Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Meghan Feeman, M.M., MT-BC

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

Music is a universal language that transcends physical, cognitive, and cultural boundaries. The benefits of playing a musical instrument are well known and researched, however, individuals with severe motor disabilities often face physiological, neurological, and/or societal barriers that limit their access to playing a musical instrument. Additionally, there is limited knowledge about adaptive musical instruments that are available to serve these individuals and their needs. To address these challenges, this capstone project utilized EyeHarp, an adaptive musical instrument that uses eye gaze technology, to allow students at a special education school with limited motor abilities to create music. The objectives were to familiarize the capstone student with eye gaze technology, provide students at the school with an experiential learning opportunity using EyeHarp, develop an instructional guide for future use, and advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration between occupational, speech, and music therapies. The results demonstrated that EyeHarp enabled students to engage in creating music while also enhancing communication, motivation, and social participation. The feedback received from students and educators highlighted EyeHarp’s positive impact and opportunities for sustainability. For occupational therapists, this knowledge can foster inclusion, collaboration, and adaptive interventions to allow for more equitable access to music as an occupation.

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