OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program. This agency provides day programming and inclusive sports leagues with a goal to create equal opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities for as many Nashville citizens with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES as possible. Metro Parks offers a variety of age and ability-appropriate activities that highlight the ABILIITIES of all members. The primary objective of this capstone project was to create a manual for a branch program that would fill a notable gap in services available in middle Tennessee for veterans with disabilities. Roughly 24,500 working-age civilian veterans in TN report severe service-connect disability. A program with Metro Parks disABILITIES would create groups and opportunities to provide community for the veterans as well as promote social wellness and physical wellness through organized group activities/sports. In addition to creating the manual, to help prepare for the new programming staff was given recurrent education sessions on PTSD, trauma-informed care, veteran population statistics, and resources that Metro Parks provides for their employees. A survey was administered both before and after education sessions; the post-test showed a significant increase in readiness to begin the Veterans with disABILITIES program.

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2025

Faculty Mentor

Katy Schmidt

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

disabilities; veterans; community-based; recreation; social wellness

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