Increasing Adaptive Gymnastics with Special Olympics Iowa

Assess the adaptive gymnastics landscape to plan Des Moines area expansion, noting Special Olympics Iowa's inclusive artistic gymnastics with beam, vault, floor, bars, and related dance and tumbling.

Explore how adaptive gymnastics within the Special Olympics Iowa program may boost social participation and occupational engagement for children, with evidence showing improved strength, balance, self-perception, and social skills.

Develop an adaptive gymnastics program in Iowa and advance Special Olympics Iowa through program development and occupational therapy, raising awareness of adaptive competitions and teams.

Expand occupational therapy practice through collaboration with Special Olympics Iowa. Apply skills in non-traditional settings to support motor development and inclusive sport across ages.

Apply the P.o.p. model to understand the athlete’s identity, goals, and occupation-related needs. Evaluate the environment to identify supports or barriers and adjust it to optimize participation.

Aligns with three OTD program themes: collaborative community engagement, occupation across the lifespan, and professional identity, through partnerships with Special Olympics Iowa to expand inclusive adaptive gymnastics.

Explore how Special Olympics Iowa enables year-round sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities, including Healthy Athletes, unified sports, Young Athlete programs, MATP, and major state events.

Develop evidence-based occupation-based practice to promote social participation for youth with disabilities, advocate for Special Olympics gymnastics, and analyze participation trends to inform lifelong learning.

Demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, and advocacy to influence positive change with clients, communities, and the profession by engaging with Special Olympics Iowa gyms, athletes, and staff and researching funding options.

Plan and host Special Olympics Iowa gymnastics meet and clinic through collaboration with Special Olympics Iowa staff, meetings, and materials, including rules, scorecards, and binder for rhythmic and artistic gymnastics.

Developed evidence-based health education materials for Special Olympics Iowa, including Healthy Athletes handouts and unified sports resources, with occupational therapy guidance on stress relief, sleep, medication management, and self-care.

Organize competition materials, assist staff at events, and enter athlete information into gems while developing a volunteer guide to support volunteers and inclusive Special Olympics competitions.

Engage with a knowledge check to review adaptive gymnastics programs, benefits for children with disabilities, and Special Olympics Iowa events.

Explore the references used in the needs assessment critically appraised topic and learn how they are organized in alphabetical order.

Express gratitude to capstone educators, Special Olympics Iowa staff, Chow's gymnastics, and family for guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the adaptive gymnastics capstone experience.

Gain increased knowledge of Special Olympics Iowa by understanding the programs they offer and the benefits of those programs, with contact information for any questions.