OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

Children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) often benefit from community-based programs that promote participation, social engagement, and psychosocial well-being. The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) is a nonprofit medical camp dedicated to providing empowering camp experiences for children with disabilities or lifelong illnesses and their families at no cost. During this doctoral capstone experience, a needs assessment identified limited structured university outreach, decreased volunteer awareness, and the need for improved long-term volunteer recruitment and advocacy efforts.

The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a sustainable ambassador program designed to increase community engagement, strengthen advocacy efforts, and support volunteer recruitment for CCK. Project goals included developing a structured campus-based ambassador role, creating standardized recruitment and outreach materials, increasing awareness of CCK among university students, and promoting long-term sustainability of volunteer engagement efforts.

Occupational therapy principles including advocacy, activity analysis, collaboration, and program development were utilized throughout the project. Collaboration with stakeholders at CCK contributed to the development of comprehensive program materials including ambassador role descriptions and expectations, applications and contracts, training materials and ethical guidelines, recruitment scripts and outreach resources, social media guidelines, volunteer referral processes, recognition and incentive materials, and a staff quick-start guide for future implementation.

The anticipated outcomes of this project include increased volunteer recruitment, strengthened university partnerships, improved community awareness of CYSHCN, and enhanced long-term sustainability of outreach efforts at CCK. This capstone experience demonstrates the role of occupational therapy in community-based advocacy, program development, and promoting participation opportunities for children and youth with special healthcare needs

Publication Date

Spring 4-10-2026

Faculty Mentor

Meegan Lambert

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Pharmacy, College of

Document Type

Poster

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

Occupational Therapy, Advocacy, Community-Based Practice, Volunteer Recruitment, Program Development, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN), Health Promotion, Inclusion and Accessibility, Nonprofit Organizations,

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