Disability Studies Commons^™

Neuroqueering Art Therapy: Bringing Neurodivergent Gender Diversity Into The Creative Arts Therapy Room: A Literature Review, Avital Eisen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Recent research across disciplines has established the significance of the overlap between neurodivergence and gender diversity, a truth long espoused by the community. Acting on this research, some mental health disciplines have begun addressing neurodivergent transgender and gender diverse people as a unified population in their research, but the field of art therapy has not yet followed suit. Theoretical frameworks of intersectionality, queer theory, and disability justice highlight the importance of centering the unique experiences and needs of neurodivergent gender diversity. Using these frameworks, this literature review synthesizes community knowledge with art therapy research on both neurodivergence and gender diversity, …

Use Of Medication Management Strategies To Increase Medication Compliance In Person’S Who Have Suffered A Stroke, Mason Pace, Rebecca King

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The provided research provides education to increased independence in person with stroke for the occupation of medication adherence. Various exercises and education provided in the research to increase independence in persons with stroke.

Learning Within The Autism Perspective, Sarina Alvarez, Rebecca King

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The project addresses the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within school settings, aiming to improve educational outcomes and quality of life. It highlights the role occupational therapists play in fostering collaboration and creating a supportive environment. The program utilizes a variety of activities to positively impact students education and encourage educational participation. Recommendations include further distribution of the activities to different campuses to promote program adoption.

Professional Development Strategies For Treating People With Idd And Mental Health Needs, Jennifer L. Mclaren, Elizabeth Grosso, Karen L. Weigle

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience significant health and mental health inequities and difficulties accessing care. There are few initiatives that train mental health professionals to care and advocate for the health and mental health care needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We developed a Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Professional Learning Community (PLC) with Clinical Education Teams (CET) training components through The National Center for START (Systemic-Therapeutic-Assessment-Resources-Treatment) Services^® to further educate providers in the United States. The National Center for START Services^® utilizes multiple training and collaboration forums to build the …

Peer-Mediated Family Support Project: Evaluation Of Changes In Family Quality Of Life, Preethy S. Samuel, Elizabeth Janks, Nia S. Anderson, Michael Bray, Christina Topolewski, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Family Quality of Life (FQOL) approach represents a paradigm shift from fixing to supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) by changing the focus from the individual to the family and highlighting strengths rather than deficiencies. Aging family caregivers of individuals with I/DD often encounter obstacles, including accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of services. Little is known about best practices to support aging families of adults with I/DD. Understanding how a state-wide peer-mediated family support project implemented in this study helped improve the FQOL of aging caregivers is important in broadening participation of other caregivers in these types of programs. To …

Interdisciplinary Treatment Approach To Youth With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities And Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions, Ashley Greenwald, Erika Ryst, Diane D. Thorkildson, Lauren Brown

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Many individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) have co-occurring mental health needs, yet service delivery options often do not allow for the integrated delivery of mental health treatment and social behavioral support services. Siloed treatment approaches often result in lack of collaboration between providers, increasing the difficulty in accessing comprehensive and coordinated treatments and reducing treatment potential and effective outcomes. Additionally, many service providers in behavioral support services are not trained to address significant mental health needs; similarly, providers of mental health services lack experience in modifying practices for differing cognitive needs. The lack of cross-training and cross-collaboration makes …

Project Attain: Advancing Trauma-Informed Care For Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities And/Or Gender Diverse Youth, Kady F. Sternberg, Charlotte E. Bausha, Charlotte Jones, Erin Knight, Crystal N. Steltenpohl, Rebecca R. Parton, Jennifer L. Mclaren, Erin R. Barnett

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or gender diversity are at higher risk of experiencing trauma. Provider knowledge is lacking; trauma, disability, and LGBTQ+ resources are often siloed; and few providers screen for trauma in this population. This paper describes the design, delivery, and initial evaluation of Project ATTAIN (Access to Trauma-informed Treatment and Assessment for Neurodivergent and/or Gender-expansive Youth).

ATTAIN is an ongoing 5-year state-wide initiative aiming to assess readiness to engage in new roles and practices over time; provide state-wide training and consultation in trauma, disability, and LGBTQ+-informed practices; install screening and assessment of trauma exposure and …

The Link Center: A Federally Funded Technical Assistance And Resource Center Aimed At Improving Mental Health Treatment And Access For People With I/Dd, Brain Injury, And Other Cognitive And Communication Differences., Stacy L. Nonnemacher, Jeanne Farr, Wendy Morris

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Although we do not have robust prevalence studies in the U.S., a recent meta-analysis estimated that 33.6% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have a mental health (MH) condition. We know that this prevalence may be an underrepresentation because of factors like diagnostic overshadowing. We also know that people with I/DD experience inequitable access to quality MH and preventive care. This highlights the chronic lack of and access to holistic, integrated care for individuals with I/DD, especially those who also have MH conditions. Consequently, an increasing number of individuals with I/DD experience MH crises and suffer adverse consequences. …

Exploring Parent/Caregiver Perspectives Of Self-Determination And Its Impact On Mental Health In Adolescents With And Without Disabilities, Jessica Schuttler, Sydney Walls, Tyler Hicks, Karrie Shogren, Hannah Adams, Richard A Chapman

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Introduction. Parents and caregivers play key roles in supporting the development of self-determination and mental health needs in adolescents with and without disabilities. This study explored parent/caregiver perceptions of the relationships among mental health and self-determination constructs for youth with disabilities, across gender and disability status. Method. Parents/caregivers of adolescents with and without disabilities completed rating scales regarding adolescents’ self-determination status (Self Determination Inventory) and mental health symptoms (Behavior Assessment System for Children, 3^rd Edition). Bayesian analyses examined the relationships among self-determination and mental health status. Results. Results are mixed, indicating moderate to robust relationships for self-determination as a …

Building Neuro-Inclusive Community, Strengthening Mental Health: The Autism After 21 Utah Project, Sumiko T. Martinez, Anna Smyth, Ann C. Carrick

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Over two decades of research shows strong positive relationships are a consistently powerful indicator of wellbeing and resilience. However, the U.S. Surgeon General notes that loneliness and isolation is an epidemic in the U.S., and that it is exacerbated for individuals with physical and mental disabilities as well as those with isolating economic or environmental situations. A recent review shows that many autistic adults in particular face challenges in finding the connections they want and need. They also often have compounding mental health conditions, such as depression and mental illness, lower incomes, isolating home environments due to a lack of …

The Person Experiences Interview Survey: A Measure Addressing Ableism In Mental Healthcare For Patients With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Micah Peace Urquilla

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Many People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) also have mental health needs requiring the support of mental health service providers, yet they may experience barriers to full engagement in their care due to ableism. Ableism is a kind of prejudice that impacts People with IDD in many parts of life, even in mental health care. This article proposes how an adapted Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) can be a response to ableism, with an impact at three distinct yet interrelated levels that reflect the parties involved in the mental healthcare of People with IDD-MH: provider, caregiver, and patient.

At …

A New Lease On Life: The Occupational Impact Of Adaptive Skiing, Caitlin Tetherow, Amy Lyons-Brown, Amy Griswold

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study focuses on understanding the occupational impact of adaptive skiing on well-being and identity to promote lifelong occupational engagement, representation, and inclusion within current ski culture. A mixed-method research study utilized a 25-question online survey and an optional one-time virtual interview. 50 adaptive skiers and/or snowboarders participating in a winter adaptive program between 18-65 years old completed this study. This study found positive evidence supporting outcomes related to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being and positive identity formation from adaptive skiing.

An Exploration Of Pediatric Occupational Therapist's Perspectives On Functional And Assistive Mobility, Jennifer Allison, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Occupational therapists (OTs) are highly skilled in assessing context, environment, and sensory-motor needs which are critical in addressing functional mobility and implementing assistive mobility devices. There is limited research on pediatric OT’s role in functional mobility. This study aims to explore pediatric OT's roles and perceptions of functional mobility and the implementation and use of assistive mobility devices.

Methods: Data was collected via an online survey with an option to participate in a follow-up interview. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarize trends and differences in the data.

Results: Twenty licensed OTs working in a variety of …

The Mental Health And Wellness Of Young Adults With Down Syndrome, Annika Soderfelt, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A poster presentation regarding the mental health and wellness of young adults with Down syndrome. This poster discusses how the mental health and wellness needs of individuals with Down syndrome are or are not currently being met and how resources and programming could be created, particularly by OTs, to better meet their need.

Best Screening: Introducing The Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid To Nicus In Tennessee, Gabrielle Sledge

OTD Capstone Projects

Blind Early Services Tennessee (BEST) is an early intervention agency that serves children ages 0-5 with visual impairments across Tennessee. BEST serves over 200 children and families across the state offering early intervention (BEST Start), parent empowerment (BEST Advocate), and family support (BEST Together) programming. The purpose of this project was to assist in the implementation of an early identification initiative (BEST Screening) using the Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid (NAVEG). The NAVEG is a newborn vision screening shown to identify neurological risk for visual impairments. The long-term goal of this program is to promote the screening and early identification …

Training Summer Camp Counselors To Understand And Address The Unique Needs Of Campers With Disabilities: A Video Series, Sadie Ingram, Karlie Christensen, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster outlines a video series created for a specific camp in North Texas. The population this camp serves is youth and young adults with mental and physical disabilities.

Dating Apps As An Outlet To Promote Sexual Autonomy Among Disabled Individuals: An Intersectional Approach To Change, Sarah Marrs

Sexual Ethics

As disabled individuals are forced into the social other and an asexual narrative, dating apps provide an outlet for this demographic to engage in their sexuality in a format that is more easily accessible. In an age of rising technology, the destigmatization and usage of dating apps highlights the self-expressive potential of an underrepresented and misunderstood demographic. This issue is addressed through historical perspectives of “crip sex,” a comparison between the disabled dating experience and the able-bodied dating experience, and a description of the significance of a dating app designed for individuals with disabilities.

Broken Promises: Prolonged Diminished Quality-Of-Life Among Liberian Ebola Survivors Half A Decade After The 2014-16 West African Outbreak, Jessi Hanson-Defusco, Decontee Davis, Meghana Bommareddy, Zainab Olaniyan

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

The 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak left thousands of Liberian survivors with severely diminished quality of life. Applying a social determinants framework, this mixed method study investigates to what extent Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors suffer long-haul psychosocial stress, diminished quality-of-life factors, and the impact of EVD-related service provisions on their ongoing healing. We present the results of a quantitative analysis survey of data collected from 19 Liberian EVD survivors in 2022 using snowball sampling. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of survivor statements helps triangulate key statistical findings and inform causal mechanisms. Survivors report experiencing 5.25 of a total of 7 ongoing stressors …

The Mda’S Michigan Donated Dental Services (Dds) Program: How To Serve The Elderly And Disabled In Your Community And Build Your Team (Without Leaving Your Office!), April Stopczynski

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

April Stopczynski, MDA Manager of Access and Prevention, sheds light on the Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, elucidating its impact on individuals through poignant patient narratives and dentist testimonials. The article illustrates how DDS bridges the gap in dental care for the elderly, disabled, and financially compromised individuals in Michigan. The program not only restores smiles but also transforms lives by providing much-needed dental treatment through volunteer dentists and labs. This article presents the value of DDS for patients, providers, dental team members and the greater community. Information is provided on how to participate in this transformative program.

The Back Page Commentary: Care For Special Needs Patients: We Must Do Better, Craig C. Spangler Dds, Fscda

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Despite strides in providing resources for neurodivergent and geriatric patients, access to suitable dental care remains a challenge. A survey revealed finding capable dentists as the primary barrier to care for special needs individuals. Transitioning from pediatric to adult care lacks continuity, highlighting gaps in predoctoral dental education. Challenges include inadequate training, limited opportunities for continuing education, and reimbursement issues. Collaboration between medical and dental leaders is crucial for addressing these pressing issues and ensuring equitable access to care.

Breaking Point: An Exploration Of The Mental Health Crisis On Campus, Melissa Wood

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

In the past several decades, the number of college students who experience mental health concerns has increased astronomically. During that time, acts of campus violence have increased as well. Unfortunately, many colleges have been unable to effectively meet the needs of students with mental disorders. This article explores the challenges surrounding the mental health and wellness of college students. It also analyzes the impact of such challenges on students and the institution. Additionally, this paper examines best practices that colleges may implement to assist students in distress and discusses implications for higher education leaders.

What If We No Longer Call It Dei?, Essraa Nawar

Library Articles and Research

"The persistent debate surrounding the term DEI reveals a broader dissatisfaction with its perceived limitations and the misunderstandings around its true meanings and concepts. As DEI initiatives face de-funding and positions are eliminated, there's a risk of the term becoming diluted, associated more with performative gestures than genuine structural change.

This backlash against DEI also signifies a growing disappointment with 'buzzword-driven' approaches to diversity and inclusion, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of equity and justice. In the middle of this critique, the idea of renaming DEI emerges as a means of revitalizing the discourse and re-centering efforts on …

Analysis Of Library School Syllabi Reveals Poor Design And Limited Content About Disability And Accessibility (Evidence Summary), Nandi Prince

Publications and Research

A Review of: Pionke, J. (2023). What are library graduate students learning about disability and accessibility? A syllabus analysis. Urban Library Journal, 29(1). https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/vol29/iss1/2/

The Single Dimensional Deviant: The Socialization We Receive Concerning Disabled Bodies, Coral Sky

Sociology Student Work Collection

The socialization process cultivates an environment where individuals can assimilate to the upheld societal beliefs and norms. When we look at this socialization process through the lens of disability, we will find a multifaceted set of beliefs that predict the treatment those with disabilities receive and the perpetuated perceptions concerning the disabled community. The media plays a sizeable role in shaping the beliefs, norms, and attitudes that wider society adheres to. Through critically analyzing the media consumed, it becomes intelligible that there is an inextricable link between disability and disadvantageous stereotypes. For instance, the films "Me Before You," directed by …

Work Readiness And Job Satisfaction Of Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Participating In A Supported Employment Program, Hannah Branch

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

A summer supported employment program was provided by a vocational rehabilitation agency to prepare transition-aged youth with intellectual disabilities for the workforce. This study examined the views of youth with intellectual disabilities on their pre-post-program work readiness and job satisfaction using survey methodology. Although youth seemed satisfied with their jobs, they reported no significant change in their perceived job readiness, and their job coaches also reported similar perceptions.

As a summer program, the duration may not have been adequate to increase youth’s views of their work readiness. For summer supported employment programs, obtaining youth participant insight and feedback, although sometimes …

The Real Experts: Understanding Autism And Adhd Through The Lens Of The Individual, Mary Little

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This presentation aims to spark intentional conversation and change geared towards shattering stigmas around the autistic and ADHD experience. Attendees will enhance their understanding of neuro-divergent populations in order to modify environments and provide interventions aligning with trauma informed care and inclusion. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to embrace the power of self disclosure and mentorship.

Brave Schools: Exploring Student Rights & Inclusive Anti-Bullying School Spaces Through Transgender & Queer Liberation Practices, Miruna Ouatu-Lascar

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

In today’s climate student rights and the rights of transgender students particularly are constantly under attack creating school community climates that are hostile & dangerous for kids. This workshop will present participants with an overview of transgender and queer theory liberatory practices & outline strategies for creating inclusive school communities that are not only welcoming but actively engage in combating hate and bully culture.

Toolkit On Self-Determination And Decision-Making Supports, Johnny Hanson

MSW Capstones

This project is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Adult guardianship is being disproportionately assumed and utilized by social workers, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), when DCYF dependent youth transition into adult services with the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA). A meta-analysis of research shows a positive correlations between increased self-determination (choice) and increased short and long-term health. Additional research shows the negative impacts of guardianship on self-determination, and the growing support for less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, like supported decision-making (SDM). Self-determination is increased, the less restrictive a decision-making arrangement …

A Phenomenological Study Of School Psychologists: The Influence Of Implicit Bias On The Disproportionate Identification Rates Of African American Students Evaluated For Emotional Disturbance, Sonya Coe-Milo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As advocates, school psychologists remain ethically responsible and uniquely positioned to identify social injustices and promote nondiscriminatory practices in prekindergarten through grade 12 public education institutions. Implicit bias and its influence on African American students is one such practice. In public education, implicit bias contributes to discipline disproportionality, differentiated teacher support, pedagogical practices, and adult perceptions and expectations of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. These factors directly correlate to the disproportionate identification rates of African American students for special education and related services. Therefore, this phenomenological qualitative study examined the personal, lived experiences and perceptions of school psychologists regarding implicit bias …

How Families Can Empower Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities (Idd) From Racially And Ethnically Diverse Backgrounds, Esther Kamau, Jennifer Bose, Jean Winsor

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

This brief shares the perspectives and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse family members of four youth who shared their employment and community engagement stories. It outlines the pivotal role these families played to support youth with IDD to find and maintain competitive integrated employment and to meaningfully engage with their communities. It draws from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with youth with IDD, their family members, and job coaches.