Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Toni Falk

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

Post-secondary transition programs for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) are designed to support young adults with IDD in areas of independent living, academics, relationships, financial management, health and safety, and employment. All of which are within the scope of occupational therapy (OT). Within the limited post-secondary transition programs that exist for these young adults, OT is rarely included as a provided service, creating an unintentional disadvantage to the students and clients. The purpose of this Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) was program development and advocacy for the role of occupational therapy within Ready for Life (RFL), a post-secondary transition program in Michigan. The goal of this project was to increase participation in life skills, promote independence, and create resources and accommodations to empower young adults with disabilities. This was completed using objectives to include: reviewing and adding OT advice into the curriculum and classroom setting, leading one-on-one and group interventions, completing home and dorm room evaluations, environmental modifications, and visiting internship sites to analyze student and client performance, adding advice and resources to promote client success. These objectives were created to enhance the skills and independence of the students and clients at Ready for Life through occupational therapy services.

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