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Description
My 14-week doctoral capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed with the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council. Focusing on Program Development and Advocacy, the project aimed to increase accessibility and inclusion through occupational therapy-informed resources and leader education. A literature review and needs assessment identified a need for practical accessibility resources within Girl Scout programming. Drawing on my experience as both a former Girl Scout and occupational therapy student, I recognized opportunities to better support neurodivergent youth and youth with disabilities through evidence-based, inclusive practices. Using evidence review, program observation, and collaboration, I completed an accessibility assessment of Every Ability Counts Girl Scout Camp. Findings informed the development of an Accessibility and Inclusion Toolkit, leader training, activity adaptations, and inclusive programming recommendations. The resources were refined through participant and leadership feedback to ensure practicality and sustainability. This capstone strengthened my skills in advocacy, collaboration, leadership, education, and program development. It reinforced my role as an occupational therapy advocate while demonstrating the importance of occupational justice and meaningful participation in community settings. This project highlights occupational therapy's expanding role in community-based practice through advocacy, consultation, and education. By applying OT principles to Girl Scout programming, I developed sustainable resources that reduce participation barriers and promote belonging, accessibility, and inclusion for future Girl Scouts.
Graduation Date
2026
Keywords
Accessibility, Inclusion, Girl Scouts
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Book
Site Mentor
Debborah Black
Comments
Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/43m-ZrK49gw