OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their family systems often face barriers to meaningful participation in community activities, limiting inclusion and quality of life. This capstone project was completed in collaboration with Friends Life Community (FLC), a non-profit organization, supporting adults with IDD (friends) through community-based day programing, with emphasis on social engagement and lifelong learning. This projected aimed to promote community inclusion by shedding light on the resources available and fostering strategic partnerships within the Nashville area.

A comprehensive needs assessment identified a gap in the connection between programming at FLC and overall inclusion and advocacy within the greater Nashville community. Additionally, there was a need for knowledge and sharing of resources amongst families of those with IDD. In response, this project focused on bridging this gap in an inclusive society by building guides for all stakeholders, including adults with IDD, their family/support systems, and Nashville businesses and organizations.

Project creations included a resource toolkit, outlining inclusive and accessible organizations, supported with feedback from parents of adults of IDD. The goal of this was to improve ease of accessing these beneficial resources to serve different occupational areas, spanning extracurriculars to medical/dental. Additionally, a community partnership database and outreach effort plan was created to establish new partnerships with local businesses and organizations, expanding the opportunities for those with IDD in community engagement. This database included an occupational therapy lens of client factors that may be addressed through collaboration with each site, in aim to connect to specific, transferable goals of each friend.

Outcomes include increased awareness of inclusive practices, development of sustainable community partnerships, and improved access to meaningful activities and support for individuals with IDD and their families. This project demonstrates the role of occupational therapy in community-based practice through advocacy, program development, and promotion of occupational justice. Overall, this capstone project aimed to promote an inclusive and accessible Nashville community, supporting the goals of FLC, to provide opportunities and change perceptions for adults with IDD.

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2026

Faculty Mentor

Whitney Dupree OTD, OTR/L, CPAM

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

accessibility; advocacy; adults; community inclusion; family support; intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD); occupational therapy; program development; resource sharing; social participation

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