Fall 2024 MAOT Presentation
Inclusive Programming & Self-Regulation at a Youth Recreation Program
Alexa Klein, OTD, OTR; Ryan Whitney, OT, OTD, OTR, MA; Joseph Connelly, M.Ed.
Summer camp helps children develop independence, social skills, and the ability to self-regulate. Club Rec, the Arlington Recreation Department’s summer program, aims to provide safe, inclusive and fun programming for children ages 4-11. Staff training, programming, and caregiver collaboration were prioritized based on previous recommendations.
Creation of a Fidelity Measure for ExerSHINE Kids® POWER Bootcamp Program
Erin Wolfe OT/s, Amy Wheadon OTD, Marget Morris OTD
ExerSHINE Kids® POWER Bootcamp program is a pediatric group occupational therapy intervention that combines elements of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI), the STAR method, and high-intensity physical activity to facilitate self-regulation skills and promote occupational performance. Intervention fidelity is defined as the degree to which an intervention is implemented as intended.
Supporting Inclusive Practices at Eliot-Pearson Children’s School (EPCS) through Universal Design for Learning and Inclusion (UDLI)
Mary Laurita, OT/s; Kaitlyn Irwin, OT, OTD; Hanna Gebretensae, EdD; Gabriela Herrera, MA
Existing literature indicates a gap in Universal Design for Learning and Inclusion (UDLI) knowledge and implementation in early childhood education (ECE). The purpose of this project was to develop and deliver a training supporting UDLI understanding amongst teachers at an ECE program Eliot-Pearson Children’s School (EPCS) at Tufts University (Medford, MA). Participants included Head Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Eliot-Pearson Fellows.
Loneliness Prevention Within Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Program
Rachael Drislane, OT/s, Temor Amin-Arsala, OT, OTD, OTR
This project contributes to and expands on existing literature on the epidemic of loneliness impacting older adults. Project explored the experience of loneliness within local community dwelling seniors. In addition, project developed sustainable methods by which a senior center can prepare members regarding the experience of loneliness. Program was designed through public health and prevention lenses.
Occupational Therapy Going Green: An Exploration into the Accessibility of Boston Metro Community Gardens for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Sydney Gill, OT, OTD, Lisa Brukilacchio OT, Ed.M, Jessica Harney DPT, OT
Minimal information exists regarding community-dwelling older adults’ experiences accessing and participating in local community garden spaces. This project aimed to explore the accessibility of community gardens for community-dwelling older adults age 60+ in the Boston Metro Area through quantitative and qualitative methods.
The Impact of Group Participation on Older Adult Quality of Life
Tabitha Franceschini OT/s, Temor Amin-Arsala OT, OTD, OTR
This program evaluation assesses the impact of group-based programs at the Medford Council on Aging (MCoA) on older adults’ health, autonomy, and quality of life, emphasizing occupational therapy’s (OT) potential role in community settings. Aiming to bridge an evidence gap in occupational therapy’s community-based practice, the study evaluates group interventions through attendance records, focus groups, a quality of life (QOL) assessment (Older People’s QOL-Brief), and group instructor interviews.
Exploring animal-assisted interventions for veterans with PTSD
Charlene Ong, OT, MSc (OT), CHT, Alhanouf Idrees, MSc (OT), Tavleen Kaur, MSc (OT), Maya Manimalethu, MSc (OT), Samraj Gaddam, OT, MSc (OT), & Nancy Baker, OT, ScD, MPH, FAOTA
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder often face challenges integrating and developing social connectedness, decreasing their quality of life (QoL). Exploring the use of animal-assisted interventions to aid them has been a recent focus in research. This scoping review conducted a systematic search across five databases.
HIV+ Medication Adherence and Sexual Risk: Scoping Review
Justine Gregg, CTRS, OT/s, Chloe Chapin, OT/s, Danielle Fortier, OT/s, Katherine Kaufman OT/s, Rebecca Lovett, OT/s, & Nancy Baker, OT, ScD, MPH, FAOTA
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder often face challenges integrating and developing social connectedness, decreasing their quality of life (QoL). EAntiretroviral Therapy (ART) medication adherence and engagement in sexual risk behaviors have significant implications on HIV transmission risk and quality of life for people living with HIV (PLWH). This scoping review analyzed nine cross-sectional and two randomized control trials exploring ART adherence and sexual risk behaviors.
Barriers to Leisure Among Young Adults with TBI
Lydia Lewis, OT/s, Xiaoyu Yan, OT/s, Lauren Russell, OT/s, Ruanne Catapang, OT/s, Yuna Chung, OT/s, Nancy Baker, ScD, MPH, OTR, FAOTA
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a brain dysfunction that results from trauma to the head or neck– leading to lifestyle changes like decreased leisure participation. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize existing literature regarding barriers that hinder YAs with TBI from engaging in community leisure activities.
Vocational Interventions for Adults Engaging in Substance Misuse: A Scoping Review
Madeline Zarro, OT/s, Julia Angell, OT/s, Natasha Harianto, OT/s, Ashley Loh, OT/s, Xenia Proestakis-Ortiz, OT/s, Nancy Baker, ScD, MPH, OTR, FAOTA
Unemployment is a risk factor and consequence of substance misuse; adults who experience both are at greater risk for deleterious psychosocial outcomes. Vocational interventions are commonly offered in addiction recovery programs to address these comorbidities.
Using IVR in Occupational Therapy Practice
Nancy Baker, ScD, MPH, OT, FAOTA; Anna Leffler, OTD; Augusta Polhemus, OTD
Unemployment is a risk factor and consequence of substance misuse; adults
This talk highlights how immersive virtual reality can be used to address client
goals in occupational therapy practice. The talk discusses current evidence and provides practical ideas and tips on how to implement virtual reality in everyday practice.
