Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between Occupational Therapy And Dentistry For Autistic Patients And Sensory Processing Differences, Mallory Fox

Capstone Projects

Dental care is the most frequently cited unmet healthcare need for children with special needs (Cermak et al., 2015). Given the increased research linking oral health to overall health, it is important to ensure that dental care is accessible to all individuals. Oral hygiene and health management are both occupations included in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (4th ed). Combined with the unique training of an occupational therapist in sensory processing and environmental adaptations, the profession of occupational therapy has an important role in addressing the availability of dental care for those with disabilities.

The aim of my doctoral capstone …

Outdoor Community Based Rehabilitation Program Development, Dylan Pritel

Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone paper is to promote Outdoor Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) as an adjunctive therapeutic approach to traditional treatment for rehabilitation professionals working in outpatient settings. The primary objective of this project was to create a comprehensive program proposal for an Outdoor CBR program for patients receiving outpatient services at Oroville Hospital. It included creating program activities, a patient referral process, identifying possible community partners, locating applicable grants, determining program staffing, as well as creating a workable budget, which included overall activity costs, staffing costs, equipment costs and reimbursement procedures. (See appendix A and B) The program …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy At The Systemic Level, Alyssa Schwartz

Capstone Projects

The future of occupational therapy, a commonly misunderstood and underutilized profession, is largely influenced by advocacy at the systemic level. The following capstone project was completed at the American Occupational Therapy Association with the federal advocacy department. The capstone site mentor, Abe Saffer, is a lobbyist who mainly works on workforce, mental health, and school-based occupational therapy issues. Throughout this project, the capstone student advocated for occupational therapy and those that occupational therapy serves through legislation, networking, and by facilitating the development of OTP advocates. Additionally, the student acquired skills to continue to advocate for herself, the clients she works …

Occupational Therapy In A Daytime Homeless Shelter Setting, Ruth Erin Garcia

Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied health profession that works with individuals on improving their engagement and performance in meaningful occupations. This doctoral capstone project (DCE) was completed at Ministry with Community (MwC), a daytime shelter and resource center. There is emerging but limited literature regarding the role of OT working within a homeless shelter setting. Additionally, individuals experiencing homelessness are at risk for occupational injustice, or restriction to engagement in meaningful life activities.

The primary goal of this DCE was to improve engagement in meaningful occupations. The focus was program development with a secondary focus on advocacy. The objectives …

Efficacy Of Using Virtual Reality To Reduce Perceived Exertion During Therapy When Compared To Traditional Ot Intervention, Luke Lee

Capstone Projects

This project looked at the differences in perceived and actual exertion in virtual reality therapy interventions and upper extremity ergometer. The goal of this project was to quantify the efficacy of virtual reality interventions as an alternative to more traditional upper extremity interventions. This project wanted to address the lack of research focused on perceived exertion in virtual reality interventions. The student objectives focused on conducting research, familiarizing oneself with the use of virtual reality in the in-patient setting, and dissemination of the results. This study found that there was no significant difference in perceived exertion scores, changes in heart …

Disability Advocates Of Kent County (Dakc) Consumer Follow-Up For Aging In Place, Bianca Cordova

Capstone Projects

Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) is a non-profit organization with an occupational therapy (OT) department that aims to keep primarily community-dwelling, low-income, older adults safe and independent in their home. The organization provides home assessments which identifies the barriers and supports for daily activities within the home. After the home assessment evaluation, adaptive equipment and/or home modification recommendations are provided. Literature supports the restorative approach DAKC uses to facilitate aging in place. There was a lack of quantitative and qualitative evidence on how consumers were aging in place post-intervention. This capstone project focused on creating a pilot follow-up program …

Addressing Sensory Processing And Mental Health Needs In The Middle School Setting, Kate Bergsma

Capstone Projects

Rooted in policy and program development, this occupational therapy doctoral capstone experience focused on addressing sensory processing and mental health needs at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (GRCMS). With a significant proportion of students suffering from sensory processing difficulties and mental health concerns, the field of occupational therapy is distinctly equipped to address both needs within the context of school (Nielsen at al., 2021, Mental health for adolescents, n.d.). Occupational therapy’s background and expert training in both sensory processing as well as mental health needs proved vital the completion of this capstone. An intensive literature review was conducted to guide …

Therapeutic Gardening For Older Adults At A Community-Based Day Center: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Anna Serbantez

Capstone Projects

As we age, it is common for individuals to participate in less meaningful and purposeful occupations due to cognitive and physical declines. Research has shown that gardening is a popular leisure activity that offers many therapeutic benefits. This capstone project involved creating an evidence-based therapeutic gardening program for older adults at Care Resources. This community-based day center offers many activities and opportunities for participants to get involved with; however, after completing a needs assessment, it was clear that participants could benefit from more hands on and productive activities that help encourage regular attendance to the day center. The objectives of …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Serving Individuals With Social, Emotional, And Cognitive Deficits At Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Molly Ireland

Capstone Projects

This capstone aimed to gain experience and knowledge in developing evidence-based materials that positively affect the programming at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. Within occupational therapy (OT), Equine-Based Therapy (EBT) has demonstrated positive outcomes for improving participation in meaningful occupations. However, based on a needs assessment with the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, a demonstrated increased need for outreach and enhanced mental health programming for trauma-related populations was evident. Therefore, the objectives to meet their needs were to develop a sustainable evidenced-based program utilizing EBT for individuals with trauma and provide input for their evaluation process and therapeutic riding classes within …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Increasing Client Engagement In Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programming With A Community-Based Interdisciplinary Team, Jennifer Tornga

Capstone Projects

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) remains a prevalent problem in the United States despite consistent efforts by National, State, and local entities to improve access to treatment services. Even though attendance of treatment services is understood to be important for progress towards recovery goal attainment for those with SUD, limited study has been done to understand how SUD itself negatively impacts a person’s ability to engage in treatment meaningfully and consistently. This project was designed to explore and understand barriers to attendance of and engagement in SUD treatment stemming from executive functioning deficits commonly connected to SUD. An Occupation-based approach was …

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.

Program Development Of Meaningful Work For Those With Brain Injury: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Alyssa Mckenna

Capstone Projects

In the United States there were 18,557 people diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) with 49% of those injuries being caused by vehicular crashes in 2021 (Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center, 2021). Those who suffer from these injuries often struggle to maintain jobs due to the symptoms resulting from the TBI’s. Vocational rehabilitation programs have been created to address the skills necessary to participate in the work environment. Vocational rehabilitation is a specialized area of occupational therapy. Recent changes have been made to Michigan’s auto no-fault insurance policy that has created a gap between this …

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.

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 …

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, …