Date of Award

4-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Julie Braun

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

The 14-week capstone experience aimed to advocate and implement occupational therapy (OT) alongside a non-profit organization serving at-risk youth while utilizing trauma-informed care (TIC) approach. Alongside various staff and volunteers, this capstone project focused on aiding underserved children in a variety of age-specific after-school programs. This specific population of youth have limited resources at home. The families in the community have limitations with basic needs including food, water, and shelter. The organization was able to fulfill these basic needs along with activities to meet the developmental needs of each child. Due to their minimal resources, the children also have limited experiences engaging in everyday occupations. Age-appropriate child development is a concern and requires occupational intervention to be as independent as possible to meet the demands of society. Regarding program participation, there are concerns with behaviors and how to address them sensibly. Sensory-based intervention, trauma-informed care, and mental health resources were used to reach the children's needs to function appropriately in the programs and everyday life. This occupational therapy capstone project equipped the existing programs with evidence-based resources and educated them on how to best serve their population for current and future generations.

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