Date of Defense
11-14-2025
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Alissa Baker
Second Advisor
Kimberly Ganzevoort
Abstract
There is limited knowledge about life enrichment farms and their role in supporting individuals with disabilities. This project aimed to highlight how occupational therapy can collaborate with these farm-based programs to promote independence, health, and well-being among younger adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. An evidence-informed approach and qualitative research methods were used to explore this question, including a literature review and an interview with AACORN Farms, a life enrichment farm located in Michigan. Findings were further examined through occupational therapy activity analysis to identify the vocational, sensory, and meaningful engagement opportunities embedded within the various areas of the farm. With each area offering its own distinct set of skills and participation opportunities. To enhance accessibility and advocacy, this information was compiled into an interactive digital map created using Genially, designed to visually communicate the structure, purpose, and therapeutic value of life enrichment farms through an occupational therapy lens. The project incorporated extensive experience in advocacy, education, and clinical practice, demonstrating how occupational therapy can contribute to program development, community awareness, and evidence‑informed decision‑making. Together, these methods illustrate the unique contributions occupational therapy can bring to life enrichment farm programs and highlight their potential as community‑based environments that promote meaningful participation, personal growth, and long‑term development. The next step for this project is to integrate the interactive map into the AACORN Farms webpage, where it can serve as a tool to showcase the farm’s inclusive, therapeutic benefits. Further expansion of this project may include developing partnerships with similar organizations to support broader implementation, enhancing digital accessibility within the map, and conducting research to evaluate how the interactive map influences program understanding and participant engagement. It is important to note that this project was developed around the therapeutic model of AACORN Farms; therefore, its content and structure may have limited applicability to other life enrichment farms, though the concepts may still inform farm-specific activities elsewhere.
Recommended Citation
Stanek, Olivia, "How life enrichment farms promote independence, health, and well-being through vocational skills and sensory processing skills" (2025). Honors Theses. 4057.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/4057
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Baccalaureate Project Poster (1)
Baccalaureate Project Poster (3).pdf (562 kB)
Baccalaureate Project Poster (3)