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Description
Despite the occupational therapy (OT) profession's emphasis on holistic, person-centered care, many OT practitioners and students report feeling a lack of self-efficacy and preparedness to navigate the complex psychological, social, and systemic barriers that hinder occupational participation in people experiencing homelessness (PEH). This capstone project aimed to address the perceived unpreparedness among clinicians through the creation of an 8-hour interactive educational workshop aligned with Experiential Learning Theory. The content is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and informed by the Bridging the Transition from Homelessness: A Social Justice Framework (BTTF), trauma-informed care (TIC), harm reduction, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles. The workshop includes case studies, group activities, and discussions to build necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence for more effective, person-centered care.
Publication Date
Summer 8-12-2025
Publisher
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Keywords
Occupational therapy, Homelessness, Psychosocial barriers, Model of human occupation, MOHO, Trauma-informed care, Harm reduction, Diversity equity and inclusion, DEI, Social justice, Occupational participation, Occupational therapy education, Case-based learning, Interactive workshop, Experiential learning theory, Homeless services, Mental health
Medical Subject Headings
Homeless, Occupational therapy
Disciplines
Adult and Continuing Education Administration | Civic and Community Engagement | Community Health | Higher Education Administration | Human Factors Psychology | Occupational Therapy | Other Mental and Social Health | Other Public Health | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Politics and Social Change | Service Learning | Social Justice | Social Psychology
Recommended Citation
Bender, P., Gerardi, S. M., & Spark, L. (2025, August 12). Addressing Psychosocial Barriers to Participation in People Experiencing Homelessness: An Occupational Therapy Workshop. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/17
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Administration Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community Health Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, Human Factors Psychology Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Service Learning Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Psychology Commons
Comments
Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Summer 2025.