Date of Award
Spring 5-4-2024
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Karen Hebert
Keywords
peer-mediated, peer-program, adolescents, high school, pediatrics, inclusion, social participation, art program, art therapy, occupational therapy
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
The purpose of this 14-week capstone project was to explore the impact of a peer-mediated art program on the social and occupational experiences of students with disabilities. This program was designed and implemented to promote inclusion of students with disabilities by providing an opportunity to interact with typically developing peers within their school-context. The 7-week peer-mediated art program was embedded into a startup peer-program at a high school. A total of 10 participants (4 from special education) were recruited to complete the study. Students met for three 45-minute sessions and one 90-minute session each week as part of the program’s weekly curriculum, with students participating in at least 2 art sessions a week. The Social Participation and Anxiety Scale was administered with special education participants and the Survey on Attitudes towards Persons with Disabilities survey was administered with general education students pre- and post-program. There were notable improvements in all supported students’ social participation and anxiety, and peer helpers demonstrated a more positive outlook regarding peers with disabilities after participating in this program.
Recommended Citation
Sievers, Kjersten B., "A Peer-Mediated Art Program for Secondary Education Students: An Occupation Based Approach" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 129.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/129