The occupational therapy program at Cleveland State prepares students to address population-health issues in the community through the capstone process. Students collaborate with a local site to design a capstone experience. After working on site for 14 weeks, the student completes an individual capstone project to demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge gained. These posters highlight the accomplishments of the occupational therapy doctoral students at Cleveland State University.
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Sexuality and intimacy support for individuals with IDD: A study of Ohio county services
Emmy Baldwin 2023
Individuals with development and intellectual disabilities face barriers to participating in activities related to relationships and sexual well-being. This capstone focused on surveying Ohio county organizations to determine what services are available to support individuals in navigating sexuality and... (read more)
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Modification of the Comfortable Cafeteria Program to Foster the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities
Abigail Barnette 2023
The purpose of this capstone was to design and implement a modified lunch program that fits the distinct needs of students with low-incidence disabilities within Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The final product included modified lesson plans and materials that... (read more)
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How Can Occupational Therapy Enhance Existing Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Summit County, Ohio?
Mary Barrett 2023
This capstone project focused on the role of occupational therapy in substance use disorder treatment. While working at Cleveland State University a needs assessment of the services available in Summit County was conducted. The final project was the development... (read more)
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The importance of a self-determination integrated transition-to-work program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A program development plan
Carissa Bellino 2023
This capstone experience was completed at Beyond the Challenge, an adult day program for young adults with Down Syndrome. The goal was advocating for the need to address "soft skills" for successful employment. The final outcomes was the development... (read more)
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Addressing mental health for veterans with spinal cord injury
Colleen Bentler 2023
This capstone was completed at the Cleveland VA Medical Center and included the development and implementation of a 6-week mental health program for veterans with spinal cord injuries. The program provided veterans with resources and positive coping strategies to... (read more)
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Occupational Therapy's Value in a Campus Support Program for Former Foster Youth
Autumn Blatt 2023
This capstone focused on students at Cleveland State University's Pratt Center, which provides support for students with a history in foster care. Capstone activities included implementing workshops focused on important life skills and psychosocial development. The final product was... (read more)
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Sensory Processing versus Behaviors in Preschool-Aged Students
Megan Brugnone 2023
The capstone was completed at Sutter Park Preschool. After careful observation and research, checklists were created to help teachers and OTs identify the differences between sensory preferences and behaviors in students (3-6 years old). Teachers were given information to... (read more)
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Incorporating "Occupation" into Evaluations and Treatments for the Hand and Upper Extremity Population
Kaelyn Cantrell 2023
This capstone was at the Cleveland clinic Hand Therapy Department. It focused on exploring, identifying and creating ways to enhance the use of occupation into evaluations and interventions for individuals with hand and other upper extremity conditions. This was... (read more)
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Well Mind, Well Life: A Mental Wellness Program for LGBTQ Young Adults
Michelle Casey 2023
This capstone was in partnership with the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. It included the development of a peer-led program for queer-identifying young adults to promote mental wellness. Free resources have been provided to the site to enhance... (read more)
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The Development of an Inclusive Post-Secondary Program at Cleveland State University: Doctoral Capstone Project
Riley Chiu 2023
This capstone was focused on the development of an inclusive post-secondary program for students with intellectual disabilities, the Reciprocal Inclusion Student Experience Program at Cleveland State University. Activities included designing courses on career development, independent living, and self-determination for... (read more)
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Occupational therapy within the Senior Community: Low Vision's Influence on Social Participation
Erin DiFranco 2023
This capstone focused on the impact of low vision on social participation within the senior community at Ohio Living. Activities were provided to enhance social participation in the facility by educating staff on low vision resources that will make... (read more)
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Sensory Map of Local Zoo: A Capstone Project
Felicity Elsaesser 2023
This capstone was conducted at the Cleveland Zoo in partnership with Cleveland State University. An accessible map was created to allow individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy this large, outdoor space. The final outcome was an increase in the... (read more)
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Trauma-Informed Care Professional Development for K-12 Educators from an Occupational Therapy Perspective
Sarah Farrance 2023
According to SAMHSA, more than 66% of children report that they have experienced at least one traumatic event by the age of 16. The focus of this capstone project was create a trauma-informed care professional development program to equip... (read more)
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Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Allyson Fedor 2023
This capstone facilitated the development of the RISE Program at Cleveland State University, a certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities- including academic coursework, opportunities for employment, independent living, social participation, and self-determination. Activities focused on the peer... (read more)
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Mental Health Promotion in Occupational Therapy
Taylor Frazee 2023
The capstone project was completed at Cleveland State University to assist the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program with the creation of learning experiences for its students so they may effectively advocate and promote the mental health of clients served. It... (read more)
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Occupational Therapy's Role in Infant Feeding & Postpartum Support
Megan Gallagher 2023
A smooth transition to parenthood requires education and preparation on what to expect and new roles, responsibilities, and occupations. This capstone, in collaboration with Nurture Columbus, developed educational resources for new parents to help meet their infant feeding goals... (read more)
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How Programing and the Enviorment Impact Occupation Participation with Individuals Living on a Secured Unit
Courtney Gast 2023
This Capstone was completed at Crestmont North in Lakewood. Modifications to the enviorment and activities program increased purpose and meaningful participation for older adult residents 55 years and older living within a secured unit. A written guide was developed... (read more)
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Training Program for First Responders on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Danielle Giles 2023
In collaboration with the Cuyahoga Board of Developmental Disabilities, this capstone expanded and updated the current autism training program for the Cleveland Police Department. The goal of the capstone was to use best research and practice to promote more... (read more)
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Doing, Being, Becoming, & Belonging: Addressing Leisure to Improve Quality of Life (QoL) for People with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Melanie Grady 2023
Client-centered adaptive recreation and leisure activities were explored in rehabilitation and community settings, in collaboration with the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Department at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. A guidebook was created outlining adaptive leisure equipment and... (read more)
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Life Skills Program for Refugees
Diana Hasan 2023
p capstone included the development and implementation of a 6-week life skills program fro refugees at U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. This program provided the refugee population with hands on experience and education of the necessary life skills... (read more)
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Community Safe Space for Individuals Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic
Lindsay Haywood 2023
This capstone was developed with Project White Butterfly, a non-profit organization, for individuals impacted by a loved one’s substance use. The goal was to create a supportive social gathering that focuses on safety, transparency, peer support, empowerment, and renewal... (read more)
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Occupational therapy’s role in using video games as an exercise modality for community dwelling older adults
Sara Janosik 2023
Video games for physical rehabilitation have gained popularity in the clinic and community. This capstone project, completed at Cleveland State University, analyzed the physical, environmental, in-game, and real-world requirements for various Nintendo Switch games using therapeutic practice frameworks in... (read more)
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Infant Care Education to Pregnant Women Before the Parental Role Transition
Alyssa Johnson 2023
This capstone focused on the role occupational therapy can play among expectant mothers. The experience was completed at a Cleveland-based community, Zelie's Home, where women receive support as they embrace motherhood. A program manual and informational handouts were distributed... (read more)
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Psychosocial health intervention in the intensive care unit (ICU): Occupational therapy's role
Rachel Kucharczyk 2023
This capstone adovcated for the importance in addressing psychosocial health for individuals admitted to University Hospitals' Intensive Care Unit(s), specifically from an occupational therapy perspective. This capstone included the creation and implementation of a psychosocial health toolkit containing 50+... (read more)
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Online Stress Management Resources in Higher Education: A Pilot Study
Diana Leonardo 2023
The focus of this capstone was to promote mental health through stress management at Cleveland State University. A Blackboard shell was developed using evidence-based stress management strategies. In collaboration with Cleveland State University, we explored the efficacy of the... (read more)
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Improving the delivery of developmental care in the NICU: A focus on co-occupational engagement
Christina Martella 2023
The role of the parent being the primary caregiver is interrupted in the NICU by the advanced care the infant is being provided. These parental role alterations that NICU caregivers experience can negatively impact the parent-infant relationship and ultimately... (read more)
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Missed Opportunities to Soothe Distress: Occupational Therapy (OT) and the End of Life
Joseph Mastrangelo 2023
Hospice patients are underserved by rehabilitation professionals. This capstone, at the Hospice of the Western Reserve, advocate for occupational therapy services for hospice clients by demonstrating specific skills, identifying critical needs, and educating relevent stakeholders about the potential impact... (read more)
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Using The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Approach to Promote Employment Skill Acquisition in Autistic Transition-Aged Youth
Kristen Mey 2023
This capstone is dedicated to improving the occupational participation of autistic transition-aged youth using a novel model for treating autism called The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. ApproachSM. Striving to decrease the employment and wage gap that exists for autistics, this capstone focused... (read more)
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Assessment Tool for Pet Ownership in the Older Adult Population (POAT)
Eva Petrik 2023
Having a pet can be a meaningful occupation that promotes healthy aging. Many older adults may have difficulty taking care of pets. This capstone focused on the development of an assessment tool to evaluate the challenges of pet ownership... (read more)
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Improving Children's Mental Health Through Outdoor Recreation
Hannah Presot 2023
This capstone focused on using outdoor recreation to improve mental health in the pediatric population. In partnership with the Center for LifeSkills, a modified curriculum manual and caregiver handouts were developed to enhance the development of positive metal health... (read more)
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Disability Awareness and Inclusion to Prevent Acts of Bullying
Paige Simons 2023
This capstone was completed at Logan Christian School in Southern Ohio specifically focused on reducing bullying with students with disabilities. Activities encouraging all students, teachers and administrators to become aware and accepting of childhood diagnoses - to minimize acts... (read more)
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Trauma Recovery on College Campuses
Madison Thomas 2023
With the support of REBOOT Recovery, this capstone was completed to bridge the gap between college students who have experienced traumatic events and the lack of tier two services available on Cleveland State's Campus. The goal of this capstone... (read more)
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Occupational Therapy in the Criminal Justice System: Assessing Social and Occupational Engagement within the Correctional Facility Context
Erika Tucker 2023
This capstone consisted of conducting an observational research study at Northeast Reintegration Center utilizing the Assessment tool for Occupation and Social Engagement -- Correctional Facilities to understand how a prison environment supports and/or limits pro-social behaviors and engagement in... (read more)
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Guidance and Support with the Life Transition for Student-Athletes Experiencing Retirement
Alex Usselman 2023
In conjunction with Cleveland State University's Athletic Department, this capstone focused on identifying the concerns with retirement from college athletics. Through observation, an extensive survey, and personal interviews, pertinent concerns were identified that will aid the Athletic Department in... (read more)
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The need for Occupational Therapy on Campus
Emma Wagner 2023
Many college students have difficulty with overall functioning and academic demands. This capstone identified the gaps in student services offered at Cleveland State University through interviews and surveys with administration and students. These gaps were conducted when recommending services... (read more)
