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, …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

“Putting On Our People Lens”: Lived Experience As Pedagogy, Tessa Zoe Milman, Sarah Bream, Celso Delgado, Erin Mcintyre, Tristan Scremin, Leslie Moreno, Maggie Yeo, Deborah Pitts

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

In the professional education of mental health practitioners, including occupational therapists, there has been a lack of meaningful inclusion of people labeled with mental illness into curricula, beyond guest speaker panels and presentations. This study explored the experiences of students, faculty, and ‘Experts by Experience’ within a mental health occupational therapy course that incorporated Experts with lived experience as co-facilitators of weekly fieldwork debriefs. The study utilized focus groups and interviews to understand the experiences of students, mental health faculty, and ‘Experts by Experience’. Key themes that emerged from the qualitative data analysis were organized under three broad categories: 1) …

The Object Play Of Young Children On The Autism Spectrum: A Narrative Review Of Strengths-Based Literature, Sharon Eva

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The play in young children with autism has been historically seen as deficits-based, with a focus on the limitations of autistic object play. More recently, there has been a shift towards a strengths-based view of autistic object play, where their play preferences and skills are viewed as vehicles for meaningful engagement and as having potential for learning. The aims of this narrative review are two-fold: to identify themes in the existing literature regarding the object play of young children with autism; and, to summarize the existing literature specifically examining object play in young autistic children from a strengths-based point …

Review Of "The #Actuallyautistic Guide To Advocacy: Step-By- Step Advice On How To Ally And Speak Up With Autistic People And The Autism Community", Jennifer M. Brady

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Assessment Revision Of ‘Perceptions Of Disabled Veterans In The Civilian Workforce’, Rebecca L. Reed

Pacific Journal of Health

As there continues to be limited research related to perceptions of disability status in the workforce, specific to the veteran population, the importance of employer understanding as well as willingness to provide accommodations is necessary to help promote change. This study carefully reviewed the assessment tool used by Reed (2016) to measure perceptions towards hiring disabled veterans as they enter the civilian workforce. To help support validity and/or reliability of the tool previously used, two professional experts were interviewed to provide feedback on the data tool in support of revisions. The vignettes, job attainment questionnaire, and demographics questionnaire were revised …

The Impact Of Medical Device Usability And Accessibility Information On Purchasing Decisions Of People Without Disabilities, Maysam M. Ardehali

Theses and Dissertations

The disparity between people with and without disabilities in timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is exacerbated by inaccessible medical devices. The industry appears reluctant to address the shortcomings or provide usability and accessibility information to enhance the purchasing decisions of people with disabilities. This reluctance is mainly caused by the lack of market motivation based on perceptions of market size and the profitability of investments in accessibility evaluation and improvement. This study aims to challenge this notion by demonstrating that usability and accessibility information do not solely benefit what may be considered a “niche market,” and the purchasing decisions of …

Student Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Collegiate Recovery Programs And Collegiate Recovery Communities, Michael Anthony Herold

Theses and Dissertations

Research on the objective effectiveness of Collegiate Recovery Programs and Collegiate Recovery Communities (CRPs / CRCs) has shown success in maintaining recovery and improving academic outcomes for college students in recovery, but research on the experiences of this population is starting to emerge. This study used a mixed-method design to investigate the perceptions of members of CRPs / CRCs regarding the impact of participation on their recovery from substance abuse and their overall quality of life. Thirty-one participants completed the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) and the Quality of Life Index – Generic Version iii (QLI). Paired samples t-tests were …

Word Reading, Reading Comprehension, And Eye Movements During Reading In Chinese Persons With Aphasia, Xiaobin Wang

<strong> Theses and Dissertations </strong>

Individuals with aphasia (IWA) often exhibit challenges in single word reading as well as in reading comprehension. Recently, eye-tracking technology has become instrumental in delving deeper into reading behaviors. Specifically, it has illuminated the differences in word reading and comprehension abilities among aphasic English speakers. However, there is a noticeable scarcity of research focusing on these aspects among Chinese IWA. The current study aimed to contrast the abilities of Chinese IWA and neurotypical controls in reading single words, with an emphasis on types like regular, irregular, and pseudowords, and reading comprehension abilities. Further, this study investigated the patterns of eye …

Falling Into Action, Kent Hoffman

The Goose

Kent Hoffman explores human movement, his own mobility, and how it influences the way he moves on land. This personal essay, told through the lens of disability and accessibility, outlines his experience of living with Becker muscular dystrophy. Hoffman's approach to walking and mobility is heavily influenced by a fear of falling. As his mobility is changing, he's adapting and seeking out new ways to move on land. Different modes of mobility determine the way we experience personal movement, but accessibility determines who is welcome in spaces in the first place. Accessibility in the form of providing equal access is …

An Activity Program For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Rebecca Wright, Keisa Boykin

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are characterized by onset in the developmental period and include both intellectual and adaptive functioning deficits in conceptual, social, or practical domains that limit functioning in one or more areas of daily life (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Occupational therapists provide interventions for individuals with IDD however there are gaps surrounding occupation-based leisure and recreation activities (Kalijaca, et al 2019). Purpose: The purpose of this project is to create an activity program for individuals with IDD to increase participation and performance in leisure and recreation …

(In)Dependence, Socio-Sexual Relationships, And Sexual Health Among Adults With Mild Intellectual Disability (Mid): A Critical, Qualitative Exploration, Vanessa L.E. Cox Ms

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this critical, qualitative study was to explore how adults with mild intellectual disability navigate independent socio-sexual relationships in settings where they are highly dependent upon caregivers and family members who exert significant control over most aspects of their lives. Data were gathered during one-on-one interviews conducted with adults with MID (n=15), and parental caregivers (n=6). Theoretical insights from critical disability studies and sexual citizenship were used to analyze the findings, which are presented thematically by study population. Participants with MID faced challenges to establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships, including a lack of choice about where and how …

Factors Affecting The Healthcare Of Adults With Communication Difficulties Due To Autism Spectrum Disorder And/Or Intellectual And Developmental Disability, Kathryn L. Shady

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This dissertation explores the healthcare barriers and facilitators experienced by autistic adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have communication difficulties (CD).

Problem: Approximately 5-10% of Americans have CD, including difficulties such as stuttering, aphasia, apraxia, and other forms of language impairment(1,2). Communication difficulties are present in about 25-30% of autistic individuals and 57.9% of those with IDD, which accounts for a large and poorly studied portion of those with CD(3,4). Individuals with CD report negative healthcare experiences and decreased levels of satisfaction with healthcare providers secondary to practices such as communication solely with a …

The Form, Function, And Meaning Of Creative Expression, Sierra Strain, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project consists of school site observations and needs assessment data used to gain a better understanding of the various types of creative expression engaged in during the school day and to determine the form, function, and meaning of creative expression to students at a school for students with learning differences. This study discusses to the creation of a creative expression program created to help meet the sensory need demonstrated by this population of students on campus throughout the school day. The importance of zentangle based art use as a sensory regulation strategy in a school setting is discussed as …

Toward An Equity-Driven Conceptual Model Of Covid-19 Vaccine Decision-Making For People With Idd, Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg, Reese Triana, Shelly Baer, Jairo Arana, Ana C. Sale, Douglene Jackson, Michelle Schladant, Nastasia Boulos, Grace Dima, Jeffrey Brosco

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

COVID-19 presented a public health emergency in the U.S., resulting in severe illness, hospitalizations, high mortality rates, and long-term adverse health care conditions. Several studies examined the disparities in transmission rates, barriers to care, and negative health outcomes for persons with disabilities, particularly people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). While data revealed similar trends among Black, Hispanic or Latino/a/x/e, Native, Indigenous, and Asian people, outcomes are compounded for people of color with I/DD. Several historical, pervasive, systemic, structural, and attitudinal barriers have constrained healthcare access and adequate treatment, instigating feelings of distrust among those in systems of care. Although …

State Oversight Of Polypharmacy And Psychotropic Medication Use Among Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Three State Case Study, James Houseworth, Kami L. Gallus, Tiffany Greene, Steven R. Erickson, Jennifer Lynn Jones, Laura Vegas

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are prescribed more medications than the general population, placing them at significantly higher risk for issues due to taking multiple medications (polypharmacy). There are currently no clear national standards for the administration of medications given this risk. The following policy analysis explores state policies related to prescription medication oversight. This analysis pays particular attention to the use of medications that alter one’s mental state (psychotropics) among people with IDD who receive home and community-based services (HCBS) in the United States. The article outlines current efforts implemented to reduce medication-related risks for people with …

Reaching Consensus On The Future Direction Of A Resource Center Within A Ucedd: A Quality Improvement Delphi Project, Emily J. Hickey Phd, Amy D. Whitehead Mpa, Rachel Weingarten Bs, Leann Smith Dawalt Phd

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families need access to timely, quality information and assistance about relevant services and supports. Despite statewide systems of information and assistance for this population, there is a need for “in-the-moment” assistance for individuals and family members who participate in on-site research, training and or service delivery at the Waisman Center. The aim of this quality improvement project was to clarify the role of an internal Resource Center so as to align with the staff resources available and not duplicate statewide systems of support.

The Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison the …

Health And Quality Of Life Among People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities And Direct Support Professionals During The Early United States Covid-19 Pandemic, Erin Vinoski Thomas, Bridgette M. Schram, Sombal Bari, Rachel Odunlami, Kristina M. Ormond, Sydnie E. Smith

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the direct support professionals (DSPs) who support them have faced unique risks to their health and quality of life (QoL) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to understand how COVID-19 has influenced QoL and overall well-being among these populations. We conducted a Rapid Qualitative Inquiry study with a sample of people with IDD and DSPs (n = 18) to gain deeper perspectives about QoL and well-being during the pandemic. Participants described that changes in QoL were typically negative and influenced primarily by reduced socialization and impacts on health and independence; however, …