Campus Location
Abilene Campus (Residential)
Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
OTD Capstone
Department
Occupational Therapy
Degree
OTD
Faculty Advisor
Lillie Thomas
Site Mentor
Grace Fuller
Capstone Coordinator
Leslye Morris
Specialization
Advocacy
Focus
Transitional Program
Abstract
This capstone project aimed to empower HIPsters at My Possibilities, a higher education and transitional program located in Plano, TX. Specifically, this project equipped individuals diagnosed with intellectual developmental disability (IDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the essential components required to effectively advocate for themselves. Due to the unique challenges this population faces, these components were subjective, allowing for receptivity and class engagement, over the course of 6 weeks. These subjective components developed were Communication, Knowing Yourself, Knowing Your Rights, Goal Making, Initiative, Problem-Solving, Handling Adversity, Managing Emotions, Selflessness, Leadership, and Teamwork. Upon completion of the course, HIPsters reported an increased knowledge of self-advocacy and how to effectively express their wants, needs, and desires. Therefore, increasing their ability to overcome any environmental, social, and educational barriers they may face. Additionally, a deliverable containing lesson plans and classroom structuring was constructed and presented to the staff at My Possibilities for the continuation of the self-advocacy class. Ultimately, this project strives to educate and bring awareness to self-advocacy and the importance it has for transitioning into adulthood.
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