Hello! I am an occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) student at Xavier University. I have a B.S. in Exercise Science from Xavier University
Capstone Project
This completed doctoral capstone project evaluated programs promoting independent living skills among young adults with Down syndrome. Findings informed the refinement of classes and retreats designed to enhance independence and participation. The project also integrated an occupational therapy perspective into a non-clinical, community-based setting to better support individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.
This capstone project was completed at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC). The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is to empower individuals, educate families, enhance communities and together, celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome. The majority of this project looked into their Find Your Way™ program, which is a series of retreats and tune-up classes for young adults (ages 18-34) to improve their independent living skills. The two retreats that coincided with this capstone included Cruise™ and Navigate™. Cruise™ is a day retreat for individuals who are already living independently to improve their skills and work towards new goals. Navigate™ is a weekend long retreat where individuals learn what it's like to plan a typical weekend. This targets skills such as grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, communication, transportation, cleaning, and social engagement.
Preparing for Capstone
Given my skills as a developer, I believe I will be successful in researching and creating programming to educate individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers on independent living skills. Working with the Find Your Way program at the DSAGC, I can use my skills to analyze the needs of this population and personalize intervention ideas to improve functional living skills. Continue reading below to learn more about the details of my project.
Capstone Proposal
Listed below are the main components of my capstone project. I have spent August through December of 2024 planning specific details of my capstone project, so the main details are highlighted below. However, my project will include other components, such as connecting with LADD, assisting with the Buddy Walk, and providing caregiver education classes.
Routine Task Inventory Assessment
I plan on using the Routine Task Inventory Assessment to gain data on the skills clients have before and after participating in the Find Your Way program. This will provide information on ADLs, IADLs, communication, and work readiness.
Interviews with Clients and Their Caregivers
Another component of my project includes particpating in semi-structured interviews with clients and their caregivers to learn more about their needs with independent living. This will help me develop classes, programming, and provide further resources for these individuals.
Tune-Up Classes
I will create and run Tune-Up classes to reiterate some skills that might need further development. This will help individuals retain their knowledge and abilities outside of the program, and prepare them as they transition into independent living.
Capstone Implementation
Provide a general description of the items below and introduce the services you offer. Click on the text box to edit the content.
Capstone Report
Read more about my capstone report here.
Capstone Video
Watch a brief presentation of my capstone video here.
Capstone Poster
View my capstone poster through this link.
Capstone Reflection
This photo from the Navigate™ retreat is just a small representation of my time spent at the DSAGC. However, this retreat perfectly encompassed what my purpose and motivation behind this capstone, which is empowering individuals for independent living. Navigate™ represented years of work and research that went into this project, and seeing these young adults grow as individuals and friends was a fitting end to my capstone project. This group of individuals challenged me to rethink how I approach instrumental activities of daily living, and see the world through a new lens. Through my time at the DSAGC, I grew as a leader, as an individual, and as a professional. I am honored to be a part of this association, and to be able to see the growth in so many young adults as they transition into independent living.