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Full-Text Articles in Rehabilitation and Therapy
Enhancing Participation In Play Through Staff Training At We Rock The Spectrum, Megan Poppens
Enhancing Participation In Play Through Staff Training At We Rock The Spectrum, Megan Poppens
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone was completed by partnering with We Rock the Spectrum in Franklin, Tennessee. We Rock the Spectrum is an inclusive, sensory-safe play environment for all children. The goal was to provide education, coaching, and practical tips for staff to foster increased inclusion and participation in play. A training manual was created with topics including the impact of play, development, respectful disability language, disability terms and abbreviations, sensory regulation, safety, common misconceptions, pediatric diagnoses, strategies for leading groups, behavior management, and interacting one-on-one with children. The educational resources were used to enhance the staff member’s knowledge, confidence, and skills …
Promoting Participation In Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease Through The Development Of Accessible Occupation-Based Resources, Kelly Struthers
Promoting Participation In Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease Through The Development Of Accessible Occupation-Based Resources, Kelly Struthers
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Rock Steady Boxing Music City, a non-profit organization that provides boxing classes for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and other motor-related disorders. The purpose of this project was to understand the participatory barriers that are common within the Parkinson’s disease community and develop solution-oriented resources in response to these barriers. All developed resources were intentionally created to maximize accessibility and explored areas such as driving, fatigue, caregiving, and memory. These resources were compiled and distributed to the “fighters” of Rock Steady Boxing via an in-person “OT Corner” bulletin board, the weekly …
Bridging The Gap Between The Occupational Therapy Department And The Education Department At An Inclusive Preschool, Brenna C. Hunt
Bridging The Gap Between The Occupational Therapy Department And The Education Department At An Inclusive Preschool, Brenna C. Hunt
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with First Steps Inc. in Nashville, TN. First Steps Inc. is both an outpatient therapy clinic and an inclusive childcare facility that provides education for children with special needs alongside their typically developing peers. This project sought to bridge the gap between the occupational therapy department and the education department at First Steps to promote participation, inclusion, and developmental growth in the classrooms. The focus of the project was the development and implementation of various OT tools and resources to be used in the classrooms. Deliverables included choice boards, visual schedules, …
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. …
Promoting Full Participation For Students Involved In Young Life Capernaum, Hannah Simmons
Promoting Full Participation For Students Involved In Young Life Capernaum, Hannah Simmons
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project focused on creating educational tools and resources for students, leaders, and coaches involved in Nashville Young Life Capernaum. Young Life Capernaum is a longstanding organization that is built on serving young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal was not to change what they are doing but to supply practical skills and knowledge on topics such as self-regulation, behavior management, accommodations, and appropriate language use to increase participation and inclusivity of all stakeholders involved. The results were guidebooks, specifically made for Capernaum leaders, coaches, and students, that attempt to encompass common questions and frequently needed …
Elopement Prevention: Promoting Safety And Supporting Participation, Sarah C. Duckworth
Elopement Prevention: Promoting Safety And Supporting Participation, Sarah C. Duckworth
OTD Capstone Projects
The goal of this capstone project was to create resources promoting elopement prevention and provide suggestions for anti-elopement equipment visits at the Vanderbilt Pediatric Seating & Mobility Clinic. Research indicates that 50% of families have never received guidance about elopement prevention from a healthcare professional. The tools created during this capstone project were meant to improve equipment visits, educate caregivers, and empower future occupational therapy practitioners. The goals were achieved through collaboration with stakeholders, completing a review of the literature, attending a child passenger safety technician course, and developing resources. The result was a social story and sensory toolbox for …
Believe In All: Adaptive Gymnastics Program, Pooja Patel
Believe In All: Adaptive Gymnastics Program, Pooja Patel
OTD Capstone Projects
This poster is part of the doctoral capstone project completed with the gymnastics facility, Believe Gymnastics. The project focused on developing a gymnastics program for children with cognitive, physical, or neurological needs or impairments. The goal of this project was to increase the opportunity for children with disabilities to participate into the leisure activity of gymnastics.
Community Accessibility For Individuals With Disabilities, Marshall Dumas
Community Accessibility For Individuals With Disabilities, Marshall Dumas
OTD Capstone Projects
The purpose of this project was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of individuals with disabilities and to identify what accessibility barriers may exist in community settings. Individuals with disabilities may face increased environmental barriers that influence their ability to successfully access and fully participate in community settings. This project attempts to provide community accessibility resources for individuals with disabilities in order to make community outings as successful as possible for all persons.