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Description
My capstone project was completed with Build Inclusion, a non-profit based in Lexington, to develop the Build Wellness series. This series focused on program development and community-based practice for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The primary ACOTE focus areas addressed through this project included program development, advocacy, education, and leadership.
The goal of Build Wellness: A Life Learning Series was to educate, empower, and encourage teens and young adults with IDD to confidently navigate adulthood and participate more independently in their communities. Specific goals included increasing knowledge of life skills topics, promoting confidence and self-efficacy, supporting independent living skills, fostering social connections, and increasing awareness of community resources and supports.
A review of the literature identified a gap in services and structured supports available to individuals with IDD following high school graduation. While school-based services often provide opportunities for skill development and social participation, many individuals experience a significant reduction in available resources during the transition to adulthood. This service gap can negatively impact independence, community participation, employment, and quality of life.
To address this need, a comprehensive, universally designed seven-week life skills curriculum was developed and implemented for teens and young adults with IDD. Weekly topics included healthy relationships, self-care and mental wellness, community participation, employment skills, money management, and independent living. Each session incorporated an educational presentation, interactive group activities, workbook materials, and opportunities for creative reflection. Community experts and local professionals were integrated into the program to provide participants with real-world learning experiences and connections to community resources.
Program effectiveness was evaluated through participant feedback, session reflections, and informal observation of engagement and participation. Participants reported enjoying the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and identified increased knowledge relating to community resources, safety, and self-advocacy. Project deliverables included educational presentations, participant workbooks, recruitment materials, and community partnerships to support future program implementation and sustainability.
Throughout the capstone experience, leadership skills were demonstrated through program development, community outreach, collaboration with professionals, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. This project advanced occupational science and occupational therapy by addressing barriers to occupational participation and supporting engagement in meaningful occupations.
The Build Wellness Life Skills Learning Series demonstrated the important role occupational therapy can play in bridging the gap between school-based services and adulthood through community-based programming, life skills education, and promotion of self-advocacy, independence, and community inclusion for individuals with IDD.
Graduation Date
2026
Keywords
Occupational Therapy, Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Self-Advocacy, Social Participation, Life Skills, and Independence
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Book
Site Mentor
Rachael Lanter
Comments
https://youtu.be/aH3n5uC4e7E