Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Eku Os/Ot Adult Population Video Library, Abigail E. Coffey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Developing clinical reasoning and analytical skills can be challenging when learning is limited to theoretical case studies. Exposure to real-world clients allows occupational therapy students to observe how clinical principles and interventions are applied while adapting to each individual's unique needs. The purpose of this project was to begin developing a video library demonstrating activities of daily living (ADLs) and occupational therapy's role with adults to strengthen students' clinical reasoning and connect classroom instruction with authentic practice experiences. This project also addresses a gap in the literature regarding the use of real-world learning experiences in occupational therapy education.

A survey …

Cns Regulation And Neuroprotection In The Nicu/Picu, Kelly D. Wheatley

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience numerous stressors, including painful medical procedures, excessive sensory stimulation, disrupted sleep, limited positive sensory experiences, and separation from caregivers. These factors can negatively affect central nervous system (CNS) development, self- and co-regulation, neurobehavioral organization, feeding, and long-term occupational performance. Despite growing evidence supporting neuroprotective and developmentally supportive care, accessible educational resources are needed to promote consistent implementation among healthcare providers, volunteers, and families.

The purpose of this capstone project was to increase awareness and application of CNS regulation and neuroprotective care principles within the …

Promoting Workplace Wellness Through Occupational Therapy, Fischer R. Proffitt

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at London Country Club in London, Kentucky, and focused on the ACOTE areas of Education, Leadership, and Program Development. The purpose was to promote workplace wellness and occupational balance among Pro Shop staff through ergonomic education, injury-prevention strategies, stress-management interventions, and workflow improvements.

A needs assessment was conducted through private staff interviews, a workplace wellness questionnaire, direct observation, and a review of literature related to occupational therapy, ergonomics, and workplace wellness. Findings revealed prolonged standing, repetitive lifting, physical discomfort, moderate-to-high workplace stress, and opportunities to improve ergonomics, workflow efficiency, and employee wellness supports. These …

Empowering Teachers Through Knowledge, Resources, And Strategies For Sensory Regulation And Handwriting Success, Natalie A. Ossege

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone project was completed at Woodfill Elementary School within Fort Thomas Independent Schools under the ACOTE focus areas of education and program development. The purpose was to develop educational resources that increased elementary educators' understanding of occupational therapy concepts related to handwriting development and sensory regulation while supporting student participation, engagement, and academic success.

A needs assessment identified teachers' desire for greater knowledge of occupational therapy services and practical classroom strategies for handwriting and sensory regulation. Limited access to occupational therapy consultation, due to one occupational therapist serving the entire district, further emphasized the need for sustainable educator …

Improving Access To Therapeutic Knowledge: Caregiver Education For Children With Cerebral Palsy In Vietnam, Hallei N. Bittlinger

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed at Hope Therapy Center (HTC), located in Da Nang, Vietnam through a virtual applied leadership experience. The primary ACOTE focus area for my capstone project included education and leadership. The primary goal of this capstone includes sustainably improving the knowledge and skills required for intervention planning for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Related goals include, developing training resources for HTC staff to review to understand CP and the effect it has on occupational performance, as well as providing virtual consultations for the current client caseload to enhance current practices and provide evidence-based interventions into the …

From Bump To Baby: A New Parent Role Preparation Webinar, Emma K. Ward

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this Capstone project is to alleviate some of the stress and fear associated with the transition to parenthood through the development of a parental role preparation webinar that educates new and expecting parents on how to effectively care for and support the development of their child. The primary area of focus for the project is Education, and the project site is the Haven Care Center in Danville, Kentucky. A SWOT analysis and discussions with Haven Care staff indicated a need for educational materials that focus on caregiver skill development, understanding and responding to infant cues, infant developmental …

Non-Pharmacological Interventions Impacting Quality Of Sleep, Stephanie Grome

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone/ALE project was a quality improvement project completed at E.C. Shaw Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. The primary ACOTE focus area was health promotion and wellness, emphasizing the role of occupational therapy in improving sleep as an essential occupation that supports overall health, productivity, and quality of life. The goal was to determine participants’ current sleep satisfaction and determine what, if any, non-pharmacological interventions impact sleep quality among adults working full time jobs.

The literature review identified the importance of quality sleep and explored several pharmacological interventions and interventions specific for conditions.However, minimal evidence exists examining non-pharmacological factors for …

Play For All: An All-Inclusive Playground For Manchester, Ky, Tiheya Marcum

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Doctoral Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) focused on designing an evidence-based, all-inclusive playground for Rawlings and Stinson Park in Manchester, Kentucky. Guided by the ACOTE focus areas of advocacy, education, and program development, the project aimed to improve equitable access to meaningful play for children of all abilities while promoting occupational justice within a rural community. A comprehensive needs assessment and SWOT analysis identified strengths, barriers, and opportunities related to inclusive recreation. Findings highlighted community support for park improvements, occupational therapy's emphasis on occupational justice, limited knowledge of inclusive playground design, and financial and infrastructure challenges. These results …

Workplace Wellness: Ergonomics And Injury Prevention, Makenzie Vorbeck

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone project, Workplace Wellness: Ergonomics and Injury Prevention, was completed in a local retail jewelry store as part of an Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) with a primary focus of health promotion and wellness as outlined by ACOTE Standards. This project aimed to address the high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among jewelers and sales staff due to prolonged static postures, repetitive hand movements, and improper workstation set-ups.

The primary goals of my project were to 1) improve participant knowledge of ergonomic principles and injury prevention strategies, 2) enhance knowledge of proper body mechanics and workstation set-up, and 3) …

Ot At Work: Engineering Better Bodies For Better Manufacturing, Gracie Johnson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Manchester Tank, a manufacturing facility, and focused on the ACOTE areas of Education and Program Development. The Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) aimed to reduce workplace ergonomic risks, promote musculoskeletal injury prevention, and increase awareness of occupational therapy's role in manufacturing. A needs assessment including an employee pre-survey, workplace observations, employee feedback, and a review of current literature identified opportunities to improve ergonomic practices and employee knowledge related to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) prevention.

In response, ergonomic evaluations were conducted within the facility, and evidence-based recommendations were developed to improve workstations and job tasks. …

Increasing Older Adult's Participation/Engagement In Their Meaningful Iadls In Long-Term Care Facilities, Allison L. Hedges

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) were completed at Telford Terrace, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Richmond, Kentucky. My capstone focused on education and program analysis, with the goal of increasing participation in meaningful instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among older adults, particularly those with memory-related diagnoses. This was accomplished by educating staff on activity adaptations and environmental modifications while incorporating resident feedback into activity planning.

Following a needs assessment, literature review, and stakeholder interviews, I identified barriers to participation, including limited staffing, varying resident interests, and differences in physical and cognitive abilities. To …

Eku Os/Ot Pediatric Population Video Library, Heaven L. Taylor

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this Doctor of Occupational Therapy capstone project was to develop the EKU Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Pediatric Population Video Library, an educational resource designed to enhance occupational therapy education through in class video instruction. Completed virtually in collaboration with site mentor Dr. Leslie Hardman, OTD, OTR/L, the project addressed the limited opportunities students often have to observe authentic pediatric occupational therapy sessions before entering clinical practice.

Research supports the use of video-based learning as an effective educational strategy for improving students clinical reasoning, and understanding by providing exposure to real-world occupational therapy practice. In response to …

Eku Os/Ot Adult Population Video Library, Abigail E. Coffey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

As a student in the classroom setting, it can become very difficult to expand clinical reasoning and analytic skills using theoretical scenarios and clients. Real-world individuals/clients allow the student to see how certain principles, frameworks, or techniques are truly applicable and how to adapt to each scenario as is often in occupational therapy. The purpose of this project is to increase analysis skills in future occupational therapy practitioners by beginning to create a video library about activities of daily living and OT's role or lack of thereof in adults. Goals included expanding access to real-world learning opportunities to connect classroom …

Build Wellness: A Life Learning Series, Sydny B. Terry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My capstone project was completed with Build Inclusion, a non-profit based in Lexington, to develop the Build Wellness series. This series focused on program development and community-based practice for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The primary ACOTE focus areas addressed through this project included program development, advocacy, education, and leadership.

The goal of Build Wellness: A Life Learning Series was to educate, empower, and encourage teens and young adults with IDD to confidently navigate adulthood and participate more independently in their communities. Specific goals included increasing knowledge of life skills topics, promoting confidence and self-efficacy, …

Developing A Developmentally Appropriate Fine Motor Curriculum For Pre-K Sunday School, Allison E. Casey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone project was completed in a Sunday school program serving preschool-aged children. The purpose of the project was to develop a year-long craft curriculum that promotes fine motor skill development through engaging, developmentally appropriate activities while providing volunteers with easy-to-use resources that integrate with weekly Bible lessons.

A needs assessment, classroom observations, discussions with church leaders and volunteers, and a review of current literature identified limited opportunities for fine motor skill practice within the Sunday school program. In response, a curriculum was developed consisting of four crafts per month, each including supply lists, step-by-step …

Bringing Awareness And Education To Rural Areas About The Role Occupational Therapy (Ot) Has In Infant Care, Makenzi Richwald

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focused on education and advocacy. The aim of my capstone project was to provide education to parents of eastern Kentucky (KY) about what Occupational Therapy (OT) can address with infants aged 0-18 months. I saw a gap in knowledge in the eastern KY community about what OT could do for infants and wanted to address this. Through my research, consultation with my mentors, and collaboration with the occupational therapists at my site (BPT) I discerned 14 areas of development and/or common reasons of needed referral for OT services by this age group. These educational materials aimed to …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals In The Workplace, M'Kenna J. Henson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed in partnership with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and focused on the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) areas of education and program development. The project involved developing a nationally-accessible asynchronous continuing education e-course, The Role of Occupational Therapy in Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals in the Workplace, to increase occupational therapy (OT) practitioners' and students' knowledge of neurodiversity, workplace inclusion, and evidence-based employment supports.

Current literature highlights significant barriers to employment for neurodivergent individuals. Approximately 20% of people are neurodivergent, yet nearly 80% of neurodiverse adults are unemployed, demonstrating the need for greater …

Empowering Staff And Caregiver Through Occupational Therapy Education And Leadership At Hope Therapy Center, Natalie K. Antle

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed with Hope Therapy Center (HTC), a pediatric clinic in Da Nang, Vietnam that is part of a Christian-based nonprofit organization providing free therapy services to children with disabilities and their families. This project focused on the ACOTE areas of education and leadership. It was informed by a previous experience at HTC where I observed a need for additional staff education, caregiver support, and sustainable occupational therapy resources. Those observations guided the development of my capstone and helped ensure the project addressed the clinic's greatest needs.The purpose of this capstone was to strengthen staff knowledge of …

Bridging The Gap: A Resource Toolkit To Support Clients Beyond Discharge, Kaleigh G. Williams

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone was completed at The Medical Center–Franklin, a rural critical access hospital offering outpatient, acute, and post-acute rehabilitation services. The project aligned with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) focus areas of Leadership, Education, and Advocacy through the development of a Resource Toolkit to support caregivers, clients, and rehabilitation specialists during hospitalization and discharge planning.Through discussions with stakeholders regarding social determinants of health and occupational justice, a need for improved access to community resources was identified. In response, a comprehensive toolkit was developed containing more than 60 resources focused on client education, caregiver support, …

Simulated Traffic Stops For Neurodiverse Drivers, Addie Wilson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The goal of this capstone project was to create a simulated traffic stop event for neurodiverse drivers to decrease anxieties and promote positive interactions with local law enforcement. This project was completed under the ACOTE standards of project development and clinical skills, and in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Driving Rehabilitation Program and a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist. Previous simulated traffic stops have been completed specifically for the ASD population and showed improvements in anxiety and understanding of traffic stops. Additionally, resources like the Blue Envelope Program have been implemented across the country to allow for interactions between autistic …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Health, Wellness, And Community Engagement In Rural Texas, Maggie Hall

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) and Doctoral Capstone was completed at Colston Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Kingsville, Texas. The primary ACOTE focus areas addressed were advocacy and education. This capstone aimed to explore community perspectives on health and wellness while identifying gaps in health knowledge and access to community resources and streamline acute care evaluations to minimize readmission rates.

A needs assessment was conducted through community health and wellness questionnaires, stakeholder collaboration, and review of local demographic and health data.  Kingsville, TX is a rural community with higher-than-average rates of poverty and obesity. Findings revealed a need for …

I Am God's Masterpiece- Inclusive Vacation Bible School For Adults With Disabilities, Chelsea Lee M. Beverly

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

A SWOT analysis revealed a substantial need of local events for adults with IDD, therefore, the goal of this capstone project was to host an event promoting inclusivity in rural communities and offering opportunities for meaningful engagement in social participation and leisure activities in diverse populations. I specifically focused on the community impacts of this project, what the needs were for this area, and how this could benefit the community now and in the future. This event was held on June 6, 2026 from 10am-3pm. Participants were offered engagement opportunities through completing crafts, participating in worship, interactive Bible lessons, outdoor …

Improving Fall Prevention In Assisted Living Through Resident Engagement, Staff Education And Environmental Safety Initiatives, Sarah Emmons

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) were completed at Parkview Assisted Living in Danville, Kentucky. The project focused on the ACOTE areas of education, program development, clinical practice, and leadership, with the goal of improving resident safety and independence through evidence-based fall prevention initiatives. A needs assessment was completed through staff interviews, resident observations, collaboration with facility leadership, and a review of current literature. Findings identified opportunities to enhance staff education related to fall prevention, dementia-informed communication, purposeful rounding, and environmental safety. To address these needs, I developed and implemented Steady Steps, a weekly occupation-based balance group …

Expanding Access To Age-Typical Social Experiences For Children With Disabilities: Camp Quest, Megan Duffy

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this capstone project was to expand access to social participation and community integration experiences for children with disabilities in order to address the gap in access when compared with age-level peers. In order to accomplish this, I developed and administered summer camp programming in partnership with Easterseals Crossroads (ESC), a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. In collaboration with a multitude of clinicians, students, topic experts, and organizational members of ESC, I developed camp programming and staff training for Camp QUEST. Following program development, I coordinated and guided the counselors, clinicians, volunteers, students, …

Pre-Writing/Writing Program Development For Elementary School Children With An Emphasis On Sensory Integration, Kayla A. Bingham

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my Capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience I focused on the importance of handwriting in elementary school children. So, the practice setting I chose to complete my project at was three elementary schools in Petoskey, Michigan. Also, my primary ACOTE focus area for this specific project was program development.

The goals of my capstone includes: Gathering present information (research, work samples, and classroom observation) of pre-writing skills, hand writing skills, and sensory implications of handwriting for students with ASD/SPD, analyze observation notes to target identified factors that are contributing to difficulties in handwriting in students, develop pre-writing skills interventions …

Understanding The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Hospice Care: A Needs Assessment And Advocacy Project, Keeton Thornsberry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This advocacy and education capstone project used a needs assessment questionnaire and literature review to evaluate perceptions of occupational therapy in hospice care. Findings guided the development of educational resources aimed at increasing awareness, supporting appropriate referrals, and promoting occupational therapy as an integral member of the hospice interdisciplinary team.

The Development And Implementation Of A Music-Based Engagement Toolkit To Support Occupations In Long-Term Care Settings, Clay Rains

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project, completed as part of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating an evidence-based Music-Based Engagement Toolkit to support occupational therapy practitioners working with older adults in long-term care. The Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed at Morning Pointe Senior Living, serving residents with dementia, Parkinson's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and age-related functional decline. The project emphasized the ACOTE focus areas of clinical practice, program development, leadership, and evidence-based practice.

The primary objectives were to create an evidence-based toolkit, implement individualized music interventions during occupational therapy sessions, and evaluate their impact on occupational …

Accessibility And Inclusion Within Girl Scouts, Morgan N. Minter

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My 14-week doctoral capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed with the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council. Focusing on Program Development and Advocacy, the project aimed to increase accessibility and inclusion through occupational therapy-informed resources and leader education. A literature review and needs assessment identified a need for practical accessibility resources within Girl Scout programming. Drawing on my experience as both a former Girl Scout and occupational therapy student, I recognized opportunities to better support neurodivergent youth and youth with disabilities through evidence-based, inclusive practices. Using evidence review, program observation, and collaboration, I completed an accessibility assessment …

Ot And Lactation Consulting: More Than Just A Baby's Breast-Friend, Cara N. Reynolds

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Over the course of 14 weeks, I developed clinical skills related to infant feeding, including—but not limited to—anatomy, conditions that interfere with feeding, maternal health concerns, and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. I gained insight into each discipline's unique role by job shadowing at various lactation clinics. I observed PTs, SLPs, RNs, craniosacral therapists, and interviewed a nutritionist. Many of the centers I visited expressed a desire to one day incorporate an OT into their practice, which was encouraging.

With this knowledge, I created an informational binder to leave at the Kentucky Breastfeeding Center (KBC) for future OT students. …

Providing Leisure Opportunities To Support Mental Health & Quality Of Life For Oncology Patients In Acute Care:, Allison Adkins

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this project was to make leisure activities accessible to patients in acute care and to explore the benefits it may have on patients' mental health and quality of life. One study found there to be a high prevalence of mental health problems among older adults with 36% having no prior mental health problems (Goldberg et al., 2012). Additionally, psychiatric disorders have been shown to affect at least 30–35% of cancer patients during all phases of the disease trajectory (Caruso & Breitbart, 2020). Research also suggests that active engagement in leisure activities helps older adults maintain functioning in …