Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapists' Perception Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Sleep In Pediatric Outpatient Settings, Carina Jimenez, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone investigates pediatric occupational therapists' views on managing sleep issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It highlights gaps in education and resources and emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions. Findings emphasize the importance of enhancing occupational therapists' role in addressing sleep challenges for improved family well-being, advocating for more comprehensive education and support systems.

An Ot Needs Assessment For Children And Families Residing In Shelters, Jessie Siono, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study created a needs assessment is to determine the unique occupational deficits of children and their families in California experiencing homelessness within a shelter setting via recording their lived experiences. A local family shelter was analyzed via observation and interviews with staff and residents of the shelter. The results were compiled into a facility assessment to identify supports and barriers to occupation. Results were also utilized to complete an occupational needs assessment for families and children living in homeless shelters. The study determined the occupational needs and occurrences of occupational deficits that were experienced by residents of the family …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Enhancing Adaptive Golf, Jessica A. Garday, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project is focused on advocating on behalf of golfers with disabilities by providing an educational resource for golf administrators on enhancing adaptive golf at their facility. The project's deliverable was an in-service presentation highlighting the importance of adaptive golf and its positive impact on community, state, and national individuals. The in-service was delivered through the Southern California Professional Golf Association SCPGA Catalyst webinar series. The topics included grants for adaptive equipment, the financial impact of adaptive golf on the industry, community partnerships, and golf course design modifications utilizing the most cost-effective approaches. The student found that more education can …

Care For Caregivers: Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role In Caregiver Support, Mariah Mendez, Amy Lyons-Brown, Negin Zare

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Care for Caregivers explores the challenges of spousal and remote caregivers to determine how occupational therapy can assist through program development.

Occupational Impact Of Caregivers In Pediatric Palliative Care, Lezlye Ramos, Karen Park, Jazminne O. Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the occupational impact for caregivers who had a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who had received pediatric palliative care. A lack of understanding of occupational therapy’s role in end-of-life care ultimately underutilizes and under-prepares occupational therapists to work in this practice area. Becoming a medical family caregiver, neglecting personal needs and desires becomes a norm having a in-direct effect on physical and psychological health and well-being. Findings from this study suggest that it is reasonable to infer that occupational participation among caregivers is influenced by finding time for self and …

Enhancing Concussion Education And Documentation Within Belmont University’S Athletic Department, Jenna M. Ogle

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Belmont University’s Sports Medicine Department. The primary purpose of this project was to identify the department’s current needs and to develop deliverables to enhance and facilitate the concussion education and documents provided to Belmont Athletics stakeholders (including student athletes, university educators, coaching staff, and other members of administration). The process included collaboration with university athletic trainers and student-athletes to ensure usability and creation of relevant products. These resources include informational handouts designed for both student-athletes and educators, an on-field concussion assessment and protocol, concussion education resources with increased opportunities for …

Empowering Clients And Care Partners Living With Parkinson’S Disease Through Evaluating And Addressing Gaps In Client And Care Partner Education, Victoria E. Vik

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with My LiveABILITY, LLC in College Grove, TN. My LiveABILITY is a mobile outpatient clinic that services Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers within the Williamson County area. They specifically provide in-home occupational therapy to address cognition, balance, gait, mobility, posture, strength, coordination, stamina, pain, and mental health, in-depth planning for aging in place, LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s patients, and they provide caregiver and care partner training, education, and support. The goals of this project were accomplished in two main parts. Part 1 consisted of conducting researching to gain the lived experience …

Implementing Occupational Therapy Principles Into The Linden Waldorf Neurodivergent Student Population, Brooke M. Bledsoe

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, TN. The focus of this project was development, implementation, and advocacy regarding occupational therapy techniques for the neurodivergent student population. The goal of this project was to provide direct observations, educational presentations, and various educational materials on a variety of neurodivergent deficits and diagnoses in order to help empower Linden Waldorf faculty and staff to best meet the needs of their students. The deficits and diagnoses covered in this project are as follows: executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity …

Best Practice For Creating A Sensory Garden And Calming Cart For Preschool-Aged Children At A Reggio-Inspired Preschool, Emmalee Lawrence

OTD Capstone Projects

The goal of this capstone project was to create program plans for a sensory garden and calming cart as well as create resources for parents and teachers on the use and benefit of these plans for the children at First Presbyterian Church Early Preschool. Research on current programs at the preschool indicated the school could benefit from additional sensory and calming opportunities. The programs created during this capstone project were meant to improve sensory exploration, increase overall emotional well-being, as well as support developmental milestones in preschool-aged children. The goals of this project were achieved through collaboration with staff, teachers, …

Metro Parks Adults With Disabilities - Health Management, Kaylee M. Lane

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Metro Parks adults with disABILITIES. This agency is a local day program focused on providing every Nashville citizen in Davidson County with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES with an equitable opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities. Metro Parks offers a variety of age and ability appropriate activities that highlight the ABILIITIES of all members. The primary focus of this capstone experience was to create an evidenced based program designed specifically for this population. The goal of the project was to increase participation in meaningful occupations and overall wellbeing for attending …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of Their Experience In A Role-Emerging Level Ii Fieldwork Within Higher Education Student Services, Marie-Christine Potvin, Alexis Morales, Erin West, Mika Kalimi, Jeanne M Coviello

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Role-emerging settings - those where occupational therapy (OT) services have not traditionally been provided - are common sites for practice placements of entry-level occupational therapy students. A growing body of literature has attempted to determine the value and drawbacks of such practice placements on the professional preparedness of OT students with mixed findings. Benefits have been identified, including increased cultural understanding, advocacy, creativity, initiative, and problem-solving skills. However, OT students have been reported to perceive such placement as limiting their professional growth and preparedness to practice compared to traditional placements.

METHODS: A phenomenological study was conducted seeking the perceptions …

Ot's Perspective On Type 1 Diabetes Management In College Students, Nimmy Thomas, Cassandra Nelson, Elizabeth Pyatak

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

To create a program guide to provide resources for freshman-year students to seek accommodations or helpful tips for students with type 1 diabetes to have a smooth transition to college enhance overall health management, and participate in leisure activities.

Expanding Impact To Promote Wellness And Functional Independence, Margaret Stacy

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP). SSP is a studio that specializes in supporting the scoliosis community, offering a range of resources for everyone, no matter their age, curve, or where they are in their journey. SSP utilizes evidence-based methods to lengthen and strengthen the body while empowering clients to live happily, pain-free, and fearlessly. The objective of this project was to expand the positive impact SSP can make on promoting wellness and functional independence for its clients through the development and refinement of resources. This included increasing the usability and accessibility of …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Mothers With Children Who Have Had A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Stay, Reagan Mclendon, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study examined the occupational needs of mothers with a child who required a NICU stay and illustrates the potential roles of occupational therapy for this population.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Creating An Educational Employment Program For Individuals With Disabilities., Jessica Tully, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this poster was to explain the steps taken to create an educational employment program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Promoting Parental Competence When Transitioning From The Nicu To Home: A Coaching Intervention, Vanessa Chavez, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This handbook aims to improve the support system for families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by developing a coaching intervention that empowers parents, improves their confidence, and provides necessary home care skills.

Occupational Impacts Of Seizures, Stephanie Nailon, Karen Park, Kelly Rodenkirch

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research looks at the occupational impacts of seizure disorders on the adolescent population. The research study explores how their condition impacts the adolescent and family unit. The research was gathered from multiple perspectives to gain an in-depth understanding to best aid occupational therapists and health care professionals to gain a deeper understanding of areas to address when working with this population.

Returning To Sexual Activity And Intimacy After Spinal Cord Injury, Hanna Bush

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Sexual activity and intimacy are meaningful occupations for many individuals, regardless of ability. According to the OTPF-4, sexual activity and intimacy are activities of daily living. It is also a right for persons to have access to engage in meaningful activities. However, there is significant information reported that individuals with spinal cord injuries are not receiving sufficient, or any, information for returning to sexual activity during occupational therapy treatment. A program manual, educational materials, and handouts were designed for those with spinal cord injuries seeking to return to the ADL of sexual activity and intimacy upon discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

Adaptive Outdoor Recreation To Promote Health And Well-Being For Adults With Disabilities, Brittany Earle

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Individuals with physical disabilities are disproportionately excluded from leisure pursuits including outdoor recreation due to various barriers. In collaboration with Cleveland Metroparks, I created a program designed for adults with disabilities to enhance health and well-being through participation in outdoor recreation as well as increase awareness of opportunities available. The Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Program is intended to be implemented in spring 2025.

Empowering Fall Prevention: Development And Implementation Of Volunteer Peer Liaison Program Manual, Marissa Poalson

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone project addressed the community's lack of knowledge and training in fall prevention strategies by developing and implementing a volunteer peer liaison fall prevention manual. The manual outlined guidelines and provided training to support participants of the fall prevention program offered by the Community Partnership on Aging.

Arm And Hand Functional Priorities Of Individuals With Tetraplegia, Ashley Giffen

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This research-based capstone conducted at MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute determined specific functional arm and hand priorities among individuals with tetraplegia. The identification of these client values will inform the development of future rehabilitation processes and technological advancements to improve overall quality of life.

Plaay On The Move Manual For Dynamic Floor System, Brittany Henke

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

The dynamic floor is an interactive projector that facilitates play opportunities for children with physical disabilities. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a manual that will be used to assist clinicians with use of the dynamic floor to improve opportunities of play within Cleveland State University's PLAAY on the Move.

Investigating How Children With Autism Respond To Virtual Environments, Mykaela Naragon

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Over 90% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder face sensory processing challenges. Virtual environments can trigger adaptive sensory responses akin to real-world experiences. This preliminary study explored how students with autism interact within virtual settings. Conducted at Julie Billiart Schools, where over 75% of students have autism and sensory differences, the project involved 35 participants aged 6-14 in six VR sessions. Data on Zones of Regulation, affect, and behaviors were collected. Results showed VR was enjoyable, with highly significant post-VR changes in Zone of Regulation (p<0.001). This suggests VR holds promise as a therapeutic tool for self-regulation in children with ASD.

Occupational Therapy's Role In The Area Of Eating Disorders And Body Image, Tayler Arjune

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

The role of Occupational Therapy with the eating disorder and body image population is not widely addressed. This capstone, worked alongside TripleAWellness, to advocate for occupational therapy services within the population of body image and eating disorders by educating clients and staff on occupational engagement and enhancing occupational performance.

Increasing Cultural Inclusivity Within Your Practice: Dei Toolkit For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Kaitlyn Deere

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

In the world of healthcare, there is an alarming amount of health disparities and lack of access to quality healthcare for those belonging to marginalized communities. The purpose of this capstone was to create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion tool kit for the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association that supports an occupational therapy practitioner's journey towards cultural humility.

Development Of A Dating Violence Prevention Program For Adolescents, Melissa Arellano

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone focused on the development of an 8-session program with The Journey Center for Safety and Healing that aims to empower high school-aged adolescents through activity and leisure-based sessions to develop skills and routines to promote healthy dating by recognizing dating abuse, by developing social and emotional skills, and ultimately working to promote safe and healthy relationships and reduce instances of intimate partner violence.

Occupational Therapy And Human Trafficking Recovery: A Novel Educational Model, Jacklyn Voytko

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Human trafficking recovery frequently fails to address the complex needs of survivors. Occupational therapy is uniquely qualified to meet those needs, but is commonly overlooked. This capstone involved the development of an evidence-based educational model, emphasizing trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, to increase occupational therapists’ knowledge on their role in ending the cycle of exploitation.

The Truth To Transitioning: Development Of A Trans* Specific Occupational Therapy Practice Framework Involving An Integrative Care Model, Amanda Gale

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) clients are underserved by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) throughout their transition journey. This research based capstone involved completing stakeholder interviews with OTPs and TGD individuals to inform and update an existing occupational therapy model and improve best-practice standards within OT practice when providing services to TGD individuals.

Improving Community Integration Through A Leisure Program To Address Cyclic Veteran Homelessness., Breeanna Host

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone worked to provide increased leisure opportunities and build leisure skills for homeless veterans through the development of a leisure program and community speaker series at Harry Donovan Jr. Valor Home. This program focused on improving community integration and quality of life through leisure education and hands on experiences.

Student-Athletes And Their Hidden Opponent: Assessing And Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Health And Well-Being, Dena Wenzinger

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Suicide is now the second most common cause of death among college athletes in the United States. This capstone involved conducting an in-depth needs assessment of the mental health resources in the Athletics Department at Cleveland State University. There was a collaboration with the Student-Athlete Academic Services staff and the Athletics Counselor to provide mental health resources reported to be needed by the student-athletes (SAs). This population can benefit from occupational therapy intervention as occupational therapists are educated on mental health practices. Resources were created and made available to the SAs on their “Community for Student-Athlete Engagement” Blackboard course.