Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Follow

• 

  Life Review and Reminiscence in Occupational Therapy Practice: An Educational Video Series

  Andrea Garza and Steven M. Gerardi PhD, OTD, MSS, OTR

  Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts millions of people, leading to cognitive decline and functional impairment. Life review therapy and reminiscence therapy are effective treatment approaches that have been used with people with dementia to stimulate cognitive processes and provide emotional support by reflecting on past experiences. Although therapeutic occupations based on reminiscence and life review have been used in occupational therapy (OT) practice, there is limited literature on the topic to guide clinical practice. Problem: There is a lack of guidance on the integration of occupation-based life review and reminiscence into OT practice for people with dementia. Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to create an educational video series on an occupation-based approach to integrating life review and reminiscence into OT practice for people with dementia. The video series was created to educate OT practitioners on how to effectively incorporate reminiscence and life review treatment approaches into OT practice with people with dementia. The aim of the video series was to provide practical, evidence-based strategies to support the integration of reminiscence and life review into clinical practice. This initiative represents a critical step toward equipping OT practitioners with the tools needed to deliver consistent, meaningful care for individuals with dementia, with potential for future research to assess its effectiveness.

• 

  Social Participation Approach In Brain Injury Survivors

  Lexie Graham and Cassandra Nelson

  This program will consist of educating brain injury survivors and their peers on social participation following a brain injury. With the cognitive and physical deficits that come with brain injuries, a decrease in socialization occurs due to those barriers faced. With the lack of resources aimed towards brain injuries and social participation this program is essential to ensuring everyone has access to an education platform. Providing brain injury survivors and their peers with evidence-based information and tips for socializing is vital to helping families, friends, significant others, and peers keep strong relationships and increase their quality of life.

• 

  Occupational Therapy Education and Advocacy for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

  Francis Green and Cynthia Haynes

  Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects individuals' daily lives. While occupational therapy (OT) has been shown to enhance independence, motor function, cognitive health, and emotional well-being for individuals with PD, awareness and understanding of these services remain limited among patients and caregivers. This capstone project sought to address this gap by developing and distributing tailored educational materials. Weekly handouts, supported by in-person discussions, were designed to raise awareness of OT’s role and provide actionable strategies for managing PD symptoms. Surveys conducted throughout the project provided valuable feedback on the educational materials created, ensuring the materials' relevance and effectiveness.

  This project highlights the importance of occupational therapy in addressing health literacy by delivering accessible, client-centered education that empowers individuals with PD and their caregivers. It also emphasizes OT's vital role in advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating replicable frameworks to bridge gaps in understanding and access to services. By enhancing awareness and engagement with OT, this initiative contributes to improved health outcomes and establishes a model for addressing similar challenges in other underserved populations.

• 

  Educating Parents to Reduce Negative Screen Time to Promote Children’s Play

  Anna Groden and Cassandra Nelson

  This program will consist of educating caregivers and educators on the ever growing topic of screen time and how to handle it in the current digital world. As screen time and device use continues to grow, parents need the help of an occupational therapist to help promote a healthy use of screen time and to incorporate it into play. Providing caregivers and educators with evidence-based information and interventions is imperative to helping parents navigate proper technology use. An occupational therapist will have the unique ability to help promote balanced screen time use and allowing for healthy play.

• 

  Adapting Classroom Activities to Increase Social Engagement

  Ivie Hacker and Mary Jan Greer Ph.D., OTR

  This capstone program focuses on enhancing the development of children with disabilities through adaptive play strategies. It aims to create a supportive, engaging environment that accommodates the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum. By incorporating individualized play techniques, the program promotes social, emotional, and cognitive skills, fostering greater communication, creativity, and physical coordination. The project explores the role of adaptive play in improving social interactions, reducing sensory sensitivities, and building self-confidence, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and development of children with autism.

• 

  Powerful Families Podcast: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Family Education of Mental Health Conditions and Substance Use Disorder

  Wessleigh Holloway and Cynthia Haynes

  Mental health conditions and SUD significantly impact family members emotionally and physiologically, yet these effects are often insufficiently recognized and addressed (Delaney, 2023). Existing education programs focus on individuals in recovery, leaving families without the necessary knowledge and skills to support their loved ones effectively, resulting in feelings of powerlessness and confusion. This capstone project created an education program to equip family members of individuals with SUD or mental health challenges with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate addiction and recovery effectively. The program focuses on improving understanding of SUD, fostering healthier coping mechanisms, strengthening family trust, and enhancing caregivers' occupational wellbeing. By empowering families through education and resources, the project promoted resilience and well-being in families and their communities.

• 

  Occupation-Based Programming for an Addiction Recovery Program

  McKenna Howard and Susan MacDermott OTD, OTR/L

  Addiction can impact engagement in many different occupations and occupational therapists can assist in returning to engagement in meaningful occupations. This capstone project focused on creating occupation-based programming for an addiction recovery program. This program aims to enhance engagement, skills, and confidence in daily occupations to promote overall well-being during recovery.

• 

  Lower Limb Prosthetics Impact on Social Participation

  Kayla Jones and Zeida Gutierrez

  Amputations can cause a lack of motivation which will hinder occupational performance and participation after limb loss (Şimsek et al., 2020). The fit of an individual’s prosthetic is crucial to allow for an increase in participation (Diment et al., 2022). Occupational therapists treat the limb loss community but there is little evidence in the literature to support social participation with the use of a prosthetic limb. There is a need for new research to better understand how the use of a prosthetic can impact an individual’s social participation.

• 

  Navigating Life After th NICU: A Developmental Guide for Preterm and High-Risk Infants and Toddlers

  Reagan Lachaussee; Mary Jan Greer PhD, OTR; and Theresa Mensi

  Premature and medically fragile infants are at high risk for developmental delays and benefit from ongoing support. Parents often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to support their child’s development at home. This project addressed gaps in caregiver education and support by developing the PEARLS Program (Promoting Early Achievements, Resilience, and Life Skills), a practical resource tailored to the needs of families and healthcare providers.

  A needs assessment and provider feedback guided the program’s development, identifying challenges such as information overload, confusion around corrected age, and feeding difficulties. The PEARLS Program empowers families with digestible, actionable resources, including a “Going Home” packet, age-specific handouts, interactive tools, and a social media platform. These tools bridge gaps in communication and promote confidence in caregivers as they navigate their child’s growth and development.

• 

  Assistive Technology Abandonment with Veterans and Leisure Activities

  Tara Lamson, Lee Ann Hoffman, and Mary Greer

  Veterans using assistive technology (AT) often face barriers that limit their participation in meaningful leisure activities, negatively impacting their mental health and quality of life. This project aimed to address these challenges by developing an educational program focused on improving AT management, reducing abandonment, and promoting leisure engagement. A needs assessment of veterans in Abilene, TX, revealed critical issues, including barriers to leisure, limited community involvement, and gaps in AT maintenance education. The program delivered web-based and in-person resources on AT use, adaptive leisure strategies, and equipment recycling. Key outcomes included enhanced social participation, improved independence, and sustainable solutions for AT recycling. This initiative highlights the essential role of occupational therapy in empowering veterans through evidence-based, occupation-focused interventions that support mental well-being and functional engagement.

• 

  Individualized Sensory Based Functional Activity Program For Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability with a Co-morbidity of a Mental Health Condition

  Dakota LaPorte, Cynthia Haynes, and Rebekah Jarrar

  This Program was designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a co-occurring mental health condition. This program was designed based on the individual's sensory needs to improve occupational performance in their lives. This capstone project filled a knowledge gap by creating a sensory based activity program for individuals with IDD and mental health conditions. Its primary goal was to educate participants about their sensory needs and integrate these into functional activities to improve occupational performance.

• 

  Advocating for Occupational Therapy Intervention with In-House Athletics

  Jatia Littles and Cynthia Haynes

  Occupational therapists (OT) have the opportunity to work with athletes by outsourcing through orthopedic centers with professional leagues such as the National Football League (NFL) (Jobs in Sports, 2022) but rarely do you see OTs within the sports complex working in-house. Although many studies go into great detail on the benefits of occupational therapy during the rehabilitation process, there are only a limited number of studies that explore occupational therapy intervention in athletics (Andreas et al., 2021). This project designed and implemented an occupational therapy-focused advocacy project that involves informing interprofessional sports faculty on the benefits of OTs being a part of the in-house athletic training team.The project deliverables included informative electronic advocacy-based flyers, the administration of occupation-based intervention in clinic (such as exercises, manual therapy, mindfulness practices, and mental health support), and an educational slideshow was presented to University of Florida sports health staff with the goal to educate sports rehabilitation professionals on the vitality of occupational therapy and the implementation of occupation-based techniques for those with occupational injuries.

• 

  Helping Children with ADHD Thrive at Home and in the Classroom

  Lindsey Lott, Mary Greer, and Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobiological disorder in the U.S. Yet, 69% of parents and 70% of teachers feel underprepared in their ability to support children with ADHD (Miller, 2021; Asherson, 2024). This capstone program aimed to address this issue by creating a strengths-based, family-centered program rooted in the Ayres Sensory Integration framework, designed for caregivers and teachers of children with ADHD (Ayres, 2005). Conducted at a pediatric outpatient clinic, nearly 40 parents /caregivers and teachers of children with ADHD participated in this program. Participants received an ongoing educational experience covering topics such as the neurology and neuronal wiring of the ADHD brain, sensory integration and the foundations of sensory processing, the use of coping mechanisms that provide necessary sensory input for regulation, functions of the prefrontal cortex, the concept of time blindness, the importance of positive reinforcement, a strengths-based approach to managing ADHD symptoms, and how to support children in enhancing their emotional regulation skills by combining interoception and the Zones of Regulation (Barkley, 2023; Kuypers, 2011). This program was effective in achieving its goals of increasing education and resources available to caregivers and teachers of children with ADHD.

• 

  An Occupational Therapy Educational Guidebook for Participating in African American Hair Care

  Kyra Mann and Lakeisa Boykin

  This educational guidebook offers resources for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to support African American hair care during Activity of Daily Living (ADL) interventions. The materials aim to enhance OTPs' awareness, knowledge, and confidence, fostering inclusive and effective approaches to improve participation and success in these tasks.

• 

  Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Health Management within the Adult Population: A Road Toward Occupational Engagement

  Valeria Martinez and Cassandra Nelson, OTD, OTR/L, MBA, CNS, CEAS I

  Approximately 37 million Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (CDC, 2023). As a result, DM is ranked as the eighth leading cause of mortality in the United States, yet the management of symptoms and overall condition is frequently neglected by a significant portion of the American population (CDC, 2023). A contributing factor to this issue is the insufficient access to resources for underserved communities, particularly among the Hispanic population with low health literacy. This capstone project focuses on health management and educating the adult population with a goal of enhancing activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) participation. The Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) – Enhancement in Occupational Participation program provides community resources that will aid in providing improved healthcare decisions, improved medication adherence, and enhance participation in occupations.

• 

  Occupational Therapy Role in Aiding Health Management for Caregivers of Children with Neurological Conditions

  Peyton McGee, Mary Jan Greer, and Caitlin Boyd

  Neurological disorders are identified as a dysfunction on any part of the nervous system that cause disability (Kumar et al., 2022). In order to enhance the outcome of children with neurological conditions, there should be an emphasis on the role and well-being of their caregivers. Common symptoms of neurological disorders among children include delayed developmental milestones, seizures and epilepsy, regression of skills, abnormal movements and behaviors, headaches, sensory processing issues, and communication difficulties. Adjusting to a new normal can be overwhelming for caregivers, especially when children transition out of rehab. The aim of the proposed capstone project is to aid in preventing burnout for the main caregivers by providing education on health management and alternatives that aid in care such as day programs for children. Emphasizing the role and wellbeing of the caregivers can enhance the outcomes of children with neurological conditions

• 

  Examining Anxiety and Coping Strategies with Persons with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD) Who Routinely Exercise

  Ashlynn Milburn, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Karen Aranha, and Maggie Abbott

  Forty to 50% of the PwPD are reported to experience anxiety (Kwok et al., 2019). Anxiety is psychological distress characterized by excessive worry, and apprehension about future events (Khatri et al., 2020). Psychological distress with this population is secondary to care dependency, poor work and social function, increased physical and cognitive decline, increased dementia risk, and high mortality rate (Kwok et al., 2019).Exercise and meditation have been found to be useful coping strategies to manage one’s physical condition as well as psychosocial factors such as anxiety, with PD (Mantri et al., 2021).Although these coping strategies have the potential to reduce anxiety, there is a lack of understanding on which coping strategies PwPD utilize or should utilize to address symptoms of anxiety. Therefore, an exploratory study examining the lived experiences of PwPD, and their coping strategies is the basis of this investigation. This study used a mixed methods design with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to better understand individuals with PD lived experiences with anxiety. The findings from this study suggest that the BAI scale had a limited potential to detect anxiety, possibly due to outcome measure administered post exercise.

• 

  Breast Cancer Survivorship

  Jayde Mosley and Rebecca King

  Activities of daily living become difficult for clients during breast cancer survivorship due to the physical and emotional alterations that take place in the body. A program will provide clients with a guide on what to expect during breast cancer survivorship. This guide will also be distributed to clients who undergo mastectomy procedures and other forms of treatment. It will provide them with information regarding dos and don’ts, symptoms, long-term effects, outreach and support groups, adaptive equipment, and more information on ways to improve their quality of life.

• 

  Pre-Sleep Routines Affecting Sleep in Adults

  Diana Navarro, Rebecca King, and Cassandra Nelson

  This capstone project examines the impact of pre-sleep routines on adult sleep quality, emphasizing the role of consistent habits, reduced technology use, and stress management. A six-week intervention incorporating evidence-based strategies such as sleep hygiene education, environmental adjustments, and relaxation techniques was conducted. Results revealed significant improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and enhanced physical and emotional well-being among participants. These findings highlight the importance of tailored pre-sleep routines in addressing sleep disorders and provide a foundation for broader implementation and future research.

• 

  Tailored Activity Program for LTC Residents with Dementia

  Madison Olds and Rebecca King

  Nursing home residents with dementia diagnoses should have the opportunity to participate fully in community activities and receive the proper assistance and accommodations to do so. This project developed a tailored activity program to promote socialization, occupational justice, and quality of life for residents in an assistive living facility with various diagnoses. This program provides both environmental and activity adaptations to support full engagement for all participants regardless of any preexisting deficits.

• 

  Increasing Awareness of the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy in Cancer Rehabilitation

  Aaliyah Parson and Zeida Gutierrez

  Many cancer survivors are faced with functional limitations when engaging in meaningful occupations due to side effects such as anxiety, pain, fatigue, weakness, nausea, etc. from receiving cancer treatments which can impact their quality of life. Occupational therapy has a significant role in supportive care for cancer survivors by providing occupation-based interventions that focus on maximizing function and mitigating functional decline. However, occupational therapy is underutilized in cancer care due to patients' lack of awareness of the role of OT and how it can improve quality of life after receiving cancer treatment. Therefore, this capstone project took place in Tallahassee, Florida at Be Strong Therapy Rehabilitation clinic and Allegro Senior Living facility focused on highlighting the need for occupational therapy to be utilized more effectively in cancer care. This project aimed to provide education to cancer survivors, or anyone interested in learning more about OT in cancer care through an educational session and providing educational materials such as a PowerPoint presentation and pamphlets. Additionally, pre-and post-surveys were administered to evaluate participants’ level of knowledge regarding OT in cancer care before and after attending the educational session. By increasing awareness of occupational therapy in cancer care, OT may be effectively utilized more in cancer care to continue helping survivors meet their occupational needs.

• 

  A Multifactorial Fall Prevention Program

  Virale Patel and Zeida Gutierrez

  Falls among older adults are a pressing public health concern, leading to significant physical, psychological, and economic consequences. This capstone project aimed to design and implement a multifactorial fall prevention program to address unmet occupational needs and enhance safety and occupational participation among long-term care residents at a skilled nursing facility. The six-week program included targeted weekly sessions focusing on behavior modification, footwear safety, adaptive equipment training, strength and balance exercises, toileting strategies, and environmental modifications. Pre- and post-program assessments utilized the Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) and participant surveys to evaluate changes in confidence, fear of falling, and satisfaction with fall prevention strategies. The intervention emphasized practical education and skill-building to reduce fall risks and promote independence in activities of daily living.

• 

  The Benefit of Creative Arts-Based Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

  Marissa Patrick and Zeida Gutierrez

  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affects emotional regulation, social communication, and executive functioning. Addressing emotional regulation in children with ASD is essential for enhancing mental health, quality of life, and functional independence in occupations such as social participation. Despite evidence supporting the use of creative arts-based interventions to improve mental health, limited research exists on their specific application for emotional regulation in this population.

  This project aimed to implement and evaluate a creative arts-based intervention program designed to improve emotional regulation skills in children with ASD within occupational therapy (OT) practice. Conducted over five weeks at Awetism Wonderland, the program included a series of art-focused activities, such as emotional regulation dance, Play-Doh self-portraits, and watercolor painting exercises. The interventions were designed to support interoception, creativity, and performance skills while being easily modifiable to individual needs. The Emotional Regulation Checklist (ERC) and clinical observation field notes were used to assess pre- and post-intervention outcomes, focusing on changes in emotional regulation behaviors.

• 

  Exploration of the Environmental Contexts and the Social and Emotional Health and Wellness of Individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disorders

  Melanie Perez, Pamela A. Kasyan-Howe, and Sabina Khan

  This research-based capstone project is intended to convey background evidence about the problem of adults with intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) experiencing decreased social participation, physical activity, stress, and environmental factors.

• 

  Awakening the Senses: Family-Centered Education on Sensory Stimulation for Children in the ICU

  Kylie Pinson and Cynthia Haynes

  Awakening the Senses: Family-Centered Education on Sensory Stimulation for Children in the ICU. This project was designed to educate family members and healthcare providers on the sensory stimulation for children in the ICU, mainly focusing on patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Educational handouts were created along with sensory bins highlighting all 5 senses.