Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

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  Evidence Based Practices to Guide Practitioners on Providing Racially Informed Care (RIC): A Scoping Review

  Veronica Ajose, Angela Labrie Blackwell, and Charae Mcconnell

  All forms of racism impact the health, well-being, safety, and occupations of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). There is a gap in Occupational Therapy (OT) curricula and literature on how practitioners should address the issue of racism. This presentation presents the background, problem, purpose, methods, results, and implications for occupational therapy practice for a scoping review that sought to review sought to identify and synthesize interventions that align with Racially Informed Care (RIC).

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  Program Development in Pediatric Prosthetic Training for Occupational Therapists

  Paulina Alas, Monica Watford, and Grace Evasco

  This project delves into the necessity for professional tools designed to assist occupational therapists (OTs) in readying themselves for the treatment of pediatric patients requiring upper limb prosthetics. The endeavor encompasses an examination of various diagnoses that warrant prosthetic intervention, an exploration of diverse prosthetic variants, and a comprehensive manual detailing pre-prosthetic and prosthetic functional training.

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  The Sandwich Generation of Aging Parents With Dementia: An Occupation-Based Caregiver Program

  Gabrielle Amaya, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, and Kylee Hall

  Despite the high prevalence of caregiver burnout, caregivers’ needs are unrecognized because the focus is on caregiver quality of life, experience, or service utilization (Frankenstein & Jahn, 2020). This program aims to identify ways to provide specific support to promote caregiver ADL participation through the use of a web-based training and education program.

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  Supporting Oaxacan Youth Mental Health, Academic Achievement, and Cultural Connection

  Itahi Arteaga, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, and Rebecca Heymann

  Oaxacan Indigenous youth in the U.S. experience generational, cultural, and social conflicts that impact their participation, performance, and well-being, yet there are no occupation-based programs that address their mental health, academic achievement, and cultural connection In San Diego.

  The purpose of the capstone project was to develop a culturally-informed occupational therapy program for Oaxacan indigenous youth that will motivate and provide the skills needed to navigate different cultures while encouraging belonging.

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  An Occupation Based Program: Supporting Mothers Through Pregnancy and Postpartum

  Precious Barnett, Monica Watford, and La'Shandra Russell

  This capstone project aimed to discover the effects of occupational therapy services with women who may experience or who are at risk for postpartum depression. Supporting Mothers Through Pregnancy and Postpartum is the developed capstone program. This program included occupation-based activities and resources to encourage occupational participation and engagement. This program used an integrative approach to support the participants of this project. This poster presentation includes background information regarding this population, the methods used to develop the program, program topic themes and goals, and links to view the program’s deliverables.

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  Raising Awareness for Occupational Therapy's Role with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  Madelyn Cabrera, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, and Amy Lyons-Brown

  This capstone project aims to raise awareness for occupational therapy's (OT) role in managing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through education and to advocate OT's role within the SLE healthcare team. This project aims to understand the daily barriers that SLE patients experience and raise awareness for OT's role with SLE patients, OTs in practice, OT students, and healthcare professionals involved in SLE care. It also advocates for OT's role in comprehensive care for SLE patients to assist in disease/lifestyle management and improved quality of life.

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  Exploring Occupational Therapy’s Role in Foster Care: A Mixed Methods Study on Financial Literacy Education for Foster Youth

  Ashley Carmichael and Karen Park

  Background: Foster youth are children under 21 years old who have been removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse and are susceptible to early adversity and trauma (Alternative Family Services, n.d.; AOTA, 2017). Financial literacy is the knowledge and skills to take control of finances (National Financial Educators Council, n.d.). In the foster care setting, occupational therapists (OTs) provide client-centered care that traditionally focuses on transitional life skills, such as seeking employment (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2017).

  Problem/Purpose: The lack of resources for foster youth to gain financial literacy skills leads to a disadvantage in establishing consumer skills. The purpose of this project was to conduct a research study on current financial literacy education for foster youth and uncover how OTs can positively contribute to financial literacy education in this population.

  Methods: The preliminary findings involved a mixed-methods research approach. An electronic survey and an optional follow-up interview were used for data collection. The participants for this study were from four different populations in the foster care community; former foster youth, former or current case managers/social workers, former or current foster parents, and former or current OTs who have worked with foster youth.

  Results: The preliminary findings showed many believe foster parents should lead in teaching financial literacy to foster youth; however, OTs and case managers/social workers were also highly ranked. Four preliminary codes were identified during the preliminary data analysis: “role constraints”, “provider supports”, “importance of financial literacy”, and “teaching resources”.

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  Occupational Impacts of the 2018 Camp Fire

  Mimi H. Chuong and Karen Park

  This poster provides an overview of the results of the capstone project, which explored the occupational impacts of the 2018 Camp Fire. Data were collected through in-person and remote interviews over 21 weeks. The inclusion criteria for the study consisted of adults between 18 to 80 who could understand and answer questions in English, were affected by the fire, or had worked directly with the Camp Fire survivors. Among the total participants (n=14), ten were survivors, and four were providers. The research question was, “What modifiable factors are enabling or disabling Camp Fire survivors from engaging in their daily occupations?” Socioeconomic barriers were mentioned, and 86% of the participants from all backgrounds reported long-term effects on their mental health, typical among survivors of natural disasters (Davies et al., 2018). However, among the survivors, 90% reported impacts on their leisure, social participation, and productivity.

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  Implementation of Tai Chi Among Individuals with Dementia in Long-Term Memory Care

  Patricia I. Cordova, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, and Kim Broussard

  This project focused on a dementia population within long-term care, where increased disablement occurs. A Tai Chi program was implemented into the daily routine of individuals in a long-term memory care facility to improve dynamic sitting balance for the performance of daily occupations.

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  Neurofeedback Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy With Clients with Substance Use Disorder: A Scoping Review

  Aundrea Culliver, Mary Ann Smith, Steven M. Gerardi, and Colin Ross

  Substance use disorder (SUD) is a problematic pattern of use of a substance or substances, leading to impairments to health, social function, and control of a substance. This negatively affects everyday activities of daily living, and occupation performance that causes a disruption to physical, mental, and social health.

  Now, Neurofeedback is a noninvasive biotherapy that uses audio or video feedback to reinforce healthy brain function. This type of intervention usually works by having a patient listen to music and putting electrodes on a patient’s head that pick up negative or positive brain activity or waves. And if the negative activity is identified there were be a skip in the music. Over time, the negative feedback received by the brain will train the brain to subconsciously make healthy connections.

  Neurofeedback literature address different types of aspects that impact individual's life. This includes cognition attention in memory, learning, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and many more psychological aspects

  With that being said OTs help people construct and destruct New or pre-existing habits and roles that would lead them throughout recovery. And Neurofeedback could be a beneficial intervention or conjunction intervention. However, there is no systematic understanding of how neuro-feedback therapy can be used in the substance-use population within the scope of the OT practice.

  This leads me to the problem which is the use of neural feedback, therapy in clients with substance use disorder has not been systematically reviewed to identify its use within the scope of OT practice, leaving it difficult for OT practitioners to integrate neurofeedback into OT for clients with substance use disorders.

  So the purpose of my capstone project was to conduct a scoping review of the literature to identify how Neurofeedback is utilized with clients with substance use disorder that is within the scope of OT practice.

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  Enhance the Use of Arts, Crafts, and Creative Expression within OT Practice

  Genevieve England and Susan MacDermott

  Through the evolution of occupational therapy, the presence of arts and crafts within the profession has decreased. It is a possibility that the cause stems from lack of exposure to crafts, decreased craft related coursework within OT school programming, as well as the shift towards medical model-based OT interventions. The purpose of this project was to gain an understanding of arts and crafts and/or creative expression within OT practice in order to create an effective program.

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  EMPOWER: A Self-Regulation Program for Youth in Residential Foster Care

  Cristina Eversole, Angela Labrie Blackwell, and Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

  This poster describes how the development and implementation of a self-regulation program, EMPOWER, utilized interventions such as mindfulness exercises, creative arts, sound/music therapy, and sensory grounding techniques to help youth in residential foster care enhance occupational engagement and quality of life.

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  The Perceived Benefits of Belonging to a Community Organization for People with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD): An Ethnographic study

  Alexis Fortes, Mary Ann Smith, Karen Aranha, and Kelli Cabrera

  Background: Persons with Parkinson’s (PwPD) seek to age in place and slow the functional decline that comes with the disease process. Membership in community-based and fitness programs provides a social safe environment that significantly impacts an individual’s psychological well-being and occupational independence. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports and promotes partnering with community organizations that promote and valuemaintaining occupational independence for community dwellers.

  Objective: This study investigated the perceived benefits of belonging to a community organization that supports health management and well-being for PwPD.

  Methods: A qualitative ethnographic study used immersive participant observation, and conducted two focus groups of PwPD (n=4), and caregivers (CG) (n=3) respectively. Inclusion criteria were participation in fitness classes hosted by a community organization 2x/wk for the PwD group and attendance in the support group for the CG group. Data included a field journal and focus group discussions. Data analysis using open line coding, memo-ing, and data fracturing to explore emerging themes. Dedoose Version 9.0.17 (2021) was used to code and analyze data

  Results: Themes that emerged from the transcribed data include community organizations being a safe haven, providing support for strategizing, coping, and wellbeing, preventing exacerbation of symptoms, and being a bridge to community living.

  Conclusion: The themes indicate PwPD and CG perceived benefits, including symptom maintenance, health management, and overall quality of life (QOL).

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  OT's Role in Facilitating Successful Role Transition for Informal Caregivers of People Living with Dementia

  Kiyatta Freeman, Monica Watford, and Evyline Chioma

  The aim of this capstone project was to identify education and training needs for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia and create an educational workshop based on these identified needs. This workshop is a dementia training course focused on education on the dementia diagnosis and effective care strategies to promote occupational participation and safety for the care recipient and the caregiver. The aim is to improve care competency, reduce stress, and facilitate role transition.

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  Analyzing Experiences with Context-Based Physical Activity Coaching (CB-PAC) in Caregivers of Children with Visual Impairments: A Pilot Study

  Mary Godman, Angela Blackwell, and Eric Hicks

  Caregivers have faced many barriers in providing equitable physical activity (PA) opportunities for their children with visual impairments (VI) (Armstrong et al., 2018; Columna et al., 2017; Sterbova & Kudlacek, 2014). This pilot study focused on two female caregivers of children with VI to understand their experiences and perceptions related to providing PA for their children along with a context-based coaching program to improve their child’s participation in PA. The study utilized a mixed methods design and concluded that support, motivation, strategies for participation, and equipment were important areas to address for caregivers to engage their children in PA.

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  Occupational Barriers in Attendance of Diabetes Prevention Programs in Adults of Low Socioeconomic Status

  Kendra Green and Amy Lyons-Brown

  The purpose of this project was to meet the needs of adults of low socioeconomic status that are at risk for developing diabetes due to multiple occupational barriers through evidence-based interventions developed by Occupational Therapists. Reflecting on current literature on the social determinants of health can help clients achieve a better quality of life. It addressed the specific barriers in an individual’s lifestyle and community resources faced daily in occupations such as managing finances, shopping, sleeping, cooking, and eating healthier, along with utilizing physical activity to prevent diabetes. OT is underutilized in this area even though the expertise is needed to decrease the prevalence of diabetes. By the end of this mixed methods research project, OT can be recognized as a stakeholder in the Center for Disease and Prevention Control’s diabetes prevention program to advocate for these clients to receive all the diabetes prevention assistance afforded to everyone.

  Type II diabetes is rising rapidly around the world. This project highlights barriers in clients in the Northern Virginia region. Looking at diabetes prevention at the local level rather than the national level allows for a more accurate picture of the barriers these individuals face. Later this data could be used for further studies in other areas across the United States and even internationally.

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  Plan for Retirement versus the Occupational Impact Throughout Retirement: The Significance of Identity and Role Transitions

  Priscilla Guardado and Amy Lyons-Brown

  OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a mixed methods research study on retired individuals and identifying their occupational identity throughout their retired experience.

  METHODS: Using survey methods, a demographic questionnaire was sent out to individuals who signed up to participate in the study. To participate, individuals had to be in the age range of 50-80 years with a minimum of 2 years post retirement. A total of 15 participants initially signed up with a 93% survey response rate (n=14) and 86% (n=13) response rate for completion of the study with an interview.

  RESULTS: Most participants reported dealing with adaptations as best as they could to continue through their retirement. The research results supported themes found in the literature.

  CONCLUSIONS: This mixed methods study suggests that there continues to be a missing gap in literature about a potential resource to assist in facilitating the transitions into and throughout retirement.

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  The Effects on Occupations and Quality of Life After a Sports Injury In Adolescents: Emphasis on Psychosocial Factors

  Mikaela Hajjar, Lindsey Williams, and Monica Watford

  The capstone project was designed to develop educational handouts for adolescents who experience psychosocial factors after an injury, using the PEOP and Biopsychosocial models. The project addressed the need for more resources to target this population's psychosocial aspects of injuries. The handouts supported existing literature on recommended coping strategies, techniques, leisure exploration activities, and additional resources for OT treatment. The project aimed to provide accessible education to OTs, coaches, parents, and athletes on the role of OT in treatment and the importance of addressing psychosocial factors. The project successfully provided background information, analyzed methodology, summarized handout development, and highlighted the impact and future actions of the project.

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  Leisure Exploration for Individuals Recovering from Substance Use Disorder

  Laura Head and Susan MacDermott OTD, OTR/L

  Individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder often report feeling the desire to fill their time with meaning and that time they spent misusing substances was unfulfilling. This poster provides background on what a substance use disorder is and the effects it may have on a person's life. It also dives into the methods used to create, propose, and implement a creative expression group for homeless transitional-aged youth, 18-25, and an exercise group for individuals in recovery from SUD. Finally, this poster discusses the implications of implementing and maintaining programs occupational therapist lead programs in community mental health settings.

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  An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis: Exploring Key Constructs That Facilitate the Transition of Homeless Individuals to Sheltered Living Conditions

  Natasha Hinson, Karen Aranha, and Mary Ann Smith

  PURPOSE: to understand the processes that homeless individuals experience when taking action to seek shelter and move into sheltered living conditions.

  DESIGN: This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) utilized a purposive homogeneous sample (n=9) of formerly homeless individuals. Inclusion criteria: experience of homelessness, >30 yrs. old, 2.5 yrs. living in supportive housing, English-speaking, and > 23 on the MMSE.

  METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were analyzed through open-line coding, memo-ing, and data categorization to form themes.

  RESULTS: The following superordinate themes emerged: path to homelessness, life on the streets, tipping point to sheltered lifestyle, connecting with lifelines, and life with Faith-based organization (FBO).

  CONCLUSION: Unsheltered homelessness negatively impacts occupational participation, performance, and the internal processes of homeless individuals. External support was needed to overcome barriers, begin utilizing support services, and complete the process of transitioning into a sheltered environment.

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  Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Prenatal Approach Through an Occupational Therapy Lens

  Gaby Hogg; Monica Watford Phd, OTR; and Jessica Snow PT, DPT

  This is a poster presentation on the workshop development, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Prenatal Approach Through an Occupational Therapy Lens. Women who experience pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) often do not understand that what they are experiencing can be managed through rehabilitation (Chen et al., 2019). This capstone project aimed to educate women about the pelvic floor and pelvic floor dysfunction as a proactive approach to rehabilitation. Additionally, the project provides educational information on pregnancy and birthing positions.

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  Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Sensory Processing Evaluation Methods

  Grace Hong, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, and Karen Park

  Background: This study aimed to obtain occupational therapists’ (OTs) experiences and perspectives on current evaluation tools who work with clients with sensory processing challenges in their clinical settings. Method: This research was a mixed-method study. Data was collected from surveys (n = 11) which had a mix of nominal, interval, close-ended, and open-ended questions. Following survey completion, participants were given the option to complete a semi-structured interview (n = 2) consisting of open-ended questions to clarify survey responses and gather additional information about their experiences. Results: The results indicated a high number of various barriers and limitations found in both the current sensory-based evaluation and assessment tools. In both qualitative and quantitative analysis, the evaluation setting had three major subthemes: time factor (100%), client factor (72.7%), and environmental factor (27.3%). Participants also revealed a lack of neurodiversity (81.8%), strength-based (27.3%), and normative criteria-based (72.7%) assessment tools in current clinical settings. High utilization of collaboration and support were also noted. Interprofessional team (54.6%) and mentor/supervisor (63.6%) would always connect and support their evaluation process, whereas caregivers (72.7%) would occasionally collaborate and be included (45.5%) within the evaluation process. Conclusion: Evaluating and assessing clients with sensory processing challenges is a complex process and does not fit inside a structured rigid medical model. OTs need high support to better assist their clients and caregivers.

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  Employment and Mental Matters Amongst Formerly Incarcerated Women

  Convalecia Johnson, Monica Watford, and Stephanie Riedmueller

  The purpose of this project was to implement a program for formerly incarcerated women to provide employment preparation and mental health resources to address recidivism. An occupational therapy lens was used to develop and execute this program. One on one Zoom sessions were held for participants to work on resumes and mock interviews for employment preparation. Participants were also provided with a resource guide for future reference. A mixed methods approach was utilized to analyze the data from the pre and post program surveys administered to the participants. Based on the results, the participants found the program to be beneficial and increased their confidence for future interviews. By utilizing an occupational therapy lens to develop reentry programs, formerly incarcerated women are able to work toward bettering themselves and their circumstances to avoid returning back to jail or prison.

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  Education and Training for Clients and Caregivers Related to Assistive Technology

  Tristin Jones, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, and Lee Ann Hoffman

  Education and training are extremely important element when prescribing assistive technology of any kind. Often, clients and caregivers return home with unanswered questions related to said devices. For the client to return home and be successful appropriate and adequate education and training is required for both the client and caregiver. The goal of this project was to ensure that clients returning home experienced increased independence and decreased assistive technology abandonment. This poster presentation outlines the benefits of increased education and training prior to discharge throughout an occupational therapy capstone program.

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  The Importance of Addressing Sleep as an Occupation Within Assisted Living Communities

  Brittany Kiattitananan, Kendra Orcutt, and Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

  Around 40-70% of older adults have difficulty sleeping (Sheth & Thomas, 2019). This poster presents an occupation-based sleep intervention program developed for residents of an assisted living community and serves to inform OT practitioners on addressing sleep in their own practice.

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  Occupational Therapy for Perinatal Women: An Online Educational Course

  Rachel Killorin, Steven M. Gerardi, and Sabina Khan

  A freely accessible website and online educational course was developed to inform occupational therapy practitioners and maternal healthcare professionals about the role that occupational therapy has on the perinatal healthcare team. Perinatal Occupational Therapy. https://www.perinataloccupationaltherapy.com/

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  The Occupational Needs of Military Spouses During Deployments

  Sin Hye Lee and Amy Lyons-Brown

  Purpose: This research delves into the occupational needs of military spouses during deployments, investigating how deployments influence their well-being and occupational performance. This study aims to increase awareness and advocate for military spouses by gaining greater insight into their lived experiences during deployments.

  Methods: A mixed-methods research design - 40 participants for the survey and 6 interviewees. The survey was guided by the SAMHSA's eight dimensions of wellness and a modified Role Checklist to identify the impact of deployments on wellness and role participation. The interview was based on a modified MOHOST assessment tool to explore the impact on occupational participation and performance. The study used thematic analysis to create themes.

  Results: Military spouses' emotional and physical wellness were the most impacted during deployments (80%). The role of a Caregiver is shown to be the most demanding. Two themes identified are factors that "inhibit" or "facilitate" well-being and occupations of military spouses.

  Conclusion: Deployments significantly impact military spouses' emotional and physical wellness due to increased occupational disruptions. Military spouses need substantial support in maintaining health and promoting occupational performance. Future program development and advocacy are required to better address military spouses' occupational needs and barriers during deployments.

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  Music as a Therapeutic Medium in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review

  Kevin Leon, Steven M. Gerardi, and Angela Blackwell

  Music has been recognized as having therapeutic properties for people with a range of conditions and is the focus of the music therapy profession. Although occupational therapy (OT) has used music as therapeutic medium, the limited literature on the use of music in OT has not been systematically reviewed, making it difficult for OT practitioners to frame the use of music in their practices. The objective of this review was to identify how OT practitioners have reported they have used music as a therapeutic medium in OT practice. This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsychInfo, APA PsychArticles, and Open Dissertations with key terms “music” and “occupational therapy.” A thorough academic literature database search yielded 574 publications, an additional 2 records identified through other sources of which 22 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. The studies' various outcomes show how music-based therapies have been utilized to impact the occupations of different populations with different diagnoses. Through the organization of articles detailing the use of music-based interventions by OT practitioners in practice, OT practitioners can better grasp this mode of treatment in practice.

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  Development of an Occupation-Based Program for Hispanic Women with Breast Cancer

  Tara Licon, Leslie Khan-Farooqi, and Mary Ann Smith

  Currently, available programs for breast cancer patients do not consider the specific needs of Hispanic women or their preferred occupations. The goal of the capstone project was to develop an occupational therapy (OT) program that is personalized to Hispanic women with breast cancer at every stage of their recovery. The program was informed by lifestyle redesign. After reviewing the literature and conducting a needs assessment the capstone student created a program titled ‘Beautiful, Bold, Breast Cancer’ which contains five detailed treatment sessions.

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  Addressing Psychosocial Client Factors in People with Cancer: An Occupational Therapy Guidebook

  Hannah Marlette, Steven M. Gerardi, and Tiffany Bystra

  People with cancer have an increased risk of impaired occupational engagement and occupational performance due to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impacts of cancer and cancer treatment (Duker & Sleight, 2019; Pergolotti et al., 2016; Polo & Smith, 2018).

  The involvement of occupational therapy (OT) in the care of people with cancer remains limited, resulting in a finite amount of literature on OT interventions to address this population (Pergolotti et al., 2016). The primary focus of OT for people with cancer has been on physical client factors and interventions, and people with cancer report that their psychosocial factors are being overlooked (Sleight & Duker, 2016).

  OT practitioners have expressed confidence in the use of physical interventions because of its supporting literature (Hunter et al., 2017). Weis (2015) emphasizes that there is a limited understanding of psychosocial interventions for people with cancer. 69% of surveyed OT practitioners reported they desired more evidence-based guidance on OT interventions for people with cancer (Duker & Sleight, 2019).

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  A Manualized Occupational Therapy Module on Cognitive Defusion for People with PTSD

  Joshua Mimun and Steven M. Gerardi

  CD has been identified as a treatment module that should be included in a manualized OT protocol for people with PTSD but had not yet been developed. Thus, the purpose of this capstone project is to create a manualized OT treatment module on CD for people with PTSD.

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  Identifying EBP Using The MOHO Framework To Address Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A Scoping Review

  Alexus Njemanze, Karen Aranha, and Angela Labrie Blackwell

  Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) have poorer physical rehabilitation. Identifying this condition and providing targeted interventions is necessary better to address the needs of this population's rehabilitation. This study examined the literature to identify screens, assessments, and interventions to address GAD to improve Occupational Therapy (OT) rehabilitation outcomes.

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  Wellness and the Occupational Impact of being a Police Officer

  Daisy Nunez and Karen Park

  The occupational impact of being a police officer was researched. Along with the barriers and supports to wellness services. The study aimed to answer both those questions to analyze the impact of wellness on the population.

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  A Website to Prepare Older Adults for Driving Cessation

  Shelbi Picard, Steven M. Gerardi, and Elizabeth DeLuca

  Driving cessation, or the complete discontinuation of operating a vehicle, can result in a loss of independence and a decrease in life satisfaction (Chihuri, et al., 2016). This loss of independence is linked to a lack of knowledge on alternative options on community mobility (Liddle, et al., 2014). This leads to drivers to not want to stop driving when they are no longer safe to drive. Although there are some resources on driving cessation available online for guiding older adults in transition from driving to non-driving, they are not consolidated in one place for ease of understanding.

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  Educating on the Impact of Gravitational Insecurity in Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

  Amber Pierce, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, and Elizabeth McBride

  Gravitational insecurity impacts 15-21% of children with sensory processing disorder, yet little to no research is available on the topic. Therefore, a program was created to provide education to therapists and therapy students in order to better provide education on the topic to others.

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  Women’s Health Occupational Therapy and Quality of Life as Related to Pregnancy-Induced Dysfunction

  Megan Ramirez, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, and Jemila Medley

  The following project explored the understanding of Urinary Incontinence (UI) by those experiencing the condition. An educational website was created to assist with the education of those experiencing UI while pregnant. The website was made available to the public via links and social media.

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  The Effects of COVID-19 on Cognition in the Pediatric Population

  Mia Ramirez, Hope McCarroll, and Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

  Coronavirus disease or COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can affect adults and children by causing long-term symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, long-term breathing problems, and even heart complications. Children represent about 19% of all reported COVID-19 cases since the pandemic first began. Children also can have trouble concentrating, which can impact their ability to attend school and do their daily activities that require concentration, such as dressing, showering, and social participation. Cognitive deficits due to COVID-19 can impact the pediatric population as they may have decreased occupational performance in desired occupations, such as activities of daily living, or ADLS, instrumental activities of daily living, or IADLs, and social participation. This presentation focuses on the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on cognition in the pediatric population by discussing what areas of cognition are affected and how to improve these areas. Activities and interventions are provided to improve areas of cognition affected by COVID-19, at the clinic and home.

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  The Role of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in the Care of Pets and Animals: A Guide to Aging in Place with Pets and Animals

  Blake Randell, Mary Jan Greer, and Sherry Pidgeon

  This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy practitioners in the care of pets and animals among older adults which has been referred to as the forgotten instrumental activity of daily living (or IADL) for this population. A needs assessment was conducted to determine how to provide facilitators and remove barriers or hindrances to occupational performance in the care of pets and animals among a group of older adults (with a variety of disability- and non-disability-related needs) in independent living communities. This needs assessment identified compounding health disparities of physical and/or cognitive impairments and lack of financial and necessary resources in the care of pets and animals among older adults. Occupation-based strategies were implemented to ameliorate aging in place with pets and animals in the form of a resource guide and an in-service and were shared with necessary stakeholders.

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  Occupational Therapy's Role in Providing Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals

  Anna Rhodes, Mary A. Smith, and Kristin Willey

  There is limited information, education, and training available on providing care for the transgender and gender-diverse population, and many healthcare providers lack the specific knowledge needed to provide adequate, culturally competent care. A needs assessment was conducted to better understand what healthcare practitioners wanted to know regarding this topic, as well as what trans and gender-diverse individuals wanted their healthcare practitioners to know about their care. This needs assessment was anonymous and answers were not published. The responses were analyzed by the author to identify themes and develop learning objectives for the creation of educational materials. Five educational modules were created on various topics to promote competency in providing gender-affirming services for the transgender and gender-diverse community. The availability of this resource promotes increased access to competent and culturally sensitive care for trans and gender-diverse populations in healthcare contexts.

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  The Occupation of Surfing by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Communities as a Form of Resistance

  Emily Robleza and Karen Park

  This study explores the concept of resistance through a qualitative research study by focusing on the occupation of surfing by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The concept and acts of resistance have seldom been discussed in occupational science literature in addressing these communities' barriers. The frameworks include occupational justice, postcolonialism, and collective occupations that provide a layout of why and how current grass-roots efforts of communities marginalized from a meaningful activity utilize the meaningful activity as a vehicle for liberation. Eight participants were interviewed to understand their individual experiences in surfing in Southern California. Themes include Race, Class, and Gender Manifesting in Different Ways, Identifying as a BIPOC Surfer, Cohesion and Balance Between Forms of Resistance, and Collective Doing within a Space. The results give occupational therapists and occupational scientists a deeper understanding of how resistance can enable systematic change in response to oppressive forces, including racism, patriarchy, and capitalism.

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  Social Media Skills and Safety Education Program For Adolescents with IDDs: An Occupational Therapy Approach

  Janelle A. Rodriguez, Monica Watford, Nooreen Khalid, and Kate Lundgren

  Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities are interested in using the internet and social media to maintain friendships. There is a gap in the literature exploring social media skills training programs to educate this population to safely use social media and the internet.

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  Posture Care Management in School Based Settings for Children with Complex Physical Disabilities

  Sabrina Rodriguez, Mary Jan Greer, and Lee Ann Hoffman

  Posture care management (PCM) is an intervention that helps protect a person’s body through different positions within different contexts. PCM is not a singular direct intervention as each person is different and has different needs. This process is especially important for those who cannot reposition themselves such as children with complex physical disabilities. These children rely mainly for caregivers and school staff this process since home and school are the main places they spend the beginning years of their lives. Therefore, it is important to educate caregivers and school staff on the guidelines of proper PCM to promote health, well-being, and occupational engagement in these children.

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  Form, Function, and Meaning of Hiking in BIPOC Communities

  Karen Rosales and Karen Park

  This poster presentation is about understanding the form, function, and meaning for hiking in BIPOC communities. This study used a mixed methods approach to obtain quantitative data through a survey and qualitative data through an interview. Through the use of an Occupational Science approach this study aimed to capture the lived experience of those participating in hiking. Understanding the knowledge of individuals occupations is beneficial for Occupational Therapist when working with versatile populations to understand their motivation and culture.

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  The Role of Occupational Therapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

  Mina Salinas, Mary Greer, and Rudy Seward

  Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive inherited type of muscular dystrophy that results in progressive muscle weakness and requires a multidisciplinary approach for disease management. Occupational Therapy (OT) services are extremely valuable to this population as individuals diagnosed with this condition face significant difficulty in areas of occupational performance. Research shows occupational therapy services are not being received consistently and there are disparities in services received leaving a gap in the literature about the referral process and the understanding of OT's role.

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  The Occupational Impacts that Sexual Assault has on Female College Students

  Breannah Scheiderman and Amy Lyons-Brown

  This mixed methods study outlines some of the occupational impacts that sexual assault has on female college students. Data was collected by both a survey and personal testimonies from readily available experiences. This paper introduces the problem and some things that can be done from an occupational therapy perspective.

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  Supporting Motor, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Functions for Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review

  QuanDra Shanks and Angela Labrie Blackwell

  Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma (Brain Injury Association [BIA], 2023). ABI is an umbrella term for all brain injuries, typically classified as traumatic (e.g., sports injury, fall) or non-traumatic (e.g., stroke, infection) (Wales et al., 2021). It is considered one of the leading causes of death and disability for individuals of all ages (Riccardi & Lundine, 2022). The BIA (2023) reports that ages 0-4 and 15-19 are at greater risk for brain injury. The severity of ABI among pediatrics is more severe than in adult and older adult populations, resulting in disruptions in essential developmental stages. Motor, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges are commonly mentioned in the literature. Impairments in these functions can be detrimental to the participation and performance in occupations (activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, play, leisure, education, social participation, work, rest, and sleep), thus affecting the individual's well-being. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are among the healthcare professionals that assist individuals with ABI. However, the research is limited and unorganized to inform OT practitioners of existing or emerging treatment techniques or interventions to better support this population with participation and performance to impact well-being positively. Thus, purpose of this capstone project is to conduct a scoping review for OT practitioners that promotes participation, performance, and well-being among children and youth (ages 5-21) who have ABI.

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  The Importance of Occupational Therapy During the Transition From the NICU to Home For Parents’ Confidence in Co-Occupations

  Randa Sloan, Mary Jan Greer, and Faith Saunders

  Parents often transition home from the NICU with decreased confidence in their abilities to care for their infant after having extensive specialized care (Craig et al., 2015). Boykova (2016) explained that parents experienced low self-confidence and fear of making mistakes in their infants’ care upon arriving home. The problem is the lack of support and education about resources for parents during the transition from the NICU to home. Parents lack knowledge about the vital role OT plays in improving confidence in co-occupations which will play a role in improved parental mental health. Furthermore, parents and caregivers lack knowledge on how to seek an OT referral. This capstone project utilized the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to educate parents about the importance of OT during the transition from the NICU to home. Additionally, this capstone project demonstrated how OT positively impacts parents’ confidence in co-occupations by providing education on daily activities related to caring for an infant.

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  OTs Role in the Interdisciplinary Team with Partial Hand Amputations and Prosthetics

  Ashley Soebbing and Amy Lyons-Brown

  A mixed methods study that explores the barriers within the healthcare system to receiving a referral to a prosthetist after partial hand amputation.

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  The Form, Function, and Meaning of Creative Expression

  Sierra Strain and Susan MacDermott

  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 well as taking a form, function, and meaning approach to bring meaningful art to the art classroom.

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  Health Literacy Barriers and Occupation Based Education for Healthcare Providers serving Hispanic Americans

  Serina Subedi, Rocio Alvarenga, and Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

  The purpose of the program was to shed light on addressing health literacy barriers and provide occupation-based education for healthcare providers serving Hispanic Americans, specifically in rural areas. Additionally, the purpose of the program was to close the gap by providing healthcare practitioners with tools and resources to assist in combating the barriers faced to include the lack of occupational therapy services. The pre-and post-survey during the needs assessment helped determine the participant's baseline understanding of various aspects related to health literacy and guided the development of the educational modules and informative resources. Based on the outcomes of the survey, the program serves as a valuable resource for healthcare providers with limited resources and translation services due to geographical location.