A Wellness and Social Engagement Program for Post-Lower Limb Amputees

A wellness and social engagement program was developed and implemented to provide education relating to the mental health impacts, decrease in health management, and lack of social participation after a lower-limb amputation amongst adults, 18 years or older. The program provided a manual with educational information, external resources, and visual aids to enhance independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1015/thumbnail.jp

A Program to Empower Neurodivergent Individuals and Their Caregivers to Advocate for Individualized Sensory Needs and Prepare for Medical Appointments

Neurodivergent individuals frequently experience sensory processing challenges that can limit participation in healthcare. This project aimed to develop a program that equips neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers with the tools to understand sensory processing, advocate for individualized needs, and effectively prepare for medical appointments. Guided by occupational therapy theory and frameworks, the program includes caregiver education, interactive activities, and accessible resources focused on sensory regulation and advocacy. This project emphasizes the role of occupational therapy in promoting equitable and person-centered healthcare experiences.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1073/thumbnail.jp

Educational Development Program for Caregivers of Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injury (ABI) disrupts normal brain function and often requires caregivers to assist with daily tasks. One-third of ABI caregivers experience burnout and psychological distress within a year of the injury, primarily due to decreased confidence, education, and social support. This burnout can significantly affect caregivers\u27 emotional, social, financial, physical, and spiritual well-being. The purpose of the proposed capstone is to aid in preventing caregiver burnout and burden by empowering caregivers through education.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1012/thumbnail.jp

The Impact of a SEL-Based School Transition Readiness Program for Fifth Grade Students

This poster presents a study that developed and evaluated a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) based educational program designed to support fifth-grade students transitioning to middle school. This program targeted five key SEL skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. The study aimed to improve students\u27 occupational performance and self-perceived skill sets while also expanding knowledge on the role of OT with a psychosocial emphasis. The research addresses the gap in knowledge regarding SEL-based interventions for supporting students during critical educational transitions.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1014/thumbnail.jp

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Vulnerable Populations

Vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks and the spread of misinformation on vaccines throughout the United States are growing public health problems. Marginalized and vulnerable communities nationwide have seen a substantial rise in parental vaccine hesitancy that has negatively affected early childhood immunization rates, intensified healthcare disparities, and decreased patient care outcomes. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses primarily work in clinical settings, but these healthcare professionals can reach the public locally and nationally by actively participating in healthcare policy development. The following PICOT question guided the objective of this policy project: In the early childhood population (P), how does the development of a comprehensive policy recommendation addressing social determinants of health risks (I) compared to existing policy (C) improve vaccination rates as endorsed by the literature (O)? The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) POLARIS Policy Process framework were utilized to evaluate and appraise the current literature and guide the Arkansas, Florida, and Louisiana policy review. The literature review showed direct and indirect patient outcomes, common themes, underlying causes, and effective interventional strategies. A comparative analysis was conducted on each southeastern state’s existing early childhood vaccination policies, including practice recommendations, guidelines, and legislative and regulatory frameworks. The findings prompted the development of policy recommendations and included three tailored policy briefs aligned with the best practice recommendations from the CDC and evidence-based literature. This project provided insight and strategies on addressing vaccine hesitancy in vulnerable communities to improve early childhood vaccination rates through advocacy and informed policy change

Simulated Adventures: Occupational Therapy\u27s Role in Outdoor Participation

Access to outdoor leisure activities remains limited for individuals with disabilities due to barriers such as transportation challenges, functional limitations, and social/psychological constraints. These limitations significantly reduce opportunities for participation in outdoor recreation, which has been proven to enhance the overall quality of life. This capstone program aims to address these challenges by supporting the special abilities community in developing transferable skills necessary for meaningful engagement in outdoor activities. The program emphasizes emotional regulation, social participation, health promotion, and safety education while enhancing the quality of life. Through this program, participants develop essential skills for engaging in outdoor activities by utilizing adaptive strategies and modifications, focusing on cognitive safety awareness and the ability to carry out functional tasks effectively. As a result, this program seeks to increase occupational performance and independence in outdoor recreation through targeted skill development and inclusive support.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1007/thumbnail.jp

The Importance of Well-being for College Students

Provided education on well-being, enabled independence, and improved quality of life, specifically for college students in this setting. Advocate for Sustainable Programs: Advocated for more programs to address the needs of college students and integrated all 8 dimensions of wellness into their current lifestyle Support Academic Advancement: Addressed college students\u27 needs for overcoming occupational adversities which affects the longevity and academic success of college students Motivate College Students: Provided accessible and occupation-based resources that supported participating college students in independently improving their occupational roles Advance Holistic Based Strategies: Incorporated holistic based strategies that apply to each occupational role affecting participating college students.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1048/thumbnail.jp

Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Reintegrating into Leisure and Exercise Occupations Within the Community

The Live, Laugh, Leisure program was developed to support adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in improving quality of life, physical activity, and social participation through structured, community-based leisure and exercise interventions. Informed by a thorough needs assessment, the program incorporated adaptive activities such as resistance training, cognitive games, group discussions, and arts-based sessions. Participants engaged three to five times weekly over a four-month period. Eligibility criteria included adults over 18 with SCI and medical clearance for participation. Quantitative outcomes were assessed using the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), and exercise performance tracking. Results indicated notable improvements in quality of life and physical activity levels across most participants (Figures 2–4), with many reporting increased strength, endurance, and social engagement. Qualitative feedback revealed enhanced motivation, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of community belonging. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and a relatively short program duration, findings highlight the value of integrating occupational therapy principles into community programs for individuals with neurological conditions. The results suggest that structured, adaptive recreation fosters not only physical gains but also psychosocial well-being. The program’s success has broader implications for community reintegration, offering a replicable model that emphasizes empowerment, engagement, and holistic recovery. Future recommendations include expanding accessibility, exploring virtual delivery options, and developing sustainable partnerships with local organizations and healthcare providers. The Live, Laugh, Leisure program demonstrates that community-based, occupation-centered interventions can meaningfully improve the lives of individuals living with SCI.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1025/thumbnail.jp

Sleep Program for Individuals with Sleep Issues in a Counseling Center

Sleep is essential for rest, restoration, and the ability to perform everyday occupations. Sleep provides numerous health benefits when an individual receives adequate sleep. Unfortunately, many individuals sleep poorly due to work demands, childcare responsibilities, and health-related issues. An inconsistency in sleep can negatively impact an individual’s physical and mental health and overall quality of life. The purpose of this project was to develop a sleep program that provides a counseling center with strategies to help improve sleep quality in individuals with sleep issues.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1047/thumbnail.jp

Bridging the Gap: Educating Occupational Therapy Students on Services for Medically Complex Children in Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers and Similar Settings

The purpose of this project was to educate entry-level OT students on healthcare and OT services for CMC in PPEC centers and similar facilities through an educational seminar and resources. Educating students about healthcare and OT services for CMC in PPEC centers and similar facilities will hopefully increase interest in pursuing a role in this emerging practice area and increase advocacy efforts for this vulnerable population.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1035/thumbnail.jp