Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

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  Navigating Concussion Recovery: An Educational Module-Based Approach to Strengthening Occupational Therapist Confidence and Effectiveness in Concussion Rehabilitation

  Alejandra Abella and Wendy Tremaine

  Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as concussion, presents with complex physical, cognitive, visual, vestibular, and emotional symptoms that can significantly affect an individual's ability to participate in meaningful daily occupations. Although occupational therapists play an essential role in concussion rehabilitation, many clinicians report that confidence in evaluating and treating this population develops primarily through years of clinical experience rather than structured education. Inconsistent exposure to concussion cases and limited access to current evidence-based resources contribute to variations in clinical confidence and practice.

  Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a comprehensive educational program designed to strengthen occupational therapists' confidence, clinical knowledge, and effectiveness in concussion rehabilitation through evidence-based educational modules and practical clinical resources.

  Methods: A needs assessment was conducted using clinician interviews, observations, and surveys within a neurorehabilitation setting to identify knowledge gaps and educational priorities. Findings informed the development of educational modules covering concussion symptom presentation, screening and assessment tools, evidence-based interventions, return-to-learn and return-to-activity guidelines, clinical decision-making, caregiver education, and community resources. Additional clinician resources, including patient education handouts, symptom trackers, visual and vestibular intervention guides, and clinical reference tools, were created to support implementation.

  Results: The needs assessment revealed that occupational therapists largely attributed confidence in concussion management to years of clinical experience, while identifying a need for accessible, evidence-based educational resources. Because no newly hired occupational therapists entered the neurorehabilitation setting during the implementation period, post-implementation evaluation focused on the perceived future value of the educational program. Current occupational therapists reported that the educational modules would serve as a valuable onboarding resource by increasing future clinicians' confidence, clinical preparedness, and consistency in concussion management. The resources also demonstrated immediate value in supporting occupational therapy fieldwork students during clinical education.

  Conclusion: This capstone project addressed an identified educational gap by developing a practical, evidence-based concussion education program for occupational therapists. The educational modules have the potential to improve clinician preparedness, promote greater consistency in concussion rehabilitation, and enhance the integration of current evidence-based practice into occupational therapy services. Future implementation with newly hired clinicians will further evaluate the program's impact on clinician confidence and patient care outcomes.

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  Using Creative Arts in Occupational Therapy to Address Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms of Neurodegenerative Disorders

  Elizabeth L. Batista, Kristin Domville, and Pam Kasyan-Howe

  Neurodegenerative disorders (NDD), including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, significantly impact motor function, cognition, self-esteem, and occupational engagement. Although creative arts interventions have demonstrated psychosocial benefits, there is limited research examining visual arts as an occupational therapy-led modality addressing both motor and nonmotor symptoms through meaningful occupation (Gros et al., 2024; Li et al., 2024; Chancellor et al., 2014).
  This capstone project developed and implemented an OT-led creative arts program utilizing painting as the primary intervention for individuals with NDD residing in an assisted living facility and/or attending an adult day center. Guided by MOHO, the program incorporated structured Impressionist-inspired painting activities targeting fine motor control, bilateral coordination, cognitive engagement, emotional expression, and social participation. Sessions used graded adaptations to support varying cognitive and motor abilities while promoting sustained participation and self-expression.
  Participants demonstrated increased confidence, emotional expression, and willingness to engage in meaningful activity. The adaptable nature of Impressionist painting techniques reduced pressure for perfection and encouraged success despite physical or cognitive limitations. It also promoted attention, sequencing, and social interaction within a supportive environment. Additionally, the project reinforced OT's historical connection to the Arts and Crafts Movement and the therapeutic value of creative occupation (Levine, 1987). This project contributes to the importance of integrating creative arts as a modality in occupational therapy interventions with individuals with NDD.

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  Aquatic Therapy and Its Impact on Perceived Caregiver Strain

  Amanda J. Carter, Cynthia Haynes, and Katherine O'Hara

  Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sensory dysregulation that significantly impairs their participation in daily occupations and increases caregiver strain (Lawson et al., 2020; Passarello et al., 2022). Although aquatic therapy has shown promise in improving sensory processing, motor skills, and social participation, there is limited research examining its specific impact on the caregivers’ ability to provide support at home (Butzman et al., 2022; Caputo et al., 2018; Güeita-Rodríguez et al., 2021).

  This study is a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pre/post-design. This study sought to investigate the impact of six weeks of aquatic therapy intervention on sensory regulation and its correlation to caregiver strain. Aquatic therapy intervention sessions were administered by a licensed occupational therapist and aligned with the four quadrants in Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing: sensory registration, sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoiding.

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  Advocacy for Inclusive Play in South Dallas: Expanding Access for Children in Underserved Areas

  Aryanna Fellows and Mary Jan Greer

  This capstone project aimed to advocate for more inclusive and accessible playgrounds for children of all abilities in underserved communities in South Dallas. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model, the project evaluated playground accessibility and identified environmental barriers that limit participation for children with disabilities. Methods included a community needs assessment, playground observations using a standardized accessibility assessment tool, surveys, and stakeholder collaboration. Participants included community members, caregivers, organizational stakeholders, and children who utilize local playgrounds. Findings were synthesized to develop evidence-based recommendations and educational resources to support future playground improvements. The expected outcomes included increased awareness of inclusive playground design, recommendations for community and city stakeholders, and advocacy efforts to promote equitable access to meaningful play for all children.

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  A Hand Therapy Quick Reference Guide: Supporting Level II Fieldwork Experiences ​

  Raven I. Gammage, Rebecca Caudrillier, and Mary Greer

  Occupational therapy students often begin Level II hand therapy fieldwork with limited preparation. This capstone project developed an evidence-informed Hand Therapy Quick Reference Guide to support students and clinicians with foundational knowledge and clinical resources. Following implementation, feedback from hand therapists, fieldwork educators, and students indicated the guide was organized, practical, and applicable across clinical settings. The guide has the potential to improve fieldwork preparedness and support successful entry into hand therapy practice.

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  Empowering Amputees Through Education and Resources to Improve Independence and Quality of Life

  Brooke A. Hodges and Wendy M. Tremaine

  This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop and implement an evidence-based educational toolkit to increase community resource awareness for individuals with amputations. The project was completed at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas, Texas, and involved adult patients with limb loss and rehabilitation healthcare professionals. A needs assessment was conducted using surveys, semi-structured interviews, and informal discussions to identify educational gaps and resource needs. Findings informed the development of educational materials addressing mental health, peer support, financial assistance, transportation, driving rehabilitation, home modifications, adaptive recreation, prosthetic resources, and community organizations. The toolkit was designed to accommodate varying health literacy levels and implemented during inpatient rehabilitation. Expected outcomes included increased patient awareness of available resources, improved self-efficacy, enhanced community reintegration, and greater confidence among healthcare providers in delivering standardized, comprehensive patient education.

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  Program Development: Integration of Occupation in Adaptive Fitness

  Havyn A. Isaac and Lakeisa Boykin

  This project was a program development and implementation of an adaptive fitness program for individuals with physical disabilities that integrates occupation. This was done to bridge the gap between adaptive fitness and occupational therapy and highlight the role of occupational therapy in adaptive fitness settings. A needs assessment and activity analysis were completed and used to develop the weekly sessions throughout implementation. The implementation phase was over 6 weeks, with 3 sessions a week. Each week had an occupational focus that was identified and broken down with the activity analysis. The program highlighted the role of occupational therapy in adaotive fitness.

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  Improving Writing Expression: Developing a Multisensory & Motor Educational Program for Children in Pre-K and Kindergarten

  Alimat Jaji, Jan Greer, and Justine Faghihfar

  The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement a multisensory handwriting educational program designed to improve handwriting readiness and foundational writing skills in preschool children. The program was implemented in a Montessori preschool with 37 children between the ages of 3 and 6 years and provided teachers with evidence-based strategies to support handwriting development through multisensory, play-based activities targeting fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, motor planning, and sensory processing. Expected outcomes included increased student engagement in handwriting activities, improved foundational handwriting skills, enhanced teacher confidence in implementing multi-sensory strategies, and the establishment of sustainable handwriting practices within the classroom.

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  Fostering Inclusion: Supporting Children with Hearing Loss in Social Interactions

  Danielle Kaletta and Mary Jan Greer

  This project provided an open-access online program for caregivers of children with hearing loss to facilitate social engagement. Qualitative methods were used to conduct a needs assessment and identify areas of concern, barriers, and limited resources that affect participation in social activities. Based on the needs assessment, a 6-module website was created and published. Occupational therapy-based evidence, research, interventions, and best practices were compiled and adapted to target identified areas. Participants reported overall favorable feedback, stating an increase in knowledge, confidence, and participation.

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  From Overwhelmed to Empowered: An Emotional Regulation Program to Enhance Social Participation in Young Women with Autism and ADHD

  Daisy Lee; Angela Labrie Blackwell PhD, OTR; and Jessica Hale

  From Overwhelmed to Empowered is a program developed an occupation-based emotional regulation program for young adult women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the transition to adulthood. The purpose of the project was to address the need for interventions that support emotional regulation as a foundation for meaningful social participation, independence, and successful role engagement.

  The project involved the development and pilot implementation of an eight-week program consisting of weekly 60-minute group sessions and individualized coaching sessions. Program content focused on emotional awareness, mood and motivation, cognitive strategies, anxiety management, sensory regulation, communication, healthy boundaries, and long-term skill maintenance. The curriculum was informed by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Schlossberg's Transition Theory, and the Four-Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning (4QM).

  The expected outcomes include improved emotional awareness, increased use of emotional regulation strategies, enhanced confidence in social situations, and greater participation in meaningful occupations. The project also provides occupational therapists with a structured, evidence-informed program that can be adapted for community and transition-to-adulthood settings.

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  The Vision-Enhanced Occupational Engagement Program

  ZaKoria Q Fox McElroy and Rebecca King

  Background: Low vision is a significant concern among older adults and can affect independence, mobility, safety, social participation, and overall quality of life. As the aging population continues to grow, understanding the challenges experienced by older adults with low vision is increasingly important for improving supportive services and promoting healthy aging.

  Purpose: This capstone project examined the experiences and needs of older adults living with low vision, with a focus on how vision loss and environmental factors may influence daily functioning, independence, and participation in meaningful occupations.

  Methods: A multi-method needs assessment was completed to identify the needs of residents with low vision and the facility. The assessment included pre- and post-surveys, interviews with residents experiencing low vision, assessments of daily living performance, and evaluations of environmental modifications. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) was used to guide the project and examine the relationship between the person, their environment, and the occupations in which they want and need to participate. The needs assessment also incorporated input from staff and key stakeholders to identify opportunities for education and environmental support.

  Results: The needs assessment identified challenges among residents with low vision related to daily activities, accessibility, reading, and participation in meaningful occupations. Environmental barriers, including inadequate lighting and low contrast, also affected safety and independence. Staff and stakeholders identified a need for additional education related to low-vision strategies and environmental modifications to better support residents' participation and independence.

  Conclusion: Older adults with low vision may experience challenges that extend beyond visual impairment and can substantially affect their independence, safety, and quality of life. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both individual and environmental factors when supporting older adults with low vision. Person-centered education, adaptive strategies, and environmental modifications may help promote autonomy, safety, and engagement in meaningful occupations.

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  A Mixed-Methods Study of Patient and Caregiver Experiences with Home Health Occupational Therapy

  Peyton A. Mendias, Cassandra Nelson, and Gwen Morris

  Home health occupational therapy (HHOT) promotes independence and safety within the home, yet patients and caregivers often experience challenges implementing therapy recommendations after discharge. This mixed-methods study explored the lived experiences of patients and caregivers who participated in HHOT to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing occupational therapy recommendations and inform the development of a caregiver education toolkit. Adults who received HHOT within the previous six months and informal caregivers completed an online survey, with a subset participating in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings emphasized the importance of clear therapist communication, individualized recommendations, caregiver involvement, and accessible educational resources to support successful implementation of occupational therapy strategies in the home. These findings informed the development of Supporting Success at Home, an evidence-based online caregiver education toolkit designed to improve understanding of HHOT, promote home safety, and support continued participation in meaningful daily activities. This study highlights the value of patient and caregiver-centered approaches to enhancing outcomes in home health occupational therapy.

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  Calm, Confident, Capable: An Educational Manual to Support Effective Oral Care for Children with Autism

  Jared D. Morgan, Leah I. Stein Duker, Carrie Alvarado, and Angela Labrie Blackwell

  Dental health professionals report limited confidence, perceived competence, and preparedness when providing oral health care to autistic children, which can significantly impact patient participation, quality of care, and overall dental experience. Autistic children are more likely to have dental conditions compared to their neurotypical peers. The methods of this project consisted of four phases being development, preview, revision, and dissemination. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational manual that provides dental health professionals with practical knowledge, skills, and abilities to address the needs of autistic children, to ensure effective oral health care. The expected outcomes of this project was to increase dental health professionals' confidence, competence, and preparedness when treating autistic children.

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  Parents’ Perceptions of AAI’S Effect on Social Interaction & Communication for Individuals with ASD and/or ADHD​

  Alexis E. Morris and Zeida Gutierrez

  This research study will investigate the impact of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on social interaction and communication skills of children or young adults formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on self or parent/caregiver report.
  
  Children with ASD and ADHD experience deficits in communication and social participation that limit engagement in meaningful childhood occupations and peer relationships, highlighting the need for alternative, motivating intervention approaches. Animal-assisted interventions may provide a supportive and engaging environment that promotes emotional regulation, joint attention, and social reciprocity, and communication by enhancing participation in daily occupations.
  
  The hypothesis for this study is that participation in a structured AAI program will result in improved social interaction and communication skills.
  
  The study will use a qualitative research design. Parent/Caregiver interviews will be administered via microsoft teams platform. To assess caregivers' perceived report of changes in social participation and communication.

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  The Forgotten ADL: An Educational Program Addressing Personal Hygiene and Grooming for Older Adults​

  Ashlee D. Moten and Becky King

  Some older adults have difficulty completing personal hygiene and grooming tasks independently and require assistance from an informal caregiver. However, informal caregivers often become stressed and overwhelmed due to limited educational resources and support available. These tasks include all oral, skin, nail, and hair care, such as brushing hair, applying deodorant, clipping nails, or brushing teeth (AOTA, 2020). OTs can help develop interventions to enhance participation in personal hygiene and grooming tasks. The purpose of this capstone project was to create an educational program to equip older adults and their informal caregivers with strategies for participating in personal hygiene and grooming tasks, thereby improving older adults' overall health and perceived quality of life while reducing informal caregivers' stress and burnout.

  The capstone experience took place over a fourteen-week period and consisted of a needs assessment, development of an educational program, implementation, and evaluation on-site in Houston, Texas. Based on the needs assessment results, additional materials beyond personal hygiene and grooming were included, focusing on caregiver supports (e.g., a guidebook, a quick reference guide, and a referral card). The program's results showed that participants learned new information, appreciated the educational material, felt supported, and had increased confidence. Additionally, older adults had increased participation in personal hygiene and grooming tasks. This capstone project successfully provided informal caregivers of older adults with educational materials, improved the quality of life and overall well-being for informal caregivers and older adults, and reduced caregivers’ stress.

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  Supporting Occupational Engagement and Regulation for Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

  Robert E. Oehl 3rd and Zeida Gutierrez

  Children diagnosed with pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) can face cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms. The symptoms they experience can be barriers to participation in occupations and activities of daily living. For occupational therapy, there is very limited resources for pediatric MS specifically, and it is almost an unknown diagnosis. Occupational therapy in management can help ensure that children reach their developmental milestones in mobility, grasp, social, cognitive, and academic circles. This capstone project was meant to improve awareness and comprehensive treatment and resources through program development. The capstone experience resulted in a project featuring a webinar about pediatric MS and occupational therapy, as well as a program overview guide to aid in delivering the presentation. The project was delivered live and improved occupational therapist's knowledge and confidence in delivering interventions and assessments for this diagnosis.

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  A Program to Address Anxiety and/or ADD/ADHD in Children with Cerebral Palsy to Improve Social Participation

  Victoria Shaw and Mary Jan Greer

  The purpose of this project was to develop a program for children with cerebral palsy, who experience anxiety and/or ADD/ADHD, that will promote their social participation during play activities. The program lasted for 14 weeks and had two participants, within those 14 weeks, several objectives were accomplished. These objectives include the administration of the needs assessment, implementation of the program modules, pre- and post-interviews with the caregivers and staff, and the finalization of the program. The expected outcome from the program was to determine the effectiveness of the different program modules increasing interactions with peers by decreasing anxiety and improving ADD/ADHD management.

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  Empowering Independence for Young Adults with Disabilities

  Grace Sloan and Wendy Tremaine

  Young adults with disabilities often face challenges in maintaining and finding employment, living independently, and participating socially. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a program to enhance job readiness, independent living, and social participation skills for young adults with disabilities. This project highlighted the need for occupation-based activities to support the transition from high school to adulthood for young adults with disabilities.

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  Unleashing Potential: Educating OT Practitioners on Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children with CP

  Karley B. Smith and Lakeisa Boykin

  The purpose of this capstone project is to develop and evaluate the efficacy of an animal-assisted therapy educational package for occupational therapy practitioners treating children with cerebral palsy. This educational package serves as an adjunctive occupational therapy service to address the ongoing need for engaging, holistic interventions that support motor development and participation. The primary focus of this project is practitioner education and training to promote safe, structured, and clinically sound integration of animal-assisted therapy into occupational therapy practice. The methods for this project included a literature review, informal needs assessment, development of an educational package, QR code video demonstrations, and an educational presentation. Participants included occupational therapy practitioners at an outpatient pediatric clinic in Georgia.

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  Supporting Mental Health Through Occupation: Education for Women Living with and Beyond Breast Cancer

  Rebekah Nicole Trammell, Lakeisa Boykin, and Rebekah Jarrar

  Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, and these women experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and disruption to daily routines and meaningful occupations. Evidence shows that education on self-management strategies, mindfulness-based interventions, and targeted occupational therapy interventions can support the mental health of women experiencing breast cancer. Furthermore, remaining engaged in meaningful occupations is essential to improving overall well-being and quality of life. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and deliver accessible, evidence-based education in digital and print formats that specifically target identifying mental health challenges, self-management strategies, and increased engagement in meaningful occupations. This was achieved by creating an educational workbook with four key modules, along with in-person discussion sessions with the target population in Northeast Florida.

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  Breaking Barriers: Empowering Mothers Through Occupation-Based Education

  Jessica J. Valencia, Justine Faghihifar, and Wendy Tremaine

  This capstone project evaluated the implementation of an occupational therapy-informed educational program for mothers, with children under the age of 18, who have experienced intimate partner violence at Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. The purpose of the project was to promote occupational engagement through education focused on stress management, sleep and rest, routines and habits, memory and attention, parenting and communication, and leisure participation. A needs assessment informed the development of a six-week bilingual intervention consisting of group and individual sessions. Program outcomes were evaluated using pre- and post-intervention assessments, participant feedback, and clinical observations. The project demonstrated improvements in participants' perceived occupational competence and confidence across multiple areas of daily life while providing Genesis with a sustainable program manual and educational resources for future implementation.