Occupational Therapy Commons^™

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.

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

The Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudes Needed For Entry Level Wheelchair Service Providers: A Collaboration With Iswp And Ctf, Taylor Bumbalough

OTD Capstone Projects

The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) and Clinician Task Force (CTF) are two organizations dedicated to supporting the wheeled seating and mobility sector. ISWP’s mission is to advocate for education, evidence-based practice, scholarship, consistent standards, and innovation to further wheelchair service provision access internationally, while CTF advocates for those in need of assistive technology to have access of appropriate wheeled seating and mobility by sharing knowledge and experiences of competent clinicians in the field. During this capstone experience, I partnered with ISWP contributing to their Wheelchair Educator’s Package (WEP) by developing an engagement survey to gage the Participatory Action …

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 …

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.

Developing Evidence Based Protocols To Enhance Occupational Therapy Treatment Of The Upper Extremity, Alexandra Ross

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project consisted of the creation of a rehabilitation protocol booklet of 27 diagnoses pertaining to the upper extremity. This poster goes into detail of the protocol creation and development process, and provides examples of protocols for different diagnoses.

Abundant Life Adventure Club Youth Program: Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Recreation And Adventure, Gabriela Swiecki

OTD Capstone Projects

This Capstone project was completed as a collaborative effort with another OTD student and through a partnership with Abundant Life Adventure Club (ALAC). ALAC is a Nashville based organization that focuses on curating outdoor adventures and experiences for Black adults. The focus of this project was on the creation of outdoor programming for urban-dwelling youth, specifically middle schooler, using the principles of positive youth development. The result is a complete digital program guide. The guide includes objectives to address each theme, discussion questions and statements, a lesson plan template, and an activities list to pair with a theme. Using this …

Occupational Therapy And Animal Assisted Therapy: Advocacy For The Field & Best Practice, Mackenzie E. Vanderbloomen

OTD Capstone Projects

There are many ways to incorporate animal assisted therapy (AAT) into occupational therapy (OT) practice, including facilitating client motivation, participation, companionship, addressing activities of daily living (ADLs) including grooming, bathing, feeding, and dressing, as well as the role of pet caretaker as an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). While the values and goals that guide both AAT and OT seem to align in various ways, literature speaking to this unique blend of therapy and the benefits it has on client outcomes and work environment are limited. To highlight gaps in knowledge, and to inform suggestions for field advancement, a …

Abundant Life Youth Program: Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Experience, Elizabeth Robinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with Abundant Life Adventure Club, a Nashville based organization that promotes wellness through curated outdoor adventures for Black individuals. This project coordinated with that of another capstone student in the creation of a comprehensive youth program aiming to promote positive youth development in an outdoor setting for urban-dwelling youth. A literature review was performed to inform the choice of themes and content for the curriculum, which included increasing exposure to nature as well as discussion of developmentally relevant content. The outcome of the research and planning for this curriculum is a digital resource …

Developing An Educational Foundation For Incorporating Animal Assisted Interventions Into Rehabilitation Settings, Chandni Vyas

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone experience was to identify and fill the need for standardized education in the field of occupational and physical therapy regarding the implementation of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) into treatment. Working with Belmont University Professor, Dr. Christi Williams, PTT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT, a course describing the foundations of AAI in practice was created to provide occupational and physical therapy practitioners with a standardized educational course for incorporating therapy animal teams into client-centered interventions. The course was piloted on students in both fields, and a feedback survey was utilized to learn about the attitudes regarding the appropriateness …

Teaching And Supplemental Material Development For Belmont University's Otd Neuroscience Course, Jessica Van Ryzin

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on the development of the neuroscience curriculum with Belmont School of Occupational Therapy. Agency needs included strategies and materials to supplement student understanding in particularly difficult lessons. Project goals ranged from identification of difficult content areas to development of a variety of materials. Using research and stakeholder suggestions, a variety of materials were developed to address diverse learning styles and needs. Feedback was gathered on all learning materials to assess effectiveness and make necessary changes. In all, four case studies, two lectures, two labs, two worksheets, one instructor resource on research findings, and a series of …

Nobody Likes Busy Work: Tilting An Ota Program's Curriculum, Sarah Parkinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Nashville State Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. The college is currently transitioning from The Adult Learning Theory to Bloom’s Theory and the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) method. This project aimed to modify learning materials to assist the OTA program with the transition using specific stakeholder feedback to guide adjustments and assignment design in line with ACOTE standards.

Promoting The Benefits Of Therapy Dogs In Healthcare Settings Through Children's Literature, Angela Bozik

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience was completed in partnership with Dr. Christi Williams, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT. Dr. Williams has a mission to educate others of all ages on the benefits of animal-assisted interventions in a wide variety of settings - most notably, healthcare settings. The primary focus of this project was to create a children's book to teach others about how therapy dogs can be incorporated into a wide variety of healthcare settings in more ways than just petting the dog. It is the hope that through this book more families and healthcare professionals will be inspired to register …

The Parkinson's Wellness Project: An 8-Part Educational Video Series, Samantha L. Stevenson

OTD Capstone Projects

The Parkinson’s Wellness Project is an 8-part educational video series created by Samantha Stevenson, a student in Belmont University’s Doctorate Program in Occupational Therapy. Purpose: This project was created to benefit all persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their care partners who attend Rocksteady Boxing (RSB) in Franklin/Nashville, TN. Methodology: The student conducted research to identify the salient issues experienced by people living with PD. The issues were then synthesized into 8 separate categories including the following: facial expression, mental health, sexual health, self-care, sleep, diet and nutrition, meditation, and postural alignment. Experts in the healthcare field produced specialized content …

Illuminate Academy Kindergarten Market Research And Shine Shop, Shauna Rocha

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with Illuminate Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Illuminate Academy is a not-for-profit alternative to a public or private school for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. One of the primary foci of this project was to develop a kindergarten market research guide comparing Illuminate Academy with other inclusive kindergarten programs as a resource for the agency as well as current and prospective families in Middle Tennessee. Another primary focus of this project was to create social media and marketing materials for Illuminate Academy’s Shine Shop, a transition service that provides students …

Educational Guides To Assistive Technology And Digital Literacy For Older Adults And Caregivers, Cheney D. Hess

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project consisted of the development of a variety of educational resources to assistive technology and digital literacy for older adults and caregivers to aid this population in the process researching, selecting, and accessing assistive technology.

Applying Self-Compassion And Stress Management Techniques To Increase Healthy Behaviors Among Women At The New Beginnings Center, Payton Knupp

OTD Capstone Projects

The New Beginnings Center is a nonprofit organization that serves as an empowerment program for women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Nashville area. Current curriculum includes a 12-week program focused on nutrition, exercise, and positive lifestyle changes that provide a holistic approach to long-term behavior change and a lasting support system. The objective for this project was to provide updated programming based on current research and relevant topics for the population, utilizing the cognitive behavioral frame of reference to facilitate behavior change, reframing negative and distorted thinking into healthy and productive habits. The subjects of the two workshops focused on …

Coaching For Independent Living Skills In Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Community, Ashley G. Raby

OTD Capstone Projects

Friends Life Community is an organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Nashville, TN. They provide a day program, drama therapy, social clubs, career coaching, and life coaching. The life coaching program is an individualized service provided to clients who are striving to become more independent in life skills. This project focused on creating resources and assessments to aid in the coaching process. Resources were created in the following categories: activities, cleaning, hygiene and routines, nutrition and exercise, and budgeting.

Promoting Community Accessibility Through Advocacy And Networking With The Ability App, Chloe C. Moore

OTD Capstone Projects

Promoting Community Accessibility Through Advocacy and
Networking with The Ability App Networking with The Ability App

Vehicle Modification Resources For Families Of Tucker’S House, Heather Ribolla

OTD Capstone Projects

• Tucker's House is a nonprofit providing construction, retrofitting, and home accessibility services for families of children with disabilities
• Mission: To create safer, more accessible homes and environments for children and young adults with disabilities
• Vision: For every child with disabilities to feel at home

Promoting Occupational Well-Being Through Program Development At Rock Steady Boxing, Meredith F. Maines

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), a non-profit organization which aims to provide hope to people with Parkinson’s Disease and strives to improve quality of life. The goal of this project was to create resources for RSB that support business growth and promote occupational well-being amongst participants. Resources include updated intake assessment forms, workout templates, and an organized Google Drive for storage and dissemination of resources.

Burnout Solutions Through Wellness And Outdoor Adventure, Cassidy Bizzell

OTD Capstone Projects

For this doctoral capstone project I partnered with Abundant Life Adventure Club, a wellness company that curates group travel and outdoor events for Black professionals and entrepreneurs to experience the connection and self-care needed to thrive in life and work. The purpose of this project was to determine the club’s points of service, show the club’s effectiveness of providing burnout solutions, and support the mission for Abundant Life Adventure Club to expand membership and provide nature-based wellness interventions to Black professionals and entrepreneurs. Through research and collaboration, I created a member survey to determine the effectiveness of the club in …

Promoting Client-Centered Learning And Education Of Teenage Mothers, Katie R. Hartline

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nurses for Newborns, a nonprofit organization that sends registered nurses to the homes of families who have a greater risk of infant mortality. By delivering prenatal/postnatal care, education, infant developmental assistance, educational resources, community resources, and facilitating long-term plans with the families, Nurses for Newborns takes active measures to prevent child abuse, neglect, and infant mortality. This project was driven by the organization’s need to increase engagement, participation, and learning outcomes by their teen mother clientele. The primary focus of this project was to create a client-specific booklet to promote …

Developing Resources To Promote Proficient Telehealth Service Delivery And Increase Knowledge About Making Changes To A State’S Practice Act, Cassandra M. Howe

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to provide up-to-date resources for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students about legislative updates to the Tennessee occupational therapy practice act regarding the emerging area of telehealth practice. The pandemic was a catalyst for further legitimizing telehealth and telemedicine as a method of occupational therapy service delivery to be included in a state’s practice act as well as, being worthy of payment parity. The Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association(TNOTA) seeks to provide their constituents with timely, meaningful resources to assist in guiding practice and providing exemplary OT services. The TNOTA Telehealth …

Pediatric Manual Wheelchair Skills Handbook, Brooke Edwards

OTD Capstone Projects

The focus of this capstone project was to create a pediatric manual wheelchair skills group for the Vanderbilt Pediatric Seating & Mobility Clinic. Most current literature focuses on adult manual wheelchair mobility skills programs and this project seeks to contribute to the resources for the pediatric population. This was done through collaboration with stakeholders, review of manual wheelchair skills programs already developed, a literature review to identify skills needed for independent functional mobility and assessments of skills, and acquisition of manual wheelchair skills. The result was a handbook including both beginner and advanced pathways with instructions for skill acquisition and …

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.

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.

Assessment Of Independent Living Skills For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: The Brightstone Experience, Amy Mack

OTD Capstone Projects

Mission: ”To provide a comprehensive work, social
support, and residential community for adults with
special needs, expanding their potential and helping
them develop mentally, physically, socially, emotionally,
and spiritually.
- Vision: “Our vision is to provide whole life care,
meeting the needs of job, home, recreation and social,
physical, and health in a God-centered, caring
environment.”
- Background: BrightStone recently purchased 138 acres of land in Williamson County, which will be used to
provide job training, life skills classes, therapeutic
activities, and community living opportunities for adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Promoting Therapist’S Use Of Iadls: Establishing A Pet Care Protocol With Stallworth Inpatient Rehab, Christa Schmieder

OTD Capstone Projects

Inpatient rehabilitation at Stallworth has shown a need for a comprehensive overview of pet care as an IADL along with resources to assist in guiding patients in determining the appropriate steps to ensure their pet is well taken care of. This need was found through surveying the therapy team as well as shadowing therapists and connecting with patients. This project was centered around creating tools such as an IADL kit with instructions for therapists to use with patients, a resource bank containing adaptation recommendations and pet care service apps, a resource explaining how to certify animal as service animal, emotional …

The Development And Evaluation Of A Pediatric Interprofessional Education (Ipe) Experience For Occupational And Physical Therapy Graduate Students, Lorry Liotta-Kleinfeld, Nancy Darr, Tamara Lemmonds, Teresa Plummer

Funded Scholarship

Interprofessional competence is needed to improve health care outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe the development of theoretically grounded interprofessional education (IPE) experiences to advance interprofessional competencies for occupational and physical therapy doctoral students. In addition, a pretest/postest survey was designed to determine the participants’ perceptions of knowledge attainment, roles, and attitudes. Two cohorts of students (N=115) completed surveys pre and post IPE experiences. Statistically significant changes were found on perception of roles and knowledge attainment. Additional studies are needed to determine if IPE leads to behavioral changes in practice and improves patient outcomes.