learning experiences were centered upon developing content related to pediatric and adolescent …

Therashield, Llc A Company Designing Products To Increase Comfort And Maintain Skin Integrity, Alissa Remijan

Capstone Projects

TheraShield, LLC is a company producing products designed to increase comfort and maintain skin integrity while utilizing an unweighted harness system. TheraShield, LLC developed the product Harness Mates, which increase the surface area of contact points between the harness and skin reducing friction and shear, resulting in decreased risk of wounds and increased comfort for the client, as well as improved tolerance to time spent in the harness, allowing for an improved therapeutic response. Harness Mates come in 4 different sizes (long, wide, thick, narrow) to increase the versatility of usage. Harness Mates are designed to be impermeable, allowing to …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Serving Individuals With Social, Emotional, And Cognitive Deficits At Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Molly Ireland

Capstone Projects

This capstone aimed to gain experience and knowledge in developing evidence-based materials that positively affect the programming at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. Within occupational therapy (OT), Equine-Based Therapy (EBT) has demonstrated positive outcomes for improving participation in meaningful occupations. However, based on a needs assessment with the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, a demonstrated increased need for outreach and enhanced mental health programming for trauma-related populations was evident. Therefore, the objectives to meet their needs were to develop a sustainable evidenced-based program utilizing EBT for individuals with trauma and provide input for their evaluation process and therapeutic riding classes within …

Dog And Owner Emotional Relationship Training, Andrea Sowles

Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone experience was to develop a program for emotional relationship training to create a human-animal interaction (HAI) with a dog and their owner. Along with promoting the importance of mental health and engagement in occupations. The program focused on helping the dog provide emotional support to their owner through participating in the training of the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This outline helped deepen the bond between dog and owner and allowed them to become more connected as a team. There is a gap in knowledge between the use of animal assistance in therapy and the …

Substance Use Disorder: Parent Support Group, Alexandra Superson

Capstone Projects

The focus of this 14-week capstone project revolved around program development and implementation of a parent support group through Wedgwood Christian Services for parents who are raising adolescents who were struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Very little is known regarding interventions available to support affected parents to cope with the high stress that comes with navigating the waters of raising a teenager with SUD. The purpose of this project was to improve mental health, family dynamics, and overall quality of life for the affected parents who attended the support group once a week for four weeks. Evidence of stress …

Increasing Quality Of Life: Providing Education And Resources For Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jeanette Kymes

Capstone Projects

This 14-week capstone project aimed to develop and implement meaningful modifications to an early intensive behavioral intervention center from an occupational therapy (OT) perspective. An evidence-based evaluation of the existing program was conducted, and it was identified that parents of children 18 months to 6 years old with autism lacked the awareness of available resources to support their overall quality of life. A new process was developed and implemented for parents to get connected with resources that met their current needs, resulting in a total of 18 different categories of resources. Parents also received education regarding caregiver burnout and developmental …