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Submission Date

7-30-2024

Document Type

Entry Level Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

First Mentor

Mariana D'Amico

Second Mentor

Susan Callaway

Abstract

Reading comprehension and accuracy are critical components of academic success in preadolescence. Research suggests that traditional school systems utilize a unisensory approach to learning, however, recent studies have emphasized the successful impact a multisensory approach can have on academic performance. This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop a multisensory, occupation-based reading program for the Huntsville Learning Center (HLC) Christian Summer Camp under the guidance of Mariana D’Amico, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Susan Callaway, HLC Family Development Coordinator. This required conducting pretest and post-test measurements, implementing occupation-based reading activities, and administering a post-program evaluation survey to determine the effectiveness of a structured, occupation-based reading program. The results from the paired samples t-test and average change graphs demonstrated that the new teaching method significantly improved student performance, as evidenced by the higher post-test scores compared to pretest scores. Future research should continue to explore the specific mechanisms through which occupational therapy (OT) influences reading development and seek to optimize these interventions for broader application in academic settings.

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