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Description
For my Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE), I partnered with the EKU Office of Veterans Affairs, an academic support setting serving student veterans. The ACOTE focus areas were Education and Program Development. The project aimed to create a comprehensive Veterans Resource Guide to help veterans navigate healthcare, education, employment, and community reintegration services. A needs assessment revealed a lack of centralized resources to support student veterans, aligning with literature indicating that over 48% of veterans struggle with transitioning to civilian life (Parker et al., 2019). Challenges include mental health, social isolation, and occupational barriers (Krigbaum et al., 2020), with research supporting occupational therapy’s role in transitional support (Sunderlin et al., 2022). To address this gap, I conducted a literature review, identified common veteran concerns (e.g., PTSD, TBI), and compiled tools such as assistive tech and academic supports. The guide was organized into print-ready and digital formats. Effectiveness was evaluated based on site mentor feedback, usability, and alignment with veterans' needs. The final product includes sections on physical and mental health, legal rights, housing, education, employment, and daily living resources. It is now available to students, staff, and community partners. This project strengthened my leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. I demonstrated initiative by identifying a gap, developing a solution, and collaborating with key stakeholders. It highlights occupational therapy’s role in promoting engagement, mental health, and life transitions through education and advocacy—reinforcing the profession’s value in community-based, veteran-centered care.
Graduation Date
2025
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Document Type
Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Site Mentor
Joshua Maynard
Comments
Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/dKt2ymyumC0