Browsing by Subject "sensory differences"

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    Sensory-Inclusive Airports: Enhancing Air Travel for Passengers with Sensory Differences
    (2025-05-05) Ueki, Mio; Lee, Chang Dae; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Wiley, Maria; Thomas, Kimberly
    Occupational therapy plays a critical role in creating sensory-inclusive spaces in the community, such as the airport. The purpose of this 14-week doctoral capstone project (DCP) was to conduct a program evaluation to explore the effectiveness of the currently existing sensory inclusive initiatives at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND)—specifically, the employee sensory inclusive training, sensory rooms, and TSA/gate escort service. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data collected from IND employees and passengers revealed two key findings. First, although the current employee sensory inclusive training may be helpful, these benefits may be minimal and therefore insufficient. Most employees were satisfied with the current employee sensory inclusive training and felt sensory trainings were relevant to their work. However, they simultaneously recognized its weaknesses and desired for improvements through experiential learning methods and increased applicability of the training to airports. Second, passengers are highly satisfied with the level of sensory accessibility at IND but are unaware of the existence of sensory accessible facilities and services. These results support the need for improvements to the current employee sensory inclusive training which may translate to enhanced passenger accessibility satisfaction. Additionally, increased advertisement of sensory accessible facilities and services through community engagement with local disability organizations are suggested. Despite the small sample size, the data provides preliminary pedagogical guidelines that may be utilized for improving employee sensory inclusive trainings as well as ways to raise public awareness of the sensory accessibility features that exist at IND.
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    Supporting Academic Success: Development of Resources to Optimize the Effectiveness of a Preschool Sensory Room
    (2025) Clayton, Ella; Breeden, Lori; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Brown, Tammy
    Sensory processing challenges can significantly impact a student’s functional participation in educational activities, highlighting the importance of sensory rooms as therapeutic environments where sensory input can be modulated to support individual needs. This doctoral capstone project aimed to enhance the effectiveness of Pleasant View Elementary’s (PVE) preschool sensory room by providing education and resources to help educators adapt sensory input to students’ individual needs. To achieve this goal, the doctoral capstone student developed and implemented sensory resources, modified the sensory room layout and equipment, and provided staff education on sensory topics. Project efficacy was evaluated through pre- and post-surveys completed by preschool educators at PVE. Despite a limited survey response rate, results indicated that educators’ knowledge and confidence in supporting student’ sensory needs were increased after the sensory informational session. Additionally, educator responses and feedback indicated an overall increase in the perceived effectiveness of the sensory room in meeting students’ emotional and sensory regulation after the implementation of the doctoral capstone project. The outcomes of this project support the value of structured sensory environments and staff training in effectively supporting students with sensory processing challenges.