Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Using The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Approach To Promote Employment Skill Acquisition In Autistic Transition-Aged Youth, Kristen Mey

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone is dedicated to improving the occupational participation of autistic transition-aged youth using a novel model for treating autism called The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. ApproachSM. Striving to decrease the employment and wage gap that exists for autistics, this capstone focused on the design and implementation of the Employment Readiness program.

Using Ot-Based Yoga Programs To Improve Sleep Health Across Populations, Hillary Williams

MOT Student Capstones

Sleep dysfunction affects all ages and inhibits successful engagement in everyday activities. Pain and psychological issues are common factors that contribute to sleep health. There is demand for holistic approaches to promote sleep health due to undesirable effects of medications. Yoga has been shown to improve health and wellness of those who practice and can be a tool to improve symptoms leading to poor sleep health. Sleep is an occupational domain that is underrecognized compared to the full scope of occupational therapy (OT). OTs can implement yoga programs to promote sleep health across the lifespan, because they are skilled in …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Increasing Asl (American Sign Language) Intelligibility In Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Bailey S. Matney

MOT Student Capstones

Over the years, the occupational therapy profession has worked diligently to provide holistic treatment to all populations throughout the lifespan; however, gaps in practice do exist. One gap that was identified, by this paper's author, involves the Deaf and hard of hearing (D/hh) student population. In American Sign Language (ASL), there are twenty-two different handshapes that make up the twenty-six letters of the alphabet, all of which must be formed through the use of fine motor movements of the wrist, forearm, and digits. In typically developing children, these fine motor movements that ASL production requires are not challenging, but they …

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.

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, …

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.

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 …

Features Of Optics And Mounts That Facilitate Participation In Birding For Power Wheelchair Users: An Exploratory Study, Alexander Field

Capstone Projects

Birding as a leisure task may facilitate increased quality of life and regulate the nervous system through nature-based experiences; however, there are no prior published studies that examine adaptive birding equipment, making this research a crucial addition to the field of occupational therapy. Existing birding equipment is built very heavily, making it difficult for users to apply and reposition during the act of birding. This capstone project focused on adaptive birding equipment use by power wheelchair users to determine the supportive features that best facilitated participation in birding from their mobility devices. Researchers purchased lighter weight mounts and various optics …

Hope On The Slopes: Occupational Therapy's Role In Adaptive Ski Programming, Claire Hague

Capstone Projects

Adaptive skiing and Occupational Therapy (OT) have potential to merge well together. They both aim to enable individuals, regardless of ability, to engage in a purposeful activity or occupation through providing the appropriate supports or interventions (Lundberg et al., 2021; AOTA, 2020). Although OT is acknowledged as a service delivered in community-based settings (AOTA, 2020), there is limited evidence to support a collaboration between OT and its involvement in community-based adaptive ski programing. The purpose of this Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) is to explore the role of OT in a community-based adaptive ski program, Challenge Mountain. Through serving alongside the …

Exploration Of Driving Rehabilitation Best Practices To Sustain An Occupation Focused Driver Rehabilitation Program, Kelsey East

Capstone Projects

In the United States driving dominates as the primary mode of transportation connecting people to resources including work, school, stores, and hospitals. Driving enables individuals to participate in the occupations they need or want to do, which is why it is a critical Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL). Because driving falls within an occupational therapist’s scope of community mobility, many driving rehabilitation specialists have a background in occupational therapy. Driving rehabilitation is an expanding practice area, with emerging evidence supporting the use of an IADL based assessment for determining fitness to drive. Therefore, the main goal of this doctoral …

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 …

Creating Opportunity For The Homeless Population To Engage In Meaningful Occupations, Jada S. Toliver

Capstone Projects

Creating an opportunity for the homeless population to learn life skills, and improve their engagement in meaningful occupations is critical in helping people reintegrate back into the community. Through the development of Life Skills workshops the homeless population could learn appropriate life skills, receive education and advocate for their basic needs to be met. The needs addressed were increasing participation in occupations such as work, socialization, leisure activities, and promoting the importance of maintaining their health. The objectives were: (1) developing professional reasoning skills through scholarly exploration, (2) achieving greater resiliency by implementing goal attainment scaling, (3) utilizing evidence based …

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 …

An Accessible Garden For Cds: Facilitating Participation, Building Skills, And Raising Awareness, Kelyn Rae Sckrabulis

Capstone Projects

The concentration area for this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was program development, which occurred at the Community Connection Skill Building. This site provides services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Research has found that individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities often face barriers to community participation which can lead to poor health outcomes, engagement in more sedentary activities, and a reduction in quality of life. Participation in garden-based activities can promote health and wellbeing and establish a sense of purpose within the community. A needs assessment at the DCE site revealed the need for additional programs that provide community …