Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 31
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
The Impact Of Parent And Caregiver Perceptions Of Inclusivity Regarding The Concepts Of Inclusive Playgrounds, Cydnee M. Bacci
The Impact Of Parent And Caregiver Perceptions Of Inclusivity Regarding The Concepts Of Inclusive Playgrounds, Cydnee M. Bacci
OTD Capstone Projects
This capstone was completed in partnership with Recreational Concepts, LLC and Ingrid Kanics OTR/L, FOATA, CPSI. The purpose of this project was to collect current and accurate data regarding parent and caregiver perceptions of inclusive play throughout the Middle Tennessee area. The inclusive playgrounds that participated in this study were Mary’s Magical Place, Henslee Park, and the Thisbe and Noah Promise Park Foundation. Current literature highlights the fact that a sizeable gap exists regarding who is using inclusive playgrounds and if they are properly facilitating inclusive play. Obtaining a deeper understanding of how inclusive playgrounds are being used leads to …
Development Of Teacher Training Program, Manual, & Curriculum Guide For Inclusive Dance Studio, From An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Susanna C. Dunn
Development Of Teacher Training Program, Manual, & Curriculum Guide For Inclusive Dance Studio, From An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Susanna C. Dunn
OTD Capstone Projects
This capstone project was completed in collaboration with MOVE Inclusive Dance, a nonprofit, inclusive dance studio specifically serving individuals of all ages with various disabilities. A needs assessment conducted with the staff at MOVE necessitated a cohesive teacher manual, including teacher training protocol, disability index, safety precautions, sample class activities, curriculum guide, and more. The focus of this capstone was to create and distribute a teacher training manual to dance teachers at MOVE Inclusive Dance. The teacher training manual was created using anonymous pre and post test qualitative and quantitative surveys to assess teacher perceptions regarding feelings of confidence and …
The Sensory Library: Facilitating Opportunities For Success At Bellevue Elementary School, Reagan M. Trussell
The Sensory Library: Facilitating Opportunities For Success At Bellevue Elementary School, Reagan M. Trussell
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Lamar County School District near Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This school district has eight elementary school campuses. The purpose of this project is to provide teachers with tools to improve focus, learning, and participation to facilitate opportunities for success in the classroom. A “sensory library” was created at two elementary school campuses to service grades prek-5 to accomplish this goal.. Faculty was also provided deliverables including rules of the sensory library, instructions to access and use the sensory library digital QR checkout system, the basics of sensory processing, sensory guidebook, contents of …
The Implementation Of Animal Assisted Therapy In Adult Neurological Rehabilitation, Rachel Camilleri
The Implementation Of Animal Assisted Therapy In Adult Neurological Rehabilitation, Rachel Camilleri
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Pi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The focus of this project was to develop animal assisted therapy interventions that could be utilized amongst occupational therapy practitioners with the clinic’s facility dog in an effort to increase utilization of animal assisted therapy. The process for this project required a thorough review of the literature on animal assisted therapy and neurological rehabilitation, conversations with current and past facility dog teams to learn about their work, and trialing animal assisted therapy activities in patient sessions. The outcome of this …
Providing Sensory Integration Education And Transition Tools For The Tennessee Baptist Children’S Homes, Thuy-Duong D. Huynh
Providing Sensory Integration Education And Transition Tools For The Tennessee Baptist Children’S Homes, Thuy-Duong D. Huynh
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with the residential department of the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes, a state-wide ministry that cares for children whose families are in crisis. There were two primary focuses for this project: (1) providing sensory integration education to house parents and (2) creating tools to ease transitions. Outcomes included a presentation and training on sensory integration, a booklet with easily accessible sensory integration information, a local activity guide for day visits with families, and a routine schedule of home visits to ease transitions.
Supporting Adolescent Parents Involved In Younglives, Rachel Fister
Supporting Adolescent Parents Involved In Younglives, Rachel Fister
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project focused on creating educational tools and resources for adolescent caregivers, volunteer mentors, and staff associates involved in YoungLives. YoungLives is a branch of the non-profit outreach organization YoungLife, that supports adolescent/teen parents and expecting mothers worldwide. The goal of this project was to supply accessible and user-friendly resources for the population to gain knowledge on pediatric topics such as child development, age appropriate milestones, sensory processing, as well as activities to promote occupational skills. The project outcomes resulted in a guidebook and deliverables for education and training purposes, a social media platform for nationwide connection and …
Navigating Dysautonomia: A Workbook For Empowered Living, Madison Thornton
Navigating Dysautonomia: A Workbook For Empowered Living, Madison Thornton
OTD Capstone Projects
Dysautonomia Support Network (DSN) is a nonprofit organization composed of volunteers who have a passion for serving the population of individuals with dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a complex and often debilitating disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control. Those living with dysautonomia face a myriad of challenges ranging from chronic fatigue and dizziness to gastrointestinal issues and cognitive impairment. The unpredictability of symptoms can significantly impact daily life, leading to feelings of frustration, isolation, and helplessness. However, amidst these challenges lies the potential for empowerment and transformation. …
Expanding Impact To Promote Wellness And Functional Independence, Margaret Stacy
Expanding Impact To Promote Wellness And Functional Independence, Margaret Stacy
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP). SSP is a studio that specializes in supporting the scoliosis community, offering a range of resources for everyone, no matter their age, curve, or where they are in their journey. SSP utilizes evidence-based methods to lengthen and strengthen the body while empowering clients to live happily, pain-free, and fearlessly. The objective of this project was to expand the positive impact SSP can make on promoting wellness and functional independence for its clients through the development and refinement of resources. This included increasing the usability and accessibility of …
Promoting Health Education And Wellness Among Clients Of Nurses For Newborns, Whitney Mitchell
Promoting Health Education And Wellness Among Clients Of Nurses For Newborns, Whitney Mitchell
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nurses for Newborns, a nonprofit organization sending specially trained, registered nurses to the homes of babies, moms, caregivers, and teens who face medical, social, or environmental risks. Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee exists as a safety net for families most at-risk in order to prevent infant mortality, child abuse, and neglect by providing home nursing visits promoting healthcare, education, and positive parenting skills. This project was driven by the organization’s need to increase three areas: parent/caregiver participation in physical activity while also bonding with their child, parent/caregiver knowledge of activities …
Exploring Seating And Mobility Provision, Amaris Hornbuckle
Exploring Seating And Mobility Provision, Amaris Hornbuckle
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone was an exploration of the specialty practice area of seating and mobility through partnerships with Numotion and TriStar Skyline Medical Center. A variety of projects were completed including educational materials for a wheelchair clinic, a loaner wheelchair tracking spreadsheet, educational materials for a Belmont Occupational therapy course, a literature search on pediatric power mobility, and protocol spreadsheets for an FDA research study. Throughout this capstone, I learned the skills necessary for a wheelchair evaluation, developed interprofessional communication skills, and gained an understanding of the lived experience of end users.
Building A Brighter Future: Developing Function Out Of Dysfunction, Adrian Ewald
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 …
Developing Group Protocols In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Madison Quan
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 …
Driving With Low Vision: Development Of Evidence Based Practice Manual For Bioptic Drivers, Emily Rose Sonni
Driving With Low Vision: Development Of Evidence Based Practice Manual For Bioptic Drivers, Emily Rose Sonni
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone was centered around the creation of a pre-driver training manual for novice drivers with Bioptic Telescope Systems (BTS) in preparation for behind-the-wheel training. The BTS pre-driver training manual was created with OTs at Vanderbilt Eye Institute as well as various OTS/CDRS from additional universities around the country. The manual consists of several parts including: bioptic care/hygiene, steps to become a bioptic driver in TN, how to use the bioptic, pre-driver training activities, time log form and helpful resources page. We also distributed a survey to current novice drivers (without the training manual) to get an impression of …
Integrating Best Practice In Belmont’S Otd Curriculum Through Research, Dissemination, And Development Of Supplemental Course Materials, Alyson Graham
Integrating Best Practice In Belmont’S Otd Curriculum Through Research, Dissemination, And Development Of Supplemental Course Materials, Alyson Graham
OTD Capstone Projects
This project was focused on researching best practice for teaching to large class sizes in preparation for the increasing cohort sizes within Belmont University's OTD program. Research included best practice for large class sizes as well as best practice within occupational therapy programs. This research was consolidated into a paper which included recommendations that could potentially be implemented into the OTD program. Additional materials were created based on that research for potential use within the mental health curriculum of the OTD program and were included in a Blackboard Sandbox course which faculty can access and utilize in the future.
Development And Implementation Of An Outcome Measure For Move Inclusive Dance, Morgan Sondergeld
Development And Implementation Of An Outcome Measure For Move Inclusive Dance, Morgan Sondergeld
OTD Capstone Projects
Due to the need for increased funding at MOVE Inclusive Dance, an outcome measure was created and piloted to display program efficacy. This outcome measure with collected data will illustrate to stakeholders and grant committees the value of MOVE Inclusive Dance. Furthermore, a revised sensory protocol was created to ease student transition from classroom to stage through the use of visuals and strategies. Lastly, an organized document was created for the owner of MOVE Inclusive Dance to continuously apply for grants over the coming years with increased ease.
Gigi’S Playhouse Program Development, Jensen Anderson
Gigi’S Playhouse Program Development, Jensen Anderson
OTD Capstone Projects
This capstone project was completed through a partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse of Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse offers free and purposeful programs for individuals with Down Syndrome from birth through adulthood. The focus of this project was development, modification, and facilitation of the GiGi University program. GiGi University is a program for adults focused on career skills, communication skills, money management, and wellness through nutrition, healthy cooking, and fitness. The goal of this program is to promote increased independence and confidence, as well as to prepare participants for career opportunities and the GiGi’s Playhouse internship program. The national curriculum was modified to …
Enhancing Otd Clinical Pathophysiology Course Curriculum, Ashley N. Rabuck
Enhancing Otd Clinical Pathophysiology Course Curriculum, Ashley N. Rabuck
OTD Capstone Projects
To build upon the foundation of the OTD Clinical Pathophysiology course as to promote student-centered teaching and learning as well as course application to future occupational therapy clinical practice
Gigi's Playhouse Program Development, Tatianna Balis
Gigi's Playhouse Program Development, Tatianna Balis
OTD Capstone Projects
This capstone project was completed through a partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse in Nashville, Tennessee. GiGi’s Playhouse is a Down syndrome achievement center that offers free programming for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. The focus of this project was the development of programming for adults and children with Down syndrome. One of the programs developed was GiGi Prep, a program for adults focused on communication skills, money management, fitness, and healthy cooking skills. The other program developed was GiGi Fit Kids, a fitness program for children ages 7-12. Both programs were modified to fit the local population and additional …
Withdrawing Without Withholding: A Quantitative Report Of Factors Indicative Of The Need For Early Rehabilitation Services After Intrauterine Drug Exposure, Brooke G. Bohanan
Withdrawing Without Withholding: A Quantitative Report Of Factors Indicative Of The Need For Early Rehabilitation Services After Intrauterine Drug Exposure, Brooke G. Bohanan
OTD Capstone Projects
Maternal opioid use is a proliferative epidemic leading to a widespread increase in cases of Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and intrauterine drug exposure (IUDE). Much information has yet to be discovered regarding best practice in treatment and the long-term effects of these diagnoses. This retrospective chart review was conducted to increase awareness and achieve a greater understanding of early developmental deficits and intervention in this population. The researchers hypothesized that there are predictive factors of a later need for therapy services. Potentially influential factors and the prevalence of rehabilitation services provided after discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) …
Integrating Occupational Therapy And Animal Assisted Therapy, Erin Trella
Integrating Occupational Therapy And Animal Assisted Therapy, Erin Trella
OTD Capstone Projects
Pet Partners is a non-profit organization that works to educate and register handlers of multiple species as volunteer therapy teams. While therapy animal programming offered by volunteer handlers provides an invaluable service to communities, there is also a growing body of practitioners who aim to incorporate the healing power of animals into their professionalized settings. The purpose of this project was to delve into the world of AAI in the professional setting and understand the current needs of practitioners in the field. Through interviewing a variety of professionals who utilize AAI in their practice, clear gaps in services were identified, …
Supporting Working Family Caregivers And Older Adults Through An Educational Employer-Based Eldercare Program, Chanté Bowens
Supporting Working Family Caregivers And Older Adults Through An Educational Employer-Based Eldercare Program, Chanté Bowens
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with AgeWell Middle TN, a non-profit agency that focuses on informed, positive aging, and being a champion, advocate, and trusted community resource for older adults. Working family caregivers of older adults are struggling to balance work and caregiving duties, while employers are experiencing loss in productivity and financial return. In response, AgeWell is developing a program called “Eldercare Coach” to provide guidance to employers and working caregivers. Thus, the primary focus of this project was to develop educational materials for AgeWell’s Eldercare Coach program. These educational materials include a list of interview …
Environmental Interventions And Modifications For Individuals With Down Syndrome: Creating An Assessment Tool And Social Story For Increased Participation, Erica Williams
OTD Capstone Projects
This poster is part of the doctoral capstone project completed with Tucker's House, an agency whose mission is to create safer and more accessible homes and environments for children and young adults with disabilities. This project focused on creating an assessment tool for individuals with Down Syndrome to be used during the home assessment process. A social story was also created to explain the home assessment process in an age appropriate manner to children.
Developing Power Skills And Effective Partnerships With Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Madison Mclean
Developing Power Skills And Effective Partnerships With Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Madison Mclean
OTD Capstone Projects
This project partnered with Friends Life Community of Nashville, TN, in effort to advocate for, increase meaningful participation in, and promote independence in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the implementation of several training tools. Staff and families at Friends Life expressed a need for more classes in a virtual capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to tools to guide Friends Life staff from an occupational therapy perspective. An occupational therapy-based training module was introduced to promote inclusion and teach activity analysis, goal-setting, and how to adapt tasks and the environment to maximize engagement and independence in …
Advocacy For Older Adults At A State Unit On Aging, Nicki Richardson
Advocacy For Older Adults At A State Unit On Aging, Nicki Richardson
OTD Capstone Projects
As Tennessee’s state unit on aging, the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) advocates for the health, dignity, independence, and security of older adults through an array of programs and services that address multiple population needs. This doctoral capstone internship and project primarily consisted of activities to support the implementation, management, and sustainability of TCAD’s grant-funded statewide falls prevention program. Project outcomes included but are not limited to: completion of a grant proposal, analysis of data obtained from falls prevention program participants and presentation of results to stakeholders, and creation of resources to support the recruitment and training of …
Promoting Interprofessional Collaboration Through Education In The Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Emma Murphy
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.
Accessibility And Inclusivity At The Frist Art Museum, Andrea M. Boyer
Accessibility And Inclusivity At The Frist Art Museum, Andrea M. Boyer
OTD Capstone Projects
A doctoral capstone project to provide a comprehensive look at accessibility of the Frist Art Museum and its programming. Outcomes included a review of the literature, pre-visit materials (e.g., social narratives, visual schedule), a survey on accessibility experiences in the museum, a comparison of resources offered at other local institutions, and comprehensive observations and recommendations to increase accessibility of physical facilities, digital media, and assistive technology.
Nurses For Newborns – Incorporating An Occupational Therapy Perspective In Its Work With Women And Families In The Perinatal Period, Lynsey Beros
OTD Capstone Projects
The author partnered with a nonprofit organization, Nurses for Newborns, to incorporate an occupational therapy perspective in its work with women and families in the perinatal period as part of the OTD capstone project.
Supporting Older Adults Through Aging In Place And Capable Programs, Laura Compton
Supporting Older Adults Through Aging In Place And Capable Programs, Laura Compton
OTD Capstone Projects
This experiential component or doctoral capstone project involved a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. Through this agency, projects were completed based on identified needs of the Aging in Place and CAPABLE programs. The Aging in Place (AIP) program provides critical home repairs to low-income adults aged 60 years and older. The CAPABLE program provides the same critical home repairs along with a select number of visits from a registered nurse and an occupational therapist to help the older adults age in place safely.
Promoting Physical Activity & Social Participation In Young Adults With Idd With Best Buddies, Belmont Chapter, Courtney Janusz
Promoting Physical Activity & Social Participation In Young Adults With Idd With Best Buddies, Belmont Chapter, Courtney Janusz
OTD Capstone Projects
Best Buddies is the largest international organization dedicated to end social, physical, and economic isolation among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alongside of the Belmont Best Buddies president, we assessed the club’s specific needs and developed a sustainable field-day like event to promote engagement in physical activity and social participation. Much of the research found revolved around a lack of ability to engage and participate in these kinds of activities, which resulted in poor overall physical health. Also, research stated that participation in activities (similar to the one we want to create) is the context in which we form …
Promoting Sensory Environments And Strategies For Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, Emma Mace
Promoting Sensory Environments And Strategies For Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, Emma Mace
OTD Capstone Projects
This project served to promote sensory strategies among youth residents and their caregivers of a children's home in Brentwood, Tennessee as well as use the lens of occupational therapy to design an on-campus multi-sensory room.