Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Andrea Young
Abstract
Title: A Resource Guide for Improving Participation in the Pediatric Casper
Community Background and Problem: Regardless of ability level, all children should have the same rights, access, and opportunities to participate in leisure, social, physical, and recreational activities. Research shows that typically developing children participate more in social, physical, and recreational activities than children with disabilities (Solish et al., 2010). Identified barriers that can decrease participation for children with disabilities include the child’s functional limitations, high costs, accessibility, and lack of known nearby facilities, programs, and sports (Murphy & Carbone, 2018; Aytur et al., 2018). Participation in leisure, social, physical, and recreational activities promotes inclusion, minimizes negative behaviors, improves physical functioning, and enhances the overall quality of life of children with disabilities (Murphy & Carbone, 2018).
Methodology: This project will include a literature review on the barriers experienced by children with disabilities and their participation in leisure, social, physical, and recreational activities. Researching access and awareness to participation in activities for children with disabilities has provided a better understanding of what is needed for this population in a rural community and how to bridge the gap to help sustain participation in desired occupations. The focus of this project will be creating a resource guide so children with disabilities and their families have the ability to locate and understand nearby facilities, programs, activities, and sports that are available in the semi-rural community of Casper, Wyoming. The resource guide will include addresses, accessibility levels, discounts (if necessary or available), descriptions of the activity(ies), equipment needed and/or available, and ability/skills requirements to participate. This information will be gathered first-hand from community recreational locations as well as literature reviews.
Results: It is anticipated that this project conducted by the occupational therapy student will result in the creation of a product that will expand upon the existing literature, and enhance knowledge and participation in leisure, social, physical, and recreational activities for children with disabilities. It is anticipated that the Casper Autism & Special Needs Support Group will add access to this resource guide on their published website and, if needed, offer to distribute the resource guide in print to families in the Casper community. Access and distribution of the product will facilitate an increase in overall participation to promote inclusion and enhance the overall quality of life for children with disabilities in the Casper community (Aytur et al., 2018; Murphy & Carbone, 2018; Solish et al., 20
Recommended Citation
Garner, Rylie, "A Resource Guide For Improving Participation In The Pediatric Casper Community" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 631.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/631