The Development Of An 8-Week Neurodiversity-Affirming Caregiver Co-Regulation Coaching Program.,
2024
Western Michigan University
The Development Of An 8-Week Neurodiversity-Affirming Caregiver Co-Regulation Coaching Program., Carissa Heestand
Capstone Projects
The realm of pediatric care is witnessing the rapid emergence of two innovative practices centered on nurturing safety within a child's nervous system. This program development endeavors to synergize these practices to optimize occupational balance within the familial unit. The first pioneering approach involves Neurodiversity (ND) affirming care, which is seamlessly integrated into therapy sessions. Here, therapists honor and embrace the diverse nature of each child's brain, while acknowledging and celebrating their unique abilities. The second innovative practice involves caregiver coaching sessions, with a primary focus on educating caregivers about co-regulation techniques. Previous research has highlighted the efficacy of such …
Recollection-Based Occupational Therapy: An Activities Program For Catholic Dominican Sisters With Dementia,
2024
Western Michigan University
Recollection-Based Occupational Therapy: An Activities Program For Catholic Dominican Sisters With Dementia, Alyssa J. Visockis
Capstone Projects
Recollection-based occupational therapy is a nonpharmacological approach to dementia, involving five categories of activities: horticultural, physical, art, musical, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). The purpose of this approach is to incorporate memories of a person’s childhood, adulthood, and older adulthood before dementia in activities. Furthermore, the Grand Rapids Catholic Dominican sisters at Aquinata Hall needed a method to gather psychosocial history on their residents as well as new activity programming on the dementia- care unit that had meaningful purpose. Therefore, during this capstone experience, a psychosocial history assessment was created and conducted with the sisters. Using the results …
Utilizing The Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Data Set (Fma/Uds) Registry To Conduct Research Related To Wheelchair Repair Frequency,
2024
Western Michigan University
Utilizing The Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Data Set (Fma/Uds) Registry To Conduct Research Related To Wheelchair Repair Frequency, Brooke Wilson
Capstone Projects
Issues with wheelchair equipment is a common experience for users, but access to repairs and maintenance isn’t always the most efficient process. A large portion of occupational therapy’s (OT) patient population includes wheelchair users, so it’s important to consider the impact of wheelchair breakdown on a patient’s daily function. There has been a lack of research on wheelchair repair frequency during the first year of ownership, so this capstone project focused on developing a manuscript for journal submission on this topic. This was achieved utilizing data from the Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Data Set (FMA/UDS) Registry. Client characteristics were extracted from …
Implementing The Positive Approach To Care® Methods As An Effective Training Curriculum For Staff At An Adult Day Center,
2024
Western Michigan University
Implementing The Positive Approach To Care® Methods As An Effective Training Curriculum For Staff At An Adult Day Center, Delaney Acri
Capstone Projects
Dementia, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting multiple brain regions, significantly disrupts daily life (Feurich, 2023). Occupational therapists, guided by the Occupational Therapy and Performance Framework (OTPF-4), address cognitive and functional challenges in individuals with dementia (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). Therapists employ compensatory strategies to enhance quality of life of people with dementia, as well as their family caregivers. Adult day centers serve as valuable resources for family caregivers, offering respite care during working hours. Despite regulations in most states, Michigan lacks specific dementia training laws in some healthcare settings (Burke & Orlowski, 2015). As a result, many facilities that serve …
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Transition Programs For High School Students With Disabilities,
2024
Western Michigan University
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Transition Programs For High School Students With Disabilities, Kara Hutchison
Capstone Projects
Students with disabilities frequently experience a gap in services as they grow older and after exiting the public education system. During school, students have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to support their education, but once they graduate, the services they were receiving expire. Occupational therapy is under- utilized in transition planning for students after graduating high school and entering adulthood. The purpose of this DCE was program development and advocacy with the Project SEARCH transition program while exploring the role of occupational therapy has in transition planning for high school students with disabilities. The goal of this project was to improve …
Combating Social Isolation Among Older Adults Through Intergenerational Relationships With Children; Facilitating Meaningful Connection During Intergenerational Interactions By Improving Sensory Environment And Increasing Engagement During Group Activities,
2024
Western Michigan University
Combating Social Isolation Among Older Adults Through Intergenerational Relationships With Children; Facilitating Meaningful Connection During Intergenerational Interactions By Improving Sensory Environment And Increasing Engagement During Group Activities, Lillian John
Capstone Projects
The following capstone project focused on the enhancement of meaningful engagement among all participants of an intergenerational care center. The interventions implemented within the intergenerational program were put in place to facilitate communication, improve behavioral regulation, modify sensory environment, create the just right challenge for group activities, and increase independence to promote meaningful engagement and social connection. The implementation of the interventions was completed through on-site education to the employees, the creation of various educational binders to support the participants individually, and adjustments to the environment and group activities. This capstones projects’ primary goal was to improve the efficacy of …
Enhancing Pre-Vocational Programs For High School Students With Disabilities: The Impact Of Occupational Therapy And Support Staff Education,
2024
Western Michigan University
Enhancing Pre-Vocational Programs For High School Students With Disabilities: The Impact Of Occupational Therapy And Support Staff Education, Maria Calzada
Capstone Projects
Pre-vocational programs in high school serve as a crucial platform for supporting students in the transition from education to the workplace. These programs provide classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical experiences to maximize students’ vocational skills post-high school. Pre-vocational programs provide a crucial platform for the development of IADL skills, task analysis, and the promotion of occupational engagement among diverse populations. The purpose of this DCE was program development within the pre-vocational program and provide additional education for the support staff at the high school setting. The goal was to improve vocational skills, including problem solving, self-advocacy, sequencing, and sustained …
Implementation Of A Bilingual Feeding Program For Hispanic Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder,
2024
Western Michigan University
Implementation Of A Bilingual Feeding Program For Hispanic Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sarah Aguilar
Capstone Projects
Feeding is an important occupation that contributes to a child’s physical, emotional, and social development and is also influenced by cultural and environmental factors, (Korth & Maune, 2020). In individuals with developmental delays, specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD), feeding difficulties have been reported in as many as 75% of children (Nygren et al., 2021). These difficulties often result in increased feelings of anxiety experienced by the child and caregiver. Limited information exists on the impact of these on minority populations, such as Spanish speaking families that face many challenges when accessing healthcare services like language and cultural barriers. Similarly, group …
Pediatric Developmental Milestones And Surveillance; Understanding Pediatrician, Ot, Slp, Bcba, And Respective Pre-Professionals’ Current Knowledge, Roles, And Confidence,
2024
Western Michigan University
Pediatric Developmental Milestones And Surveillance; Understanding Pediatrician, Ot, Slp, Bcba, And Respective Pre-Professionals’ Current Knowledge, Roles, And Confidence, Gabrielle A. Jones
Capstone Projects
Limited literature exists on developmental surveillance, particularly occupational therapist’s role, and clinicians’ current knowledge and understanding of the CDC milestones. A pilot study was conducted to better understand the current knowledge, role, and confidence of primary care pediatricians, Speech and Language Pathologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Occupational Therapists and respective pre-professionals regarding utilization of updated CDC developmental milestones and developmental surveillance. My objectives involved gaining knowledge and collaborating to create, administer, collect data, and analyze data using an anonymous survey. This also included collaborating to create, edit, and submit an HSIRB application. Results of this study provide supporting evidence that …
Implementation Of A Life Skills Program With Houseless Youth,
2024
Western Michigan University
Implementation Of A Life Skills Program With Houseless Youth, Stephanie Velasco
Capstone Projects
The goal of my capstone project was to use occupational therapy knowledge and processes to integrate life skills training into a pre-existing program of services at a not-for-profit organization that helps youth overcome being houseless on Oahu, Hawaii. Occupational therapy as a profession helps individuals to engage in everyday meaningful activities as independently as possible. The scope of occupational therapy includes education and practice of life skills. Life skills are practical abilities and behaviors that allow individuals to effectively meet the demands and challenges of everyday life. Examples of these are knowledge of food and nutrition, meal preparation, home cleanliness …
The Effects Of Customized Art-Based Interventions On The Quality Of Life Of Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia,
2024
Western Michigan University
The Effects Of Customized Art-Based Interventions On The Quality Of Life Of Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia, Kalei Hubert-Mclennan
Capstone Projects
Occupational therapy (OT) was founded during the Arts and Crafts and Moral Treatment Movement to assist veterans in acclimating to their communities after discharge. While arts and crafts were initially a large part of OT, after the paradigm shift to the medical model in the 1960s, art was replaced by technology and removed from the OT curriculum and ACOTE standards. As OT continued to grow as a profession, art shifted from being part of the psychodynamic approach to being utilized to gather information and foster relationships. While art is an activity that can span across ages, there is a lack …
A Descriptive Study: Capability For Change In Older Adult Falls Prevention Using An Intelligent And Intuitive Online Learning Platform At A Medical Care Facility,
2024
Western Michigan University
A Descriptive Study: Capability For Change In Older Adult Falls Prevention Using An Intelligent And Intuitive Online Learning Platform At A Medical Care Facility, Emily N. Makowski
Capstone Projects
Older adult falls are among the most common, fatal, and costly incidents in the United States, yet they are preventable. The literature related to falls prevention education for the older adult population is vast, but evidence of effective falls prevention educational tools for indirect and direct care providers is scant. Occupational therapists collaborate with several disciplines every day and it is important for the team to work together to prevent adverse events. There is limited evidence of training delivered to an interdisciplinary team via an intelligent and intuitive online behavior change learning platform. This paper captures the impact of the …
Integrating Sport’S Vision Training Into Vision Therapy: The Role Of Occupational Therapy,
2024
Western Michigan University
Integrating Sport’S Vision Training Into Vision Therapy: The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Emily M. Beaird
Capstone Projects
Sports vision training (SVT) is a specialized area of vision therapy focused on enhancing an athlete's visual skills for peak athletic performance. Vision training is vital for athletes because “athletic performance can be one of the most rigorous activities for the visual system” (Khanal, 2015) and is responsible for upward of 80% of the sensory input received during an athletic performance. However, it is often overlooked in traditional training regimens. Focusing on advanced clinical practice and program development, an unmet need for SVT at Origami Rehabilitation was achieved. The main goal was to create an SVT program that catered to …
Sensory Room Protocol And Education On Sensory Processing Differences In The School Setting,
2024
Western Michigan University
Sensory Room Protocol And Education On Sensory Processing Differences In The School Setting, Bethany R. Antor
Capstone Projects
This capstone experience and project targets the enhancement of sensory integration strategies within a school environment by upgrading a sensory room, educating paraprofessionals and teachers on sensory processing differences, associated signs, and regulation tips, and implementing new material within a sensory path for increased student regulation. Sensory processing difficulties can significantly impact a child’s learning and behavior, necessitating effective school - based interventions involving an occupational therapist. This project aims to shrink the gap between school staff’s knowledge of sensory processing differences and the needs of their students. The outcomes include improved functionality and utilization of the sensory room, increased …
Incorporation Of Animal Assisted Therapy Into Occupational Therapy Interventions For Pediatric Clients In An Outpatient Setting,
2024
Western Michigan University
Incorporation Of Animal Assisted Therapy Into Occupational Therapy Interventions For Pediatric Clients In An Outpatient Setting, Jamie Markus
Capstone Projects
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is an emerging field that can be used to compliment traditional occupational therapy (OT). This project particularly focused on pediatric clients receiving services in an outpatient clinic. Animal assisted occupational therapy (AAOT) can be used to improve physical, social, and emotional health through the incorporation of a certified therapy dog. OT clients actively participate in a unique and individualized intervention with the therapy dog that is designed to meet their specific goals. The purpose of this project was to further develop the Therapy Dog Clinic at Unified Clinics and to expand services to community-based organizations including …
Support Group Development And Implementation For Parents With Disabilities,
2024
Western Michigan University
Support Group Development And Implementation For Parents With Disabilities, Jessica Zydorczyk
Capstone Projects
The focus of this capstone project was to develop a peer-to-peer support group open to any parent or caregiver with a disability navigating the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood. Occupational therapy can have a large impact on the population of individuals parenting with a disability with increased awareness and understanding of their needs. Friendship, community, resource access, and awareness were all needs addressed with the development of the parent support group. The objectives set to be achieved during the 14-week experience included conducting extensive research on the disabled parenting experiences of day-to-day life, developing of handouts and resource collection on …
Implementation Of An Occupation-Focused Education Program For Community-Dwelling Older Adults,
2024
Western Michigan University
Implementation Of An Occupation-Focused Education Program For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Riley Janssen
Capstone Projects
A Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) and project was completed at the conclusion of Western Michigan University’s Occupational Therapy program with the goal of implementing an occupation-focused educational program dedicated toward topics relevant for community-dwelling older adults. The capstone project took place at the Clinton Township Senior Adult Life Center (CTSC) under the mentorship of Ericka Tringali, CPRP. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) focus area of this project was program development. The program consisted of three educational classes focusing on topics including Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs), creating healthy habits and routines, and fall prevention and energy …
Evaluating Sensory Processing And Functional Outcomes Of Children Participating In A Therapeutic Horseback Riding Read And Ride Program: A Single-Subject Research Study,
2024
Western Michigan University
Evaluating Sensory Processing And Functional Outcomes Of Children Participating In A Therapeutic Horseback Riding Read And Ride Program: A Single-Subject Research Study, Samantha Dunleavy-Shotsberger
Capstone Projects
Therapeutic horseback riding (TR) can be beneficial to various populations, such as individuals with disabilities, trauma, behavioral problems, anxiety, developmental delay, depression, and learning challenges. However, individuals come with a variety of complex needs and diagnoses, therefore more research is needed to determine how TR impacts the individual. Specifically, there is a lack of understanding of how the individual’s behavior, learning, and sensory processing is affected by TR intervention. Therefore, this study examined the effects of TR on childhood sensory processing and at-risk academic occupational performance in reading as it relates to behavior and attention. A single subject ABA design …
Holistic Education To Empower And Enhance Women's Health Throughout Pregnancy, Birth, And The Postpartum Period,
2024
Western Michigan University
Holistic Education To Empower And Enhance Women's Health Throughout Pregnancy, Birth, And The Postpartum Period, Hannah Wilson
Capstone Projects
Making informed healthcare decisions on behalf of oneself for optimal outcomes first begins with comprehending basic health education about one’s own body, typical bodily functioning and bodily processes and ends with empowered decision making. Health literacy is the ability of an individual to understand and apply basic healthcare information to their personal healthcare decision making and is integral for any and all healthcare providers to comprehend when educating patients in practice. Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals that work with any demographic of people to improve satisfaction with performance of everyday living activities and quality of life. OTs’ scope of …
Impact Of Trauma On Development: Creating Training Materials For Effective Trauma Evaluations,
2024
Western Michigan University
Impact Of Trauma On Development: Creating Training Materials For Effective Trauma Evaluations, Jessica M. Englerth
Capstone Projects
This 14-week capstone project had an education focus under ACOTE standards. This project was completed at Western Michigan University’s Resiliency Center which is part of the Unified Clinics. The focus of this capstone project was to educate new and current staff and students on the administration of trauma evaluations in pediatric and adolescent populations as well as the impact of trauma on development. The purpose of this project was to develop training materials detailing how to administer different assessments that may be used in a trauma assessment including the PDMS-3, the Occupational Regulation Questionnaire, the QNST-3, the BAYLEY-III, the Sensory …
