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Submission Date

8-7-2022

Document Type

Entry Level Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

First Mentor

Liani Steenekamp, OTL/R

Abstract

Data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control revealed that 2.2% of American adults have an ASD condition which adds up to 5.4 million people ages 18 and older, or about 1 in 45 people (Center for Disease Control, 2022). Although there is legislation in place to support post-secondary transition rates for disabled young adults, studies show that individuals diagnosed with ASD and/or other physical and intellectual disabilities have poorer outcomes than their typically developing peers in the key areas of independent living, postsecondary education, and employment (Sosnowy, Silverman, & Shattuck, 2018). Employers identified the lack of individualized workplace training and specific “soft skills” commonly lacking in those with disabilities as a barrier to employment (Lu et al., 2022). This paper describes the completion of a capstone experience at Central Florida Dreamplex with a focus on policy/program development and advanced clinical practice skills. Throughout this capstone experience, young adults participated in an affordable sewing vocational program where they were provided the opportunity to garner specific pre-vocational and vocational skills to better prepare them for their post-secondary education and employment transition. After completion of the 16-week capstone, all participants displayed an increased knowledge and experience with pre-vocational and vocational skills to improve their independence and success within the typical workplace.

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