Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Sanctuary: Counter-Oppressive Relationships With Farmed Animals As An Ecopsychological Imperative, Kelsey Bomboy

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Consumers are intentionally shielded from and often misled about the process of breeding, raising, and slaughtering animals for consumption. By confining most farmed animals to warehouses in rural areas while the majority of humans are sequestered in urban areas, we have effectively created a world where humans do not have to contend with the sense of interconnectedness that arises when witnessing and being witnessed by a farmed animal. Within industrial slaughterhouses, the physical act of killing is minimized to just a fraction of the workers, so that even those who are responsible for rendering a once living being will never …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration Through Occupational Therapy-Led Stress Reduction Intervention During Post Mass Casualty Simulation Debriefing Process, Benjamin Gross, Katherine Jones, Jennifer Radziak, Ralph C. Bay, Sue Dahl-Popolizio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether an occupational therapist (OT) led stress reduction intervention, implemented as part of an interprofessional education initiative, could be integrated into a mass casualty simulation and whether it was effective in reducing self-reported stress among healthcare students. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used following an interdisciplinary mass casualty simulation involving first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Physician Assistant (PA) students (N=190). After a standard educational debriefing, participants engaged in a 25-minute OT-led stress reduction session consisting of structured, activity-based strategies. A retrospective pretest survey administered …

Knowledge Of Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Dementia In Down Syndrome: A Cross-Section Survey Of Rehabilitation Graduate Students, Alan F. Smith, Abigail R. Donaway

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related dementia, often presenting with behavioral and functional changes rather than early memory impairment. Rehabilitation professionals may observe these changes across the lifespan; however, preparedness during professional training is unclear. This study examined graduate student knowledge of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome across rehabilitation disciplines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduate students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs in the United States (N = 322). Outcomes included factual knowledge, recognition of stage-related characteristics, and familiarity with diagnostic and care considerations. …

Beyond Walking: Exploring Functional Use Of Exoskeletons In The Home Environment, Sue D. Dahl-Popolizio, Adam M. Story, Thomas Hartman, Lacee Andrews, Jennifer Radziak, Angela Zhu, Joelly Lobato De Faria Otd, Ms, Otr/L

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This pilot study was completed to determine whether individuals with paraplegia can perform activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in their homes using a personal exoskeleton. The physiological effects of using an exoskeleton for these tasks were investigated as well. Methods: In this mixed-methods observational study, participants with paraplegia were observed using an exoskeleton to complete ADLs and IADLs in their homes. Performance and satisfaction with performance were measured before and after home exoskeleton use with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The level of importance of completing ADLs and IADLs to the …

The Forgotten Adl: An Educational Program Addressing Personal Hygiene And Grooming For Older Adults​, Ashlee D. Moten, Becky King

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Some older adults have difficulty completing personal hygiene and grooming tasks independently and require assistance from an informal caregiver. However, informal caregivers often become stressed and overwhelmed due to limited educational resources and support available. These tasks include all oral, skin, nail, and hair care, such as brushing hair, applying deodorant, clipping nails, or brushing teeth (AOTA, 2020). OTs can help develop interventions to enhance participation in personal hygiene and grooming tasks. The purpose of this capstone project was to create an educational program to equip older adults and their informal caregivers with strategies for participating in personal hygiene and …

Expressive Arts For Women Experiencing Homelessness, Theresa G. Karman, Susan Macdermott, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Women experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence face significant occupational disruptions, including challenges related to emotional regulation, identity, social participation, and engagement in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) can support recovery by addressing these occupational needs through trauma-informed and occupation-centered interventions.

Purpose: This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented Express & Empower Studio, a six-week expressive arts program designed to promote emotional expression, self-efficacy, social participation, and engagement in meaningful occupations among women residing in a domestic violence shelter.

Methods: Program development was guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) within …

Cultivating Participation: Developing An Evidence-Based Farm-Based Sensory Integration Protocol For A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic, Katelyn Childers

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop a comprehensive, evidence-informed farm-based sensory integration framework that translates current evidence into practical clinical resources to support therapist education, caregiver engagement, and consistent implementation of occupation centered intervention at Zion Therapy Services.

Sibstars: Empowering Siblings Through Support, Education, And Advocacy, Abbey Edrington

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

A primary needs assessment conducted through parent and sibling surveys supports these findings and identifies concerns related to anxiety, peer difficulties, uncertainty regarding future caregiving roles, and limited access to sibling-specific support services. Findings additionally reveal discrepancies between parent perceptions and sibling-reported experiences, highlighting the need for increased family awareness and sibling-focused interventions. Therefore, the purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project was to develop and implement SibStars, a community based sibling support and education program designed to promote peer connection, coping skills, self-advocacy, emotional wellness, and occupational participation among siblings of individuals with IDD through family-centered, occupation based approaches.

Beyond The Birth: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Postpartum Support And Advocacy, Ashlei Aweis

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of this capstone was to address identified gaps in maternal healthcare through the development of three occupational therapy resources: a postpartum wellness workshop, the Occupational Balance Screening Tool, and the “It’s Beyond Birth” educational podcast series. Together, these deliverables were designed to promote maternal health education, support occupational balance, and provide practical strategies that help mothers successfully navigate the transition into motherhood.

Hiking For All: An Adaptive Hiking Program For Disabled Individuals, Anna Grigg

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Hiking is a valued activity in the lives of many people. Possessing or acquiring a disability should not prevent or limit someone from participating in hiking; however, many disabled individuals will avoid hiking due to the lack of hiking trails that are accessible to them or the lack of adaptive hiking skills that they have. The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone project was to promote occupational engagement in hiking for disabled individuals, advocate for increased access to hiking resources and information, and facilitate safety during adaptive hiking.

Addressing Pediatric Executive Function Through Nature-Based Occupational Therapy In Central Ohio, Morgan Mahan

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Outdoor settings present unpredictable challenges that require children to simultaneously use inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility in ways that mirror real-world contexts. This continuous adaptation to changing environmental demands supports the generalization of skills across settings. Despite this potential, no nature-based pediatric occupational therapy program previously existed to effectively address executive function deficits. To address this gap, the Nature Explorers Program was developed, consisting of a theoretical foundation and practical application. The Nature-Based Executive Function Frame of Reference (NBEF) was developed to guide the assessment and treatment of executive function within a nature-based setting, and the Nature Explorers …

Advocating For Access: Empowering Children With Disabilities Through Meaningful Connections To Durable Medical Equipment (Dme), Maddyson Lamb

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Access to appropriate DME is vital; without it, children face severe occupational deprivation – the prolonged restriction from participating in meaningful daily activities. Furthermore, when families struggle to secure equipment due to high costs, it deepens the occupational deprivation across the entire family. Ultimately, managing these ongoing needs along a continuum is crucial to long-term health. However, families frequently face severe funding delays and systemic barriers when trying to acquire these vital resources. The purpose of the doctoral capstone was to utilize the PEO model to identify environmental restrictions and advocate for the necessary DME by having developed a multifaceted …

Meeting The Needs Of Individuals With Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Through Occupational Therapy, Tianna Matthews

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new and complex disorder that results in a significant impact on one’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life. The research study was designed to address practitioner knowledge and confidence gaps as they relate to ARFID care by assessing whether an educational in-service could increase pediatric healthcare practitioners’ knowledge of ARFID, confidence with treating ARFID, and their understanding of OT’s role on an interdisciplinary ARFID team.

Building Bridges: A Culturally Inclusive, Education-Based Program For A Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Clinic, Sarah Morgan

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project is to develop and implement a culturally inclusive, education-based program, to address current gaps in pediatric outpatient occupational therapy and to allow the population to overcome challenges inhibiting their occupational adaptation and occupational fulfillment.

Epilepsy Simulation: Educating Occupational Therapy Students On Epilepsy And Community Resources, Cambria Grissom Tolar

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder, affecting every 1 in 26 individuals during their lifetime. Individuals with epilepsy frequently experience barriers to employment, transportation, healthcare access, social participation, and more that influences occupational participation and quality of life. Despite the fact these factors fall under occupational therapy’s role and scope, many OT students do not receive adequate education about epilepsy, how to treat someone with epilepsy, and how to navigate community resources. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement an epilepsy simulation that allows OT students to experience the everyday challenges faced by …

Empowering Middle School Students Through A Life Skills Enrichment Program, Kaitlyn Peavy

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to support this development through occupation-based opportunities that foster meaningful participation and functional independence. The purpose of the doctoral capstone project was to develop an evidence-informed, occupation-based life skills enrichment program that promotes independence, occupational participation, and future readiness for middle school students through structured, hands-on learning experiences.

Occupational Therapy's Role In Burn Rehabilitation, Hallie Poff

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Current literature identifies the need for enhanced burn-specific competencies and standardized, patient-friendly discharge resources to improve long-term functional outcomes and occupational participation beyond the hospital setting. Together, these findings highlight the need to advance burn-specific clinical skills while improving the consistency and accessibility of patient resources and education.

Melodies & Memories: An Occupational Therapy-Based Music Program For Individuals With Dementia, Adrianna Mcentire

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the doctoral capstone experience was to develop and implement Melodies & Memories to use music interventions to improve quality of life, social participation, cognitive functioning, emotional and behavioral regulation, and physical functioning while providing personalized, client centered care through the use of music.

Sipping With A Purpose: Empowering Adults Of All Abilities Through Job Training And Work Skills While Enhancing Social Participation, Shelby Russell

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The "Sipping with a Purpose" doctoral capstone project addresses an urgent societal need by bridging the employment gap for adults with IDD, a demographic experiencing an over 80% unemployment rate. Out of 41 local day center participants at The Learning Center (TLC) in Northeast Arkansas, only four are currently employed. This reveals a critical deficit in opportunities for local adults to build the work skills, independence, and self esteem that they desire far beyond a paycheck. To address primary employment barriers such as a lack of vocational skills and fears about disability benefit loss, this functional business provides simulated and …