Assessment of Interdisciplinary Service-Learning in the Underserved Community

Presenter: Kylie Widhelm, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR

Service learning is becoming the backbone of higher education. The knowledge gained from service-learning events helps the individual grow professionally but also encourages the soul of the learner. Coordinating the programs and events may not always be easy, but the benefits outweigh the barriers. First, there is a substantial need for services in underserved and marginalized communities. Second, learners willing to participate in these service learning events and clinical-based rotations can grow and even thrive personally and professionally. Finally, service learning is ideal for interprofessional learning and collaboration is the embodiment of the educational values. To see progress, we need to assess the events and the benefits of the learning experiences and see the crossover from didactic to clinical practice.

A Survey Exploring the Needs of Consumers of Tourism with Disabilities and Activity Limitations

Presenters: 

• Melissa Plett, OTS
• Rachel Behar, OTS 
• Katelyn Mickelson, OTS

Accessible tourism ensures all people have access to travel destinations and services regardless of age and ability. A cross-sectional survey explored barriers and solutions to accessible tourism. The following factors were identified as both barriers and supports to travel: accommodations and equipment, physical environments (hotel room, bathroom), and accurate information for planning purposes. Other factors included travel costs and staff training. Motivations to travel included escape from routine, rest and relaxation, and time with family and friends. Accessible tourism must go beyond ADA compliance. Creating accessible user-centered travel experiences not only benefits people with disabilities, but also society at large.

Sensory Processing in Sex Education for Autistic Individuals: Cross Sectional Study

Presenters: 

• Brittany Jones, OTS
• Derek Lilley, OTS
• Jillian Maginn, OTS
  

The World Health Organization asserts that sex and intimacy are vital human experiences throughout the lifespan. Sensory processing differences impact personal experiences of sexual and intimate relationships. This cross-sectional survey explored how sensory processing is being addressed in sex education for autistic individuals. Findings show over 50% of respondents provide intervention without assessing the sensory systems. Methods for providing sex education intervention included verbal discussion, sensory supports, social stories, tactile objects and visual aids, and teacher education strategies. Findings from this study may provide a pathway to developing evidence-based practices and curricula that meets the unique needs of this population.

Exploring the Prevalence of Self-Compassion and Compassion Fatigue Among Allied Health Professions Faculty

Presenters: 

• Hailey Lippincott, OTS
• Danielle Miller, OTS
• Luke Raffa, OTS

Existing research on compassion in allied health professions (OT, PT, and SLP) faculty is lacking. Faculty are tasked with supporting the well-being of students may find it challenging to retain sufficient compassion for themselves. This may result in compassion fatigue. A cross-sectional survey was used to explore self-compassion and compassion fatigue in allied health faculty. Participants reported engaging in activities to maintain wellness including exercise, leisure, health management, and social participation. Participants reported moderate to high levels of self-compassion. Reports for compassion fatigue were mixed, with participants reporting both positive and negative outcomes for working in a health profession.

A Survey of Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant Perspectives on Barriers to Digital Technology Intervention

Presenters: 

• Teal Skoe, OTS
• Gabriela Santana Meraz, OTS

People with disabilities often utilize assistive technology (AT) and digital technology (DT) to complete everyday activities. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey to explore barriers and supports for using AT and DT in occupational therapy interventions. Common barriers to intervention included access to technology, funding, and time. Primary supports included knowledge of AT, access to technology, and client attitudes. Training and education were factors impacting the provision of AT and DT interventions. Additional research is needed to identify supports to implement technology into intervention and to develop tools that can measure the individual skills required for computer access.

A Survey of Intervention Strategies Used by Feeding Therapists in Rural Areas to Treat Complex Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFDs)

Presenters: 

• Lucille Grooters, OTS
• Caitlin Holyoak, OTS
• Athena Johnson, OTS

Children need healthy food to grow and develop. For some children, feeding is challenging due to pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs). In rural areas, multidisciplinary interventions may not be possible due to lack of service providers. This cross-sectional survey explored how feeding therapists are addressing PFDs in rural areas. Common intervention approaches addressed deficits in sensory, oral-motor, and positioning. Primary barriers included time, distance, and cost. Reported supports included continuing education, multidisciplinary teams, and feeding organizations. Over half of participants reported using an established feeding therapy protocols. Resources to strengthen intervention included staff training, access to supplies, and funding.

A Survey of Quality of Life of Farmers and Ranchers with Conditions of Disability

Presenters: 

• Madison Kindler, OTS
• Sophie Supernor, OTS
• Trace Willoughby, OTS

Agriculture is a dangerous industry. Rates of physical injury, depression, suicide, and substance abuse are higher in this population than the general public. Despite these risks, rural and urban families report similar quality of life (QoL). This study explores QoL and work satisfaction in farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Challenges included aging, finances, physical changes, level of social activity, and coping strategies. Participants reported higher levels of support at home than work. Lack of support was associated with increased stress and decreased ability to cope. These findings may contribute to development of population-specific QoL tool to improve health outcomes.

OT for OTL (Occupational Therapy for Old Town Library)

Presenter: Lindsey Green

As homelessness has continued to increase in Colorado, so too has reliance on public libraries for services and rates of secondary traumatic stress among library staff. This capstone project sought to promote the resilience of library staff and to support them in interacting with unhoused patrons. A needs assessment was conducted at a local public library including interviews, observations, and a review of a recent company culture survey. Objectives of the project included to develop a staff wellness room at the library and to deliver workshops on self-care, trauma-informed librarianship, and local, state, and national homelessness resources.