Date of Award

7-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Katie E Fitzgerald

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

Participation in meaningful leisure occupations is an essential component of health, well-being, and quality of life. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities continue to experience numerous physical, environmental, and social barriers that limit participation in community-based recreational activities. Recreational fishing has emerged as an inclusive outdoor leisure occupation that promotes physical activity, social participation, confidence, and emotional well-being when appropriate adaptations and supports are available. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop, implement, and evaluate an adaptive fishing program for participants enrolled in the Western Michigan University Center for Disability Services (CDS) Skill Building Program. Guided by occupational therapy principles, current evidence, and a comprehensive needs assessment, the project focused on improving accessibility through adaptive equipment, staff education, activity grading, and community partnerships. A fourteen-week adaptive fishing curriculum was developed, including staff training sessions, classroom-based learning activities, adaptive equipment instruction, and weekly community fishing outings at accessible parks throughout Southwest Michigan. Staff confidence and comfort implementing adaptive fishing strategies were evaluated using pre- and post-program surveys. Thirty staff members completed the pre-survey with an average score of 17.7 out of 25, while nineteen staff members completed the post-survey with an average score of 22.8, representing a 5.1-point improvement. These findings suggest that structured education, adaptive equipment, and community-based programming can improve staff preparedness while increasing opportunities for meaningful leisure participation among individuals with disabilities. This project demonstrates the important role occupational therapy practitioners can play in promoting occupational justice, community inclusion, and lifelong engagement in meaningful recreational occupations.

Additional Files
Capstone Approval Form - Will Harahan.pdf (273 kB)
IMG_0529.jpeg (1846 kB)
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