Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
First Advisor
Renee Watling
Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess current trends in occupational therapy services provided to adults with developmental disabilities living in community settings. A survey questionnaire was sent to 52 directors and managers of community living facilities in Whatcom, Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. The results indicated that the needs of residents are a direct match with the services occupational therapists provide as outlined in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework -II (AOTA, 2008). The results also indicated that people with developmental disabilities still have significant barriers to inclusion in their communities. Occupational therapists and advocates for this population should be made aware of the contributions occupational therapy practitioners can make toward helping people with developmental disabilities achieve a higher level of independence and inclusion.