Document Type

Report

College

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Department

Occupational Therapy

Degree

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Report Date

2023

Faculty Mentor

Wells, Erin

Doctoral Experiential Coordinator

Latour, Debra

Abstract

"Data shows that the state population of Massachusetts was 6,915,688, with 11.7% of these individuals, or 808,474 people, identified as having a disability in 2021. Among those individuals, 56.5% had both self-care and independent living disabilities (Paul et al., 2021). In Springfield, Massachusetts, 15.7% of individuals under the age of 65 years old were identified to have a disability in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Numerous life skills programs are accessible during high school; however, these opportunities often become scarce for individuals beyond their graduation. Due to the lack of life skills programs provided to individuals with disabilities, many of these individuals may face challenges with living independently, resulting in a decreased quality of life and occupational engagement. Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) can experience low levels of inclusion within physical activity and leisure activities. They can also experience lack of education related to health and wellness (Oakes et al., 2020). To reduce these disparities, doctoral students collaborated to facilitate life skills groups at a pro-bono occupational therapy (OT) center at Western New England University (WNEU)."

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