Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Designing Inclusions: Strategies For A School Multi-Sensory Room, Sarah K. Barker

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of the ALE and Capstone Project was to address the predetermined need for a sensory room in Bullitt East High School stated by the ECE Department Chair. My project focused on education, advocacy, and program development by promoting neurodiverse inclusion and increasing awareness of occupational therapy among staff and the community. A needs assessment and SWOT analysis confirmed the value of creating a sensory room and identified an appropriate location within the school. Students will learn to regulate their emotions in a safe and controlled environment, improve focus and regulation, practice self-advocacy skills, further develop motor skills, and …

Mental Health In Inpatient Rehabilitation, Kayla M. Minor

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Frazier Neurorehabilitation Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, to address mental health in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. My primary ACOTE focus area was program and project development, with additional emphasis on education and advocacy related to mental health awareness. The purpose of this project was to create an online mental health toolkit that provides occupational therapists with resources to address mental health concerns with patients and caregivers during sessions. The online mental health toolkit consists of 11 main topics containing approximately eight interactive and educational pages in each folder to support therapeutic intervention. The literature …

Caring For Your Child With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Emma H. Overstreet

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project took place in collaboration with UK Pediatric Therapies and UK NEMO Clinic in Lexington, KY. This project focused on the ACOTE areas of Program Development, Education, and Advocacy, with the goal of determining a need for caregivers and children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and to develop a comprehensive educational resource to fill the gap and meet this need. DMD is a progressive neuromuscular disease that impacts motor function in boys. As the disease progresses, motor function becomes increasingly impacted, resulting in decreased functional independence. A needs assessment, literature review, observation of evaluations and doctors appointments, discussions …

Ot For The Future: Promoting Occupational Therapy Careers Among High School Students, Audrey C. Hale

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Ot Student Engagement Through Universal Design For Learning, L. Addie Asher

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project took place at Eastern Kentucky University in the Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy Department with a primary ACOTE focus area on education. The goal was to address student engagement and accessibility by improving utilization of department resources. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was the chosen framework to develop this project. UDL empowers learners by removing barriers and providing flexibility in how students engage with content and demonstrate knowledge (CAST, 2021). Universal Design principles were also utilized as this project included both virtual and on-campus components. Project elements were intentionally designed to consider diversity in student skills, preferences, …

Enhancing Parent And Caregiver Education Through Accessible Therapy Resources In A Pediatric Outpatient Setting, Megan E. Huff

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed in collaboration with Bluegrass Pediatric Therapies, a pediatric outpatient clinic in Winchester, Kentucky. The project addressed ACOTE focus areas of education and advocacy by improving caregiver education to promote treatment carryover and family engagement. A literature review, needs assessment, clinical observations, and interdisciplinary collaboration identified opportunities to strengthen caregiver education. Evidence highlighted the importance of family-centered education and demonstrated that health literacy, educational attainment, and socioeconomic factors influence caregivers' understanding, confidence, and ability to implement therapy recommendations. These findings emphasized the need for accessible, evidence-based educational resources. The primary objective was …

Fall Prevention In An Alf, Kara D. Mckeehan

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My capstone project is an educational program for an assisted living facility (McCready Manor) in Richmond, Kentucky. My primary ACOTE focus area is education about fall prevention utilizing a fall prevention binder and personalized HEPs. Falling is the number one concern of the older adult population that not only affects physical factors but mental, social, and psychological factors hindering the individuals’ overall independence. Therefore, fall prevention education is vital. Within this facility, many residents have risk factors that increase their risk of falling, including unsteadiness on feet, muscle weakness, low vision, and balance deficits. Since there is very little education …

Eku Os/Ot Adult Population Video Library, Abigail E. Coffey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Developing clinical reasoning and analytical skills can be challenging when learning is limited to theoretical case studies. Exposure to real-world clients allows occupational therapy students to observe how clinical principles and interventions are applied while adapting to each individual's unique needs. The purpose of this project was to begin developing a video library demonstrating activities of daily living (ADLs) and occupational therapy's role with adults to strengthen students' clinical reasoning and connect classroom instruction with authentic practice experiences. This project also addresses a gap in the literature regarding the use of real-world learning experiences in occupational therapy education.

A survey …

Cns Regulation And Neuroprotection In The Nicu/Picu, Kelly D. Wheatley

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience numerous stressors, including painful medical procedures, excessive sensory stimulation, disrupted sleep, limited positive sensory experiences, and separation from caregivers. These factors can negatively affect central nervous system (CNS) development, self- and co-regulation, neurobehavioral organization, feeding, and long-term occupational performance. Despite growing evidence supporting neuroprotective and developmentally supportive care, accessible educational resources are needed to promote consistent implementation among healthcare providers, volunteers, and families.

The purpose of this capstone project was to increase awareness and application of CNS regulation and neuroprotective care principles within the …

Promoting Workplace Wellness Through Occupational Therapy, Fischer R. Proffitt

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at London Country Club in London, Kentucky, and focused on the ACOTE areas of Education, Leadership, and Program Development. The purpose was to promote workplace wellness and occupational balance among Pro Shop staff through ergonomic education, injury-prevention strategies, stress-management interventions, and workflow improvements.

A needs assessment was conducted through private staff interviews, a workplace wellness questionnaire, direct observation, and a review of literature related to occupational therapy, ergonomics, and workplace wellness. Findings revealed prolonged standing, repetitive lifting, physical discomfort, moderate-to-high workplace stress, and opportunities to improve ergonomics, workflow efficiency, and employee wellness supports. These …

Empowering Teachers Through Knowledge, Resources, And Strategies For Sensory Regulation And Handwriting Success, Natalie A. Ossege

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone project was completed at Woodfill Elementary School within Fort Thomas Independent Schools under the ACOTE focus areas of education and program development. The purpose was to develop educational resources that increased elementary educators' understanding of occupational therapy concepts related to handwriting development and sensory regulation while supporting student participation, engagement, and academic success.

A needs assessment identified teachers' desire for greater knowledge of occupational therapy services and practical classroom strategies for handwriting and sensory regulation. Limited access to occupational therapy consultation, due to one occupational therapist serving the entire district, further emphasized the need for sustainable educator …

Improving Access To Therapeutic Knowledge: Caregiver Education For Children With Cerebral Palsy In Vietnam, Hallei N. Bittlinger

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed at Hope Therapy Center (HTC), located in Da Nang, Vietnam through a virtual applied leadership experience. The primary ACOTE focus area for my capstone project included education and leadership. The primary goal of this capstone includes sustainably improving the knowledge and skills required for intervention planning for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Related goals include, developing training resources for HTC staff to review to understand CP and the effect it has on occupational performance, as well as providing virtual consultations for the current client caseload to enhance current practices and provide evidence-based interventions into the …

From Bump To Baby: A New Parent Role Preparation Webinar, Emma K. Ward

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this Capstone project is to alleviate some of the stress and fear associated with the transition to parenthood through the development of a parental role preparation webinar that educates new and expecting parents on how to effectively care for and support the development of their child. The primary area of focus for the project is Education, and the project site is the Haven Care Center in Danville, Kentucky. A SWOT analysis and discussions with Haven Care staff indicated a need for educational materials that focus on caregiver skill development, understanding and responding to infant cues, infant developmental …

Non-Pharmacological Interventions Impacting Quality Of Sleep, Stephanie Grome

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone/ALE project was a quality improvement project completed at E.C. Shaw Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. The primary ACOTE focus area was health promotion and wellness, emphasizing the role of occupational therapy in improving sleep as an essential occupation that supports overall health, productivity, and quality of life. The goal was to determine participants’ current sleep satisfaction and determine what, if any, non-pharmacological interventions impact sleep quality among adults working full time jobs.

The literature review identified the importance of quality sleep and explored several pharmacological interventions and interventions specific for conditions.However, minimal evidence exists examining non-pharmacological factors for …

Play For All: An All-Inclusive Playground For Manchester, Ky, Tiheya Marcum

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Doctoral Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) focused on designing an evidence-based, all-inclusive playground for Rawlings and Stinson Park in Manchester, Kentucky. Guided by the ACOTE focus areas of advocacy, education, and program development, the project aimed to improve equitable access to meaningful play for children of all abilities while promoting occupational justice within a rural community. A comprehensive needs assessment and SWOT analysis identified strengths, barriers, and opportunities related to inclusive recreation. Findings highlighted community support for park improvements, occupational therapy's emphasis on occupational justice, limited knowledge of inclusive playground design, and financial and infrastructure challenges. These results …

Workplace Wellness: Ergonomics And Injury Prevention, Makenzie Vorbeck

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone project, Workplace Wellness: Ergonomics and Injury Prevention, was completed in a local retail jewelry store as part of an Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) with a primary focus of health promotion and wellness as outlined by ACOTE Standards. This project aimed to address the high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among jewelers and sales staff due to prolonged static postures, repetitive hand movements, and improper workstation set-ups.

The primary goals of my project were to 1) improve participant knowledge of ergonomic principles and injury prevention strategies, 2) enhance knowledge of proper body mechanics and workstation set-up, and 3) …

Ot At Work: Engineering Better Bodies For Better Manufacturing, Gracie Johnson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Manchester Tank, a manufacturing facility, and focused on the ACOTE areas of Education and Program Development. The Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) aimed to reduce workplace ergonomic risks, promote musculoskeletal injury prevention, and increase awareness of occupational therapy's role in manufacturing. A needs assessment including an employee pre-survey, workplace observations, employee feedback, and a review of current literature identified opportunities to improve ergonomic practices and employee knowledge related to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) prevention.

In response, ergonomic evaluations were conducted within the facility, and evidence-based recommendations were developed to improve workstations and job tasks. …

Increasing Older Adult's Participation/Engagement In Their Meaningful Iadls In Long-Term Care Facilities, Allison L. Hedges

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) were completed at Telford Terrace, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Richmond, Kentucky. My capstone focused on education and program analysis, with the goal of increasing participation in meaningful instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among older adults, particularly those with memory-related diagnoses. This was accomplished by educating staff on activity adaptations and environmental modifications while incorporating resident feedback into activity planning.

Following a needs assessment, literature review, and stakeholder interviews, I identified barriers to participation, including limited staffing, varying resident interests, and differences in physical and cognitive abilities. To …

Eku Os/Ot Pediatric Population Video Library, Heaven L. Taylor

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this Doctor of Occupational Therapy capstone project was to develop the EKU Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Pediatric Population Video Library, an educational resource designed to enhance occupational therapy education through in class video instruction. Completed virtually in collaboration with site mentor Dr. Leslie Hardman, OTD, OTR/L, the project addressed the limited opportunities students often have to observe authentic pediatric occupational therapy sessions before entering clinical practice.

Research supports the use of video-based learning as an effective educational strategy for improving students clinical reasoning, and understanding by providing exposure to real-world occupational therapy practice. In response to …

Eku Os/Ot Adult Population Video Library, Abigail E. Coffey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

As a student in the classroom setting, it can become very difficult to expand clinical reasoning and analytic skills using theoretical scenarios and clients. Real-world individuals/clients allow the student to see how certain principles, frameworks, or techniques are truly applicable and how to adapt to each scenario as is often in occupational therapy. The purpose of this project is to increase analysis skills in future occupational therapy practitioners by beginning to create a video library about activities of daily living and OT's role or lack of thereof in adults. Goals included expanding access to real-world learning opportunities to connect classroom …