Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6249-5328

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

SueAnn Woods

Committee Co-Chair

Nick Lafferty

Committee Member

Ashleigh Saurborn

Committee Member

Kayleigh Nolan

Committee Member

Heather Livengood

Abstract

There is growing support for those with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) in the transition process and within the workplace, however, there are areas that need to be addressed to facilitate further inclusion and success in this domain. There are structured institutions within the community that extend support for those transitioning out of high school, focusing on aligning with life training and professional skills while promoting societal integration by delivering services directly and avoiding isolation within traditional service environments (Accardo & Whitman, 2011). Growing research highlights the necessity of providing resources that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving independent living and community integration (Mann & Wang, 2021). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected across the 14-week capstone, primarily before and following the eight-week daily living skills program to a) assess participants’ insight into daily occupations, b) change in self-perception following the tailored program, c) an insight into barriers surrounding computer-based learning modules for new hires. It was determined that a significant change in both self-perception of functional abilities and accommodating readability of learning material was established due to the addition of occupational therapy in the transition towards vocation. The outcomes of this research have provided insight into the effects and importance of incorporating principles of occupation therapy into non-traditional entities to facilitate the vocational and functional outcomes of those involved.

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