Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

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  Enhancing OT Student Engagement Through Universal Design for Learning

  L. Addie Asher

  This capstone project took place at Eastern Kentucky University in the Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy Department with a primary ACOTE focus area on education. The goal was to address student engagement and accessibility by improving utilization of department resources. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was the chosen framework to develop this project. UDL empowers learners by removing barriers and providing flexibility in how students engage with content and demonstrate knowledge (CAST, 2021). Universal Design principles were also utilized as this project included both virtual and on-campus components. Project elements were intentionally designed to consider diversity in student skills, preferences, and personal factors.

  The first objective was to optimize resource room layout with intuitive improvements, introducing design elements that ensure the space is useable by a wide range of individuals. A color-coded zone system was created to simplify layout and organization in each room. Essential information was conveyed through multiple modes including wayfinding signs, pictorial labels and instructional text. The second objective was to create accessible orientation materials that provide information on resource room inventory and procedures. Materials were developed and organized into modules in Canvas, the virtual platform utilized by EKU. In accordance with UDL, these materials allow choice in how content is perceived. Materials include informational videos with optional captioning and alternative text, transcripts, slide decks, and virtual tours. Canvas materials are now available for distribution to first year students. This project illustrates how accessible design has enhanced a small but meaningful aspect of the student experience.

  Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/0UibMJRURFI

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  Designing Inclusions: Strategies for a School Multi-Sensory Room

  Sarah K. Barker

  The purpose of the ALE and Capstone Project was to address the predetermined need for a sensory room in Bullitt East High School stated by the ECE Department Chair. My project focused on education, advocacy, and program development by promoting neurodiverse inclusion and increasing awareness of occupational therapy among staff and the community. A needs assessment and SWOT analysis confirmed the value of creating a sensory room and identified an appropriate location within the school. Students will learn to regulate their emotions in a safe and controlled environment, improve focus and regulation, practice self-advocacy skills, further develop motor skills, and build essential life skills to improve classroom and community behavior and performance. To support implementation, I organized a community fundraiser, researched evidence-based sensory equipment, and developed educational pamphlets and flyers to guide staff in effectively using the space. Project success was evaluated by the completion of the sensory room, installation of equipment and educational materials, and approval from the occupational therapist and site mentor. The project also emphasized the importance of individualized sensory support rather than a one-size-fits-all approach and identified staff training and scheduling as areas for continued improvement. This project strengthened my leadership skills through collaboration, communication, adaptability, and problem solving while reinforcing my commitment to serving the students in the Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD) classroom. By creating a research-informed, client-centered sensory space, this project promotes evidence-based occupational therapy practice, supports meaningful student participation, and expands advocacy and awareness of occupational therapy within the school and community.

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  Advocating for Pediatric Therapy Services in a Rural Area

  Hailee Bowman

  This capstone project was completed with Tonya Fish OTR/L at Hopewell Schools in Coshocton, OH. The primary ACOTE focus areas were education and advocacy, focusing on educating individuals in the community on occupational therapy and the importance of integrating it into the community, as well as advocating for changes to be made to current systems to allow for occupational therapy services to be available to children in the area. In Coshocton, the only opportunities for receiving pediatric occupational therapy services are in the school system or through the county board of developmental disabilities programs like Help Me Grow and Early Intervention. Individuals that do not receive one of these services are traveling out of the area, often over an hour one way, to attend therapy sessions. Through this project, I was able to create connections with local families, educators, and therapy providers to gain insight into the barriers they face when providing or searching for services. I was also able to meet with local high school students to discuss occupational therapy as a profession and ways to get involved as a high school student. Throughout my project outreach, I was able to network with the director of rehabilitation in the local hospital system. We discussed the lack of occupational therapy services, the barriers, as well as what could be done to fix this. I was able to assist with a proposal to create a pediatric occupational therapist position in this hospital system. As a deliverable for my site, I created a “pediatric resource brochure” that lists the various resources for children and families in the area. These resources included transportation, parent groups, therapy providers, mental health support, and many more. This brochure will be displayed at my site, as well as in various locations throughout the community for easy access. This project served as an opportunity to educate and advocate for occupational therapy and the individuals that may need the services.

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  Enhancing Continuity of Care: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Cardiac Rehabilitation

  Bailey Conley

  This doctoral capstone project was completed within an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation setting and focused on the ACOTE areas of clinical practice skills, program development, education and advocacy. The purpose of the project was to promote the role of occupational therapy in cardiac rehabilitation while developing resources to support continuity of care following discharge. Project goals included increasing awareness of occupational therapy's role in cardiovascular health, supporting patient self-management, and creating educational resources to facilitate long-term engagement in heart-healthy behaviors and meaningful daily activities. A review of the literature identified cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, while participation in cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. However, many individuals experience challenges maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors after completing formal rehabilitation programs. A needs assessment conducted through consultation with the site mentor and interviews with outpatient cardiac rehabilitation participants revealed concerns regarding confidence exercising independently, lingering anxiety about experiencing another cardiac event, and a desire for practical home-based resources and follow-up support following discharge. To address these needs, an occupational therapy educational brochure was developed and distributed during a local American Heart Association Heart Walk event to promote awareness of occupational therapy's role in heart health and wellness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight outpatient cardiac rehabilitation participants to gather patient perspectives regarding discharge preparedness, barriers to exercise participation, and recommendations for future resources. Information obtained from these interviews informed the development of a comprehensive discharge resource designed to support self-management, safe exercise participation, heart-healthy habits, and engagement in meaningful occupations. This capstone demonstrated leadership through collaboration with my site mentor, development of patient-centered educational materials, implementation of community outreach initiatives, and advocacy for occupational therapy's role in cardiac rehabilitation. The project advanced occupational therapy by highlighting the profession's unique contribution to continuity of care through habit formation, self-management education, health promotion, and occupation-based intervention. Deliverables included a community education brochure, patient interview findings, and a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation discharge resource. Overall, this capstone addressed identified patient and site needs by providing practical resources to support long-term cardiac wellness beyond the clinical setting. The project demonstrated how occupational therapy can bridge the gap between formal rehabilitation and everyday life, promoting confidence, participation, and sustained engagement in heart-healthy routines.

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  Enhancing Quality of Care Through Streamlined Pediatric OT Resources

  Mallori Cooper

  This capstone project focused on improving the accessibility and organization of evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy resources to support clinical staff and enhance quality of care. In pediatric practice, therapists often experience limited time for preparation outside of treatment sessions due to high workloads and administrative demands, which can make it challenging to consistently develop and access caregiver education and intervention resources. At the same time, caregiver education and coaching are essential components of pediatric occupational therapy, as they support carryover of strategies and improved functional outcomes. Through partnership with an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic, Associates in Pediatric Therapy, a centralized resource system was developed. The system includes assessment tools, intervention strategies, educational handouts, and documentation supports, along with newly developed supplemental resources designed to address identified gaps in existing materials. By streamlining access to clinically relevant materials, the project aims to increase staff efficiency, promote evidence-based practice, and support consistency in pediatric occupational therapy service delivery.

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  Advancing Experiential Learning and Student Participation through an ADL Suite

  Megan E. Craig

  This capstone project was completed within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department at Eastern Kentucky University. The practice setting was the ADL Suite; a simulated home environment located in the Dizney Building at Eastern Kentucky University. The primary ACOTE focus area(s) applied was program development, with an additional focus area on clinical practice skills. The purpose of this capstone project was to support the development and sustainable use of the ADL Suite as a learning environment for students and faculty to practice ADL/IADL skills, clinical reasoning, activity analysis, assessment, competency development, and fieldwork preparation. A needs assessment and literature review were completed to support the use of simulation-based learning in occupational therapy education. Literature supports simulation as a valuable teaching method for increasing student confidence, comfort, communication, teamwork, and clinical reasoning prior to practice-based experiences (Gibbs et al., 2017; Nieuwoudt et al., 2021; Rocha et al., 2025). The needs assessment concluded there was a need for a more structured, accessible, and purposeful ADL simulation space within the OS/OT Department to support coursework, competency practice, student learning, faculty instruction, student organization use, capstone opportunities, and future program development. To address these needs, several deliverables were developed for the ADL Suite. These included an ADL Suite inventory list, approved policy and procedures, a virtual YouTube video tour, occupation-based case scenarios for two OBP courses, faculty and student surveys, and organized digital and physical materials for future use. Feedback was gathered from students, faculty, Occupational Therapy Interim Department Chair and Department Associate Chair, the site mentor, and EKU College of Health Sciences Interim Associate Dean to guide project development. Project effectiveness was evaluated through completion of deliverables, faculty and student feedback, identification of needs and barriers, and acceptance of the ADL Suite policy and procedures. This capstone project supported personal growth in leadership through collaboration, communication, feedback integration, and program development. This project strengthened the ADL Suite as a functional, sustainable learning space that supports occupational therapy student and faculty use, fieldwork readiness, clinical skill development, and future OTD capstone opportunities.

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  The Scoop on Feeding Therapy: Where Occupational Therapy Fits In

  Katherine G. Epperson

  This capstone project was completed at Horn and Associates in Rehabilitation in Lexington, Ky. The primary ACOTE areas of focus included education, advocacy, and clinical practice skills. The goals of this project were to identify and fill gaps in knowledge related to the role of occupational therapy in feeding therapy in the pediatric population, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and create educational handouts to advocate and highlight the importance of occupational therapy in the realm of feeding.

  A needs assessment was completed prior to completion of this capstone project in order to identify a need. For this needs assessment, I completed a variety of things including: literature review, in-person observations, questionnaire surveys, and collaboration with other therapy providers in addition to a 12-week fieldwork placement at this site. Findings from the needs assessment found a significant gap in knowledge related to what the role of occupational therapy holds in feeding therapy, anxiety and fear in parents/caregivers, and highlights a need for interdisciplinary collaboration. This capstone project allowed me to identify gaps in knowledge, collaborate with other therapists, create educational handouts, collaborate with parents/caregivers, and extend my existing knowledge and skills.

  Effectiveness of this capstone project was evaluated through collaboration with parents and caregivers via in session conversations and observations across the span of 14 weeks as well as results from a self-developed questionnaire given to parents and caregivers. Educational infographics were created and distributed onsite to support continued education and advocacy for parents/caregivers as well as other professionals.

  Leadership was demonstrated during this capstone project by placing myself in a position to be the facilitator of communication between parents/caregivers and other professionals within the primary care of their child. I utilized the foundational skills to address emotions of fear and anxiety in new parents/caregivers at evaluation to advocate and highlight the importance of the role of an occupational therapist. This capstone advanced occupational science and therapy by reinforcing the role of occupational therapy, supporting the use of clinical reasoning skills, use of knowledge of pediatric development, and highlighting sensory-regulation.

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  Swing Bed Orientation Packet: Onboarding education for new staff and patients/families covering therapy expectations, interdisciplinary roles, and patient-centered care.

  Shayla M. Gibson

  My Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed at Saint Joseph Berea Hospital in Berea, Kentucky, with primary ACOTE focus areas in program development, leadership, and education. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a standardized Swing Bed Orientation Packet to improve onboarding education for newly admitted swing-bed patients, their families, and staff.

  A needs assessment, patient survey, and discussions with swing-bed coordinators and interdisciplinary team members identified gaps in patient and family education. An 11-question survey evaluated patients' understanding of the swing-bed program, therapy services, interdisciplinary roles, and discharge planning. The findings supported the need for consistent, accessible educational resources.

  In response, a comprehensive orientation packet was developed to explain program expectations, rehabilitation services, team member roles, discharge planning, and patient-centered care principles. The packet was designed as a sustainable resource to improve communication, promote patient engagement, and provide consistent education for patients, families, and newly hired staff.

  Project effectiveness was evaluated through survey findings, stakeholder feedback, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team members. Key deliverables included the completed orientation packet and educational materials that can be incorporated into future staff onboarding and quality improvement initiatives.

  Throughout the experience, I demonstrated leadership by collaborating with healthcare professionals, engaging stakeholders, participating in interdisciplinary meetings, and advocating for patient-centered care. This project strengthened my skills in program development, communication, education, and leadership while contributing to improved patient understanding, rehabilitation engagement, and smoother care transitions within the swing-bed program.

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  Occupational Therapy’s Role in Health, Wellness, and Community Engagement in Rural Texas

  Maggie Hall

  This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) and Doctoral Capstone was completed at Colston Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Kingsville, Texas. The primary ACOTE focus areas addressed were advocacy and education. This capstone aimed to explore community perspectives on health and wellness while identifying gaps in health knowledge and access to community resources and streamline acute care evaluations to minimize readmission rates.

  A needs assessment was conducted through community health and wellness questionnaires, stakeholder collaboration, and review of local demographic and health data. Kingsville, TX is a rural community with higher-than-average rates of poverty and obesity. Findings revealed a need for increased health education, greater awareness of available community resources, and improved access to information related to wellness and preventative healthcare.

  To address these needs, educational presentations, community outreach initiatives, and resource-based interventions were developed and implemented. Additionally, an acute care occupational therapy evaluation template was created to support more efficient acute care evaluations. Outcomes demonstrated increased awareness of local wellness resources, improved understanding of occupational therapy services, and increased efficiency in acute care occupational therapy.

  Each deliverable was developed through an occupational therapy lens, emphasizing occupational balance, health promotion, and client-centered education. This capstone contributed sustainable resources for the site while empowering community members with knowledge and strategies to prioritize health and wellness. Through advocacy, education, and program development, the project demonstrated occupational therapy's valuable role in promoting community health and participation.

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  Professional Advocacy: Designing and Implementing Resources for the KOTA Website

  Jaden Johnson

  This doctoral capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) focused on advocacy, leadership, and virtual program development within the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA). The project addressed a gap, bridging conversations surrounding advocacy to active engagement in professional advocacy through an 'Advocacy' webpage for the KOTA website. The goal of this capstone project is to make advocacy resources more accessible and increase participation in professional organizations for the benefit and unification of occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students and practitioners.

  Virginia Stoffel's Presidential Address, Engagement, Exploration, and Empowerment (2015), served as the primary framework guiding this project. The framework emphasizes engagement as participation in professional efforts, exploration as seeking opportunities to become more informed and involved, and empowerment as taking action to improve the profession. These concepts supported the development of a resource designed to increase advocacy awareness, accessibility, and participation among occupational therapy students and practitioners.

  A literature review identified barriers to professional advocacy participation which included; limited time, resources, and knowledge of legislative processes. In attempting to overcome these barriers, the 'Advocacy' section provides advocacy and professional education, legislative resources, opportunities for grassroots involvement, and connections to state and national advocacy initiatives. Additional deliverables included promotional materials, social media content, newsletter announcements, educational resources, and a future conference presentation to support dissemination and long-term sustainability.

  Project effectiveness was evaluated through board member feedback in addition to planned outcome measures such as advocacy page traffic, engagement, and participation in advocacy-related activities. Thorough communication with KOTA leadership, advocacy representatives, neighboring state association members, and faculty mentors guided project development and revisions as needed.

  Throughout the capstone experience, this author demonstrated leadership through intentional program development, inter- and intra-professional collaboration, addressing systems-level advocacy approaches, and engaging in professional communication to increase state networking while learning new legislative concepts. This project advances the profession of occupational therapy by encouraging members in the profession to move from discussing advocacy to actively engaging in it, regardless of education and experience level. The advocacy page provides KOTA with a sustainable resource that supports member engagement, increases awareness of current issues, and strengthens advocacy efforts across Kentucky.

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  Injury Prevention for Farmers in Rural Areas

  Kelsie Johnson

  This capstone was completed with Greenup County Farm Bureau in Greenup, Kentucky. Greenup County Farm Bureau advocates for and supports local farmers through education and community outreach. The purpose of this capstone was to reduce the risk of work-related injuries among farmers by providing evidence-based injury prevention education, promoting safer work practices, and increasing awareness of occupational therapy's role in agricultural health. The goals of the Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience were to develop and implement educational workshops, create sustainable educational resources, and collaborate with the practice site to improve community health and safety. A needs assessment, literature review, discussions, and board meeting observations with Greenup County Farm Bureau identified a need for increased education regarding musculoskeletal injuries, repetitive strain, falls, body mechanics, and machinery safety among farmers. Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations, with many farmers experiencing preventable injuries that affect their health, productivity, and ability to continue farming. Additionally, rural communities often have limited access to occupational therapy services and injury prevention programs. This project addressed the site's need for structured educational programming and resources that could continue benefiting Farm Bureau members beyond the completion of the capstone. Four educational workshops were developed and presented on safe lifting and body mechanics, fall prevention, reducing repetitive strain, and machinery and equipment safety. Educational flyers were developed for each topic, allowing participants to reference the information after the workshops. These flyers, presentations, and evaluation tools were provided to Greenup County Farm Bureau as sustainable resources for future community outreach. Overall, this capstone successfully met the needs identified through the literature review and needs assessment by providing accessible injury prevention education and sustainable resources for Greenup County Farm Bureau.

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  Early Intervention: The Importance of Regulation & Therapy in the NICU and Early Childhood

  Acey Page

  This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with T.J. Samson Pediatric Rehabilitation Services in Glasgow, Kentucky, with a focus on the ACOTE areas of education and advocacy. The purpose was to promote the importance of early intervention through the development of a website for therapists, healthcare providers, and caregivers. The website serves as a resource to support evidence-based pediatric therapy practices in the outpatient clinic and the NICU at T.J. Samson Community Hospital. Key topics include the effects of pain and stress in infancy, regulation, occupational therapy-based strategies, and advocacy for pediatric therapy services. A literature review highlighted that repeated pain experienced by infants, particularly in the NICU, can negatively affect nervous system and brain development. Early intervention can be beneficial for infants at risk. A needs assessment revealed a desire among rehabilitation staff for therapy advocacy within the NICU and for accessible educational resources. The NICU at this site was a recent development. Therapy involvement had been limited, providing an opportunity for advocacy. Project outcomes were evaluated through evidence-based implementation and staff feedback. Following advocacy efforts, therapy referrals for NICU infants increased, and several educational resources developed were incorporated onto the site’s official website by the marketing team. Leadership was demonstrated through effective communication and collaboration while reinforcing the value of occupational therapy in promoting regulation, development, and meaningful occupations for infants and children. Overall, the project successfully addressed identified needs through education, advocacy, and evidence-based resources.

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  Optimizing Recovery Following Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

  Madison E. Poole

  This capstone project was completed at Lexington Clinic Orthopedics Hand Surgery and focused on developing evidence-based educational resources to support occupational therapy practice in hand surgery rehabilitation. The primary project involved creating a comprehensive Home Exercise Program (HEP) and patient education handout for individuals following Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthroplasty, along with practitioner-focused educational materials to enhance consistency in postoperative care and patient education. The project was developed through collaboration with an orthopedic hand surgeon and was guided by current literature on hand therapy, splinting, edema management, sensory re-education, and functional recovery. Resources were designed to improve patient understanding of the rehabilitation process, promote adherence to home programs, and support occupational therapists in delivering evidence-based interventions. This capstone highlights the unique role of occupational therapy in restoring hand function and facilitating participation in meaningful daily activities following surgery. By providing accessible, evidence-based resources, the project aims to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance patient outcomes, and support best practices in hand surgery rehabilitation.

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  Project Connect: Social Participation for DeafBlind Individuals in Kentucky

  Rebecca Jade Riegler

  For my capstone project, I collaborated with Kentucky DeafBlind Project (KDBP) to develop Project Connect, a pilot initiative aimed at encouraging social participation by creating regional social opportunities for DeafBind individuals across Kentucky. As my primary ACOTE focus area was program development, the goal was to create an accessible, sustainable model for ongoing social engagement and reduce isolation through structured community-based events.

  A literature review and needs assessment identified a need for accessible, ongoing social opportunities for DeafBlind individuals across Kentucky, supporting the development of Project Connect.

  Project Connect was designed as a replicable framework for regional Connect Day events. The program included structured activity ideas, communication supports, volunteer coordination resources, and recommendations for accessible event planning. The framework was intended to guide KDBP in implementing consistent and adaptable social opportunities across different regions of the state.

  Post-Connect Day surveys were distributed to families and participants to evaluate engagement and gather feedback on the experience. One parent shared, “My favorite part was watching all the volunteers engage with [her] in a way that I don’t get to see when we go out in public… Your child will feel seen and love.” This feedback helped inform future planning and reinforced the value of accessible social programming.

  Overall, Project Connect provided KDBP with a practical, structured model to support ongoing Connect Days across Kentucky. The program addresses identified barriers to participation and supports increased access to meaningful, occupation-based social engagement opportunities for DeafBlind individuals.

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  Community-Based Sensory Kits to Support Regulation and Participation in Individuals with Down Syndrome

  Kaela Surrett

  This capstone project was completed at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky (DSACK) in Lexington, KY. The primary ACOTE areas of focus were education and program development. The purpose of this project was to identify sensory support needs within DSACK programming, develop age-based sensory kits, and create educational materials for staff and caregivers to support participation and self-regulation during activities. A needs assessment was completed through direct observations, parent surveys, collaboration with staff, and a review of current literature. Findings showed challenges related to attention, sensory seeking, and sensory sensitivity during both structured and unstructured activities. These barriers impacted participation, engagement, and regulation, highlighting a need for accessible sensory supports within the organization. To address these needs, four age-based sensory support kits (ages 2–5, 6–11, 12–17, and 18+) were developed with tools selected to meet the sensory needs of each age group. Educational handouts were paired with each kit to support staff and caregivers in understanding and implementing sensory strategies. A parent education PowerPoint presentation was also provided during the Next Steps camp to increase understanding of sensory processing and practical sensory support strategies. Project outcomes were evaluated through observations of participant engagement, staff feedback, and participants' ability to identify and use sensory supports during camp activities. This project supported growth in leadership through program development, creation of sensory resources, and education provided to staff and caregivers. This capstone highlights the role of occupational therapy in promoting inclusion, participation, and self-regulation through low-cost and accessible sensory supports.

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  Occupational Therapy Led Data Analysis and Intervention Development for Injury Prevention in Automotive Manufacturing

  Bailey N. Thompson

  A capstone project and ALE at Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant focused on hand injury prevention through program analysis. Work related injuries remain one of the biggest concerns for companies as it results in reduced quality of life for employees and economic burden. Data analysis revealed that new hires were disproportionately affected by hand injuries. This led to three key deliverables. First, a hand risk assessment tool was developed to evaluate injury risk per process, preventing new hires from being assigned to high-risk tasks consecutively while building skills. Second, a hand strengthening program was created to support new hires as they progress toward full independence. Third, a research plan was designed for implementation by EKU OTS P3 students. The project demonstrated leadership by identifying a workplace need and developing evidence-informed solutions through cross-team collaboration. It strengthened the author's skills in occupational health, ergonomics, and data analysis while reinforcing evidence-based decision-making. The work also advanced occupational therapy's role in industrial settings, showing how the profession can address workplace injury prevention beyond traditional clinical environments. A key conclusion emerged: ergonomic design alone is insufficient for injury prevention. This experience highlighted the value of comprehensive prevention programs, leading to the development of strengthening initiatives and risk assessments that address both environmental and individual factors contributing to hand injuries.

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  Classroom Sensory Kits: Enhancing Student Engagement and Regulation

  Rachel Topp

  This capstone project was completed at Henry County Public Schools (HCPS) in Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus areas were program development and education. The purpose of this project was to promote inclusive learning environments for students with diverse sensory needs by increasing access to sensory tools and strategies. A needs assessment conducted in collaboration with the school-based occupational therapist (OT) identified gaps in sensory tools to support students, as well as a need for increased school staff education on sensory processing and classroom sensory strategies. To address these needs, five classroom sensory kits were developed and distributed to one preschool classroom, one special education classroom, and three elementary moderate and severe disabilities classrooms. Classroom selection was based on student needs, observations, and project funding. Each kit contained over 20 sensory tools designed to support students across all sensory systems, with tool selection guided by student sensory needs and input from the school-based OT. In addition, educational resources were developed and distributed to staff, including an in-service training video on sensory processing and the use of sensory tools in the classroom. Handouts were also provided outlining each tool’s purpose and implementation guidance. This capstone project highlights the role of school-based OT in promoting inclusive learning environments through increasing awareness of sensory challenges for students with diverse sensory needs and expanding access to sensory tools. Classroom environments can be overwhelming, especially for students with diverse sensory needs; however, access to appropriate sensory tools can promote engagement, self-regulation, and success in school occupations.

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  I Am God's Masterpiece: Ministry for Adults with IDD

  Sydney Wheeler

  Adults with IDD, or Intellectual and Developmental Delays, face challenges to participate in leisure and social activities within their communities, often due to a lack of programs, facilities, and staff to accommodate them. Non-traditional settings, such as local churches, are rising to meet the need but feel unexperienced and unprepared to serve these individuals. This project was based at a local church in Southeast KY, which recognized its inability to connect with this population in its current state. The project goal was to develop a ministry targeted to adults with IDD, and other disabilities, along with their caregivers through faith-based leisure and social interactions. To launch this program, the church hosted a 1-day free community event, coined “I Am God’s Masterpiece”. It included games, crafts, worship, a Bible lesson, and free lunch to participants and their caregivers. It was fully volunteer-driven and had sensory, behavioral, environmental, and social modifications available. In addition, caregiver resources were distributed from community agencies. Results from a post-event survey and observation during the occasion showed participant and caregiver satisfaction, along with excitement for upcoming events. While there is still more awareness and advocacy needed, many local churches are rising to the occasion. With the use of occupational therapy practices as a foundation to this type of ministry, adults with IDD can begin to experience more inclusivity in their communities

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  Development and Implementation of a Tai Chi Group in a Community-Based Brain Injury Program

  Haley D. White

  My capstone was completed at NeuroRestorative, a Neuro community-based setting that provides Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and speech-language pathology. The purpose of the ALE and Capstone Project is to develop and implement a weekly tai chi group within a community-based brain injury setting that incorporates tiered modifications to address varying cognitive and physical abilities. The program is designed to promote improved overall functional participation while reducing periods of downtime and inactivity among participants. To support long-term sustainability and carryover, educational handouts and training materials will be provided to staff to facilitate ongoing implementation of the group intervention.

  The goals of this capstone include creating a Tai Chi program, increasing opportunities for movement throughout the day to reduce time spent sitting in the ADT room, providing educational materials to support carryover of the group activities, and encouraging participation in group activities to strengthen social skills and interpersonal relationships.

  Observations and needs assessment findings indicated that, outside of therapy sessions, individuals in the adult day training (ADT) room frequently experienced periods of inactivity and limited participation in meaningful activities. After completing my literature review, I found that Tai Chi “showed improvements in functional status (activities of daily living and physical functioning), followed by psychological indicators and then cognitive function” (Laskosky., et al. 2024).

  I evaluated the effectiveness of this program with observational measures, social interaction, and feedback from participants and staff. To support program implementation, I created a training video demonstrating the group movement sequences for Life Skills Trainers (LSTs) and staff. In addition, I developed handouts that provide guidance on how to modify the group up and down to meet the individual needs and deficits of each client.

  I demonstrated leadership by collaborating with the multidisciplinary team and running a group intervention each week. My capstone provides a meaningful group activity that increases participation during periods of downtime, allowing clients to engage in purposeful movement and social interaction rather than remaining sedentary.

  When completing my needs assessment, I found that there are frequent extended periods of downtime for clients at Neuro outside of therapy time. My educational video and handouts can educate LST staff on how to implement this group and reduce downtime throughout the day.

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  Bridging the Gap: A Resource Toolkit to Support Clients Beyond Discharge

  Kaleigh G. Williams

  This Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone was completed at The Medical Center–Franklin, a rural critical access hospital offering outpatient, acute, and post-acute rehabilitation services. The project aligned with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) focus areas of Leadership, Education, and Advocacy through the development of a Resource Toolkit to support caregivers, clients, and rehabilitation specialists during hospitalization and discharge planning.Through discussions with stakeholders regarding social determinants of health and occupational justice, a need for improved access to community resources was identified. In response, a comprehensive toolkit was developed containing more than 60 resources focused on client education, caregiver support, community services, discharge planning, and home safety. The toolkit was compiled into both a physical binder and a shared Google Drive to provide rehabilitation professionals with a centralized, sustainable resource.

  This project demonstrated leadership through interdisciplinary collaboration, incorporation of stakeholder feedback, and independent resource development. It also fostered professional growth by expanding understanding of occupational justice, social determinants of health, and the essential role of advocacy in occupational therapy practice. The capstone addressed needs identified through the literature review and needs assessment by increasing access to educational and community resources that support occupational participation and reduce barriers following discharge. Ultimately, the Resource Toolkit provides rehabilitation professionals with an accessible means of connecting clients to services that promote health equity, community reintegration, and occupational engagement, bridging the gap between hospitalization and long-term health outcomes.

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  Simulated Traffic Stops for Neurodiverse Drivers

  Addie Wilson

  The goal of this capstone project was to create a simulated traffic stop event for neurodiverse drivers to decrease anxieties and promote positive interactions with local law enforcement. This project was completed under the ACOTE standards of project development and clinical skills, and in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Driving Rehabilitation Program and a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist. Previous simulated traffic stops have been completed specifically for the ASD population and showed improvements in anxiety and understanding of traffic stops. Additionally, resources like the Blue Envelope Program have been implemented across the country to allow for interactions between autistic drivers and law enforcement during a traffic stop. There were a lack of studies that discussed the benefits of a simulated traffic stop for the greater neurodiverse community and resources similar to the Blue Envelope Program within the central Kentucky area. The goals of this project were to develop a simulated traffic stop experience for the neurodiverse population, create home exercise programs (HEPs) for use at the event and to provide for future driving students, and bring more awareness to items that allow for increased communication between drivers and law enforcement.

  To complete this project, three objectives were used as a guide that related to creating HEPs, meeting with community members, and planning and developing the event. This event was completed twice within the central Kentucky area and targeted the larger neurodiverse community by creating safe interactions with law enforcement to prepare attendees for future situations. This addressed the gap between this population and needs of the area. This event was important to OS/OT as OT practitioners must address community mobility/driving and advocacy for clients for occupational justice within the intervention process. This project strengthened my skills relating to leadership, project development, time management, and collaboration with members of the community.

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  Where Healing Meets the Horse: Designing an Educational Website for Enabling Equines

  Amanda Young

  This Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed with Enabling Equines, a nonprofit organization providing hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services in rural Eastern Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus area was Education, with additional emphasis on Advocacy and Clinical Practice. The purpose of this project was to develop a sustainable educational website to increase community awareness, advocate for the role of occupational therapy in equine-assisted interventions and improve access to information about hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. A needs assessment conducted with the site mentor and organizational members identified the lack of an online presence as a significant barrier to community awareness, referrals, volunteer recruitment, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Research demonstrates that hippotherapy and equine-assisted therapeutic riding can improve mobility, balance, coordination, core strength, activities of daily living, social participation, and quality of life. The project involved collaborating with organizational leadership, volunteering within the program, designing and publishing an educational website, and presenting the completed resource to stakeholders for implementation. Effectiveness was evaluated through ongoing collaboration, stakeholder feedback, and successful completion of the website. This capstone demonstrates leadership through program development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community advocacy while advancing occupational therapy by promoting equitable access to specialized services in underserved rural communities. The completed website serves as a sustainable resource to educate families, healthcare providers, and community members, increase volunteer and donor engagement, and support the continued growth of Enabling Equines while reducing barriers to participation in equine-assisted services for children and families throughout Eastern Kentucky.

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  Providing Leisure Opportunities to Support Mental Health & Quality of Life for Oncology Patients in Acute Care:

  Allison Adkins

  The purpose of this project was to make leisure activities accessible to patients in acute care and to explore the benefits it may have on patients' mental health and quality of life. One study found there to be a high prevalence of mental health problems among older adults with 36% having no prior mental health problems (Goldberg et al., 2012). Additionally, psychiatric disorders have been shown to affect at least 30–35% of cancer patients during all phases of the disease trajectory (Caruso & Breitbart, 2020). Research also suggests that active engagement in leisure activities helps older adults maintain functioning in all areas (Sala et al., 2019). A systematic method was used in this study. I created a pre/post survey with questions regarding patients mental state and subjective and objective data on their hospital experience. I filled the cart with a variety of leisure activities. I displayed leadership skills, communication skills, and overcame many challenges. I had to communicate with various health care professionals throughout this process. This study taught me to be persistent, have patience, and to be more adaptable. This project showcases the need for leisure opportunities in the acute care setting where patients' mental health is typically very negative. The essence of occupational therapy was advanced in acute care, showing that every occupation or lack thereof affects an individual in some way.

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  Enhancing Occupational Therapy in the Acute Care Setting: Educating Clinicians, Expanding Resources, and Strengthening Documentation

  Elizabeth Biggs

  My doctoral capstone project was completed in the acute care setting at University of Kentucky HealthCare. The goal was to elevate occupational therapy’s role by addressing documentation practices, assessment use, and discharge planning. I focused on equipping clinicians with tools and education to improve service quality, efficiency, and OT visibility in discharge processes.

  Through clinician interviews, workflow observations, and review of discharge trends, I identified challenges in documentation standardization, assessment clarity, and OT involvement in discharge planning. Literature supported these findings, highlighting how such issues reduce OT’s impact on patient outcomes.

  In response, I developed three key deliverables using clinician input, workflow data, and evidence-based practices:

  • OT Assessment Administration Guide: Details purpose, materials, time, scoring, interpretation, and examples for common assessments.
  • Simulated ADL Guide & Quick Tips: Offers links and strategies for functional patient tasks in therapy sessions.
  • Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) Guide: Provides step-by-step administration, scoring, and interpretation of the GOAT.

  These resources were shared in staff meetings with demonstrations and opportunities for feedback. Evaluation showed improved clarity in documentation and assessment use.

  This project enhanced OT service delivery by supporting consistent documentation, expanding clinical tools, and reinforcing OT’s role in discharge planning. It fostered my leadership in evidence-based practice and process improvement, and the deliverables offer sustainable support for acute care teams and potential for broader application across healthcare settings.

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  From Symptom to Source: Unraveling the Upper Limb Puzzle

  Kara Burton

  The purpose of this ALE project was to bridge the gap in literature by creating a comprehensive evaluation program to assist in identifying differential diagnoses based on symptoms presented. Following ACOTE’s focus areas of program development and clinical practice, this project aimed to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical reasoning through the creation of an evidence based evaluation program. It guides therapists through a systematic evaluation process, especially when symptoms are complex or diagnoses are unclear. Providing clinicians with a structured chart focusing on symptom overview, mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, special testing, and potential differential diagnoses. On site therapists and I used the program in both evaluations and reassessments. It was effective with patients presenting with unknown conditions or multiple symptoms, as well as for confirming known diagnoses. The program provides increased confidence and clinical judgement among students and new clinicians by supporting evidence based decisions. Through strong collaboration, feedback, testing, and communication, this tool was refined for clinical use.