OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse is an organization with over 61+ locations across the United States and Mexico with the purpose of offering free, therapeutic and educational programs for individuals with Down Syndrome. The goal of this project was to create appropriate, educational curriculum for participants in GiGi Nashville’s adult education programs focused on self-confidence, skill knowledge, personal wellness, quality of life and a variety of other topics. A secondary focus of this project was to foster health promotion for individuals with Down syndrome through an emphasis on functional fitness. A 25-page evidence-based resource guide for participants and caregivers was created on the common health impairments for individuals with Down syndrome and the benefit that functional fitness can play in slowing down the progression/preventing disease. An additional resource created by this project consisted of 16-week curriculum for GiGi Prep and GiGi U Programs placed into a google drive and shared among staff members for current and future use. Throughout this project, participants demonstrated increased knowledge of targeted skills and health-promoting behaviors.

Publication Date

Spring 4-11-2025

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Whitney Dupree

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

GiGi’s Playhouse; Occupational Therapy; Down Syndrome; Functional Fitness; Health Promotion; Educational Materials

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