Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Faculty Mentor

Corey Morrow

Abstract

This Occupational Therapy (OT) Doctoral Capstone project was completed in a university-based Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program serving enrolled students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These programs offer college students with IDD opportunities in academic learning, independent living, personal development, career training, and social participation. In response to a site needs analysis, this quality improvement project sought to develop educational resources to improve student confidence and preparedness for independent living and mental health education.

The project had two primary goals: (1) to create accessible, evidence-based educational materials to support students’ understanding of mental health and activities of daily living (ADLs), and (2) to promote awareness of how mental health impacts daily functioning.

To achieve these goals, three 15-minute voiceover modules were developed with complementary interactive worksheets designed to reinforce learning. Two modules focused on ADLs, covering all eight areas defined by the OT Practice Framework: bathing/showering, toileting and hygiene, dressing, eating and swallowing, feeding, functional mobility, personal hygiene and grooming, and sexual activity. The third module addressed mental health, exploring key topics such as the definition of mental health, characteristics of mental wellness, identifying signs of mental health challenges, and self-care strategies.

Project outcomes included increased student awareness and understanding of mental health and daily living skills, as well as the creation of sustainable educational tools for ongoing use by the site’s IPSE programs. These resources support greater independence, self-advocacy, and overall well-being among students with IDD.

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