A New Lens: The Lived Experiences of Interpreters with Disabilities

This study examines the experiences of ASL/English interpreters who self-identify as having a disability. Little is known about this group of professionals so the literature review begins by investigating various theories from the field of disability studies and their possible applications to the conceptualization of interpreting. Using grounded theory research methodology, quantitative demographic data was collected and combined with interviews from interpreters with disabilities to better understand their experiences from their own perspective. Patterns uncovered in the study include experiencing ableism and internalized ableism as common, the role of extralinguistic knowledge, and the challenges of performative neutrality when in the role of ASL/English interpreter. It is my hope that this work will usher in a future where we create a new, collaborative interpreting model and an interdependent, fully representative field of professional interpreters

Change in developmental quotient in toddlers assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD is marked by significant delays in social and language development, while development in other areas, such as cognitive functioning, can be highly variable from person to person. Though preschool-aged children with ASD often exhibit a profile of developmental delays similar to children with other developmental disorders at a discrete moment in time, few studies have investigated possible differences in rate of skill acquisition in developmental domains in children with different disorders. Sensitive periods of development are marked by less stability in performance of developmental skills. Results of prior studies suggest that if appropriate early interventions are applied during sensitive stages of development or periods in which individuals with ASD exhibit particular responsivity to interventions in certain domains (e.g. motor or language development), rate of skill acquisition increases. This study uses repeat administrations of the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second edition (BDI-2) to investigate developmental profile and rate of skill development of atypically developing toddlers with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder who are receiving individualized early intervention services through Louisiana’s EarlySteps program. Additionally, the relationship between severity of autistic symptomatology and development as measured by the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) and subsequent BDI-2 scores is explored

Perceived Barriers to Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with hallmark symptoms that can be severely impairing to both the individual and the overall family dynamic. The path to diagnostic and therapy services is often lengthy and complex. Despite various state and federal efforts to improve service access, disparities remain evident across ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic lines with caregivers reporting financial, cultural, geographic, and practical (e.g., transportation, scheduling) barriers. For those able to access treatment, several interventions have been proven efficacious in addressing ASD symptoms, problem behaviors, and adaptive skills deficits. Other often-used interventions include those without established merit for ASD. This study found a tendency for income, insurance type, and ethnicity to affect service access. Out of pocket costs remain a significant barrier to evidence-based services. Scheduling difficulties and long wait lists impact diagnostic services, as do perceptions of misguided reassurances from professionals (e.g., healthcare worker stating “he’ll grow out of it”). Disparities in service use indicate a need to develop policy, practice, and family-level strategies to address barriers to ASD services

Climate Change Impacts on Bird Communities Vary Throughout Cities in Kansas

It is important to study climate change’s impacts on biodiversity in order to find a solution before the effects on wildlife are irreversible. Our research objective for this project was to determine if climate change affected long-term bird trends in urban and rural areas throughout Kansas. Our hypothesis was that climate change will decrease bird abundance and species richness because altered climate patterns like storms, droughts, and heat waves, may cause a decrease in suitable habitat. We would expect these trends to be strongest in cities, due to the urban heat island effect. The methods used for this project included downloading Bird Breeding Survey (BBS) data and average temperature for the month of June for five locations throughout Kansas. We collected data from 1970 to 2015. To determine the relationship between temperature and bird abundance and species richness, we conducted correlation analyses. All locations’ bird communities had variable relationships with tem­perature. Most cities had weak negative relationships between temperature and species richness and abundance. However, one rural town, Kanopolis, had a strong positive correlation between temperature and bird abundance. We also found differences in community composition across urban and rural BBS sampling locations. For exam­ple, we found more urban adaptor and exploiter species, like European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Olathe, as compared to urban avoider species in rural towns, like eastern mead­owlarks (Sturnella magna). Overall, climate change impacts might vary throughout different locations due to levels of urbanization, habitat availability, and other abiotic factors

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

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\u27s 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.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2023/1003/thumbnail.jp

Finding Their Way Home: Utilizing Spiritual Practices to Bolster Resiliency in Youth at Risk

Spiritual practices, distinct from religious practices or affiliation, are increasingly being incorporated into programs serving at-risk adolescents. There is also an increasing focus within the field of social work to understand the role that spirituality plays in helping cope with adversity. This article reviews how results from an earlier study on the impact of spirituality on runaway and/or homeless youth may inform practice with this group and other at-risk adolescents. We discuss three major themes related to spirituality that emerged in our earlier work: 1) Having a Personal Relationship with God or a Higher Power; 2) Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life and 3) Embracing Personally Meaningful Spiritual Practices. Implications for social work practice and research are addressed

Partial Psychiatric Hospitalization Program Availability in Non-Metropolitan and Metropolitan Hospitals Nationally

Overview of Key Findings Partial psychiatric hospitalization programs (PPHPs) are intended to reduce or avoid inpatient stays by allowing patients to reside at home while receiving intensive psychiatric services in outpatient settings. A significantly smaller proportion of non-metropolitan than metropolitan hospitals offer PPHPs. 11.4% of non-metropolitan compared to 38.7% of metropolitan hospitals offer PPHPs. Regardless of location, hospitals that offer PPHPs have higher patient volumes and more beds than hospitals that offer PPHPs through affiliated providers or do not offer PPHPs at all

Traditional vs Multisensory: Assessing the Impact of Writing Tools on Letter Formation Mastery Through Direct Instruction

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of direct instruction paired with multisensory tools on letter formation mastery, in comparison with direction instruction paired with traditional writing tools (paper and pencil) on letter formation mastery in early elementary students who experience persistent letter formation difficulties. Three early elementary students who experience persistent challenges with letter formation were selected for participation in this multiple-baseline across subjects study. Each student participated in three study phases. The first phase was a baseline phase to assess their existing letter formation knowledge. Next, students participated in direct instruction lessons on letter formation using paper and pencil tools. The third phase of the study maintained the structure of the direct instruction lessons used in the prior phase but used a multisensory writing tool instead of paper and pencil tools. Each student’s rate of progress towards letter formation mastery was assessed to determine if the writing tool influenced the impact of direct instruction on students’ letter formation acquisition. Overall, each student demonstrated varying rates of growth in phase two and phase three of the study. All students demonstrated greater rates of growth during phase two in comparison to phase three. Each student showed notable growth immediately following exposure to direct instruction. Based on the findings of this study, direct instruction paired with traditional writing tools had a greater impact on letter formation acquisition than direct instruction paired with multisensory tools. Several limiting factors including elements of the study design and students’ positive responses to initial direct instruction in phase two could have impacted these results

Kennesaw State University Brass Area Extravaganza

The KSU Brass Area, under the direction of coordinator Dr. Douglas Lindsey, presents their fall extravaganza, featuring solo and chamber works by various composers, performed by students and faculty. Presented virtually from Morgan Concert Hall of the Bailey Performance Center.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/2338/thumbnail.jp