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Therapeutic Fine Motor Activities as a Tool for Improving Daily Living Skills for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Introduction: Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc., Nobles Group Home provides support and housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The issue was a need for fine motor skill (FMS) activities to promote independence and improve overall quality of life. Adults with mental and physical disabilities frequently experience many challenges with fine motor coordination that can severely limit their abilities to partake in activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to increase FMS opportunities for the group home residents. The aim was to develop and implement activities that promote FMS on March 14, 2026, and provide detailed implementation instructions for future use by staff.
Methods: The group interacted with the residents to gain valuable insight, which helped identify individual needs. The identified educational activities addressed health promotion and improved fine motor skills, coordination, and hand strength. An Activities that Target Fine Motor Skills deliverable was created, including step-by-step instructions to assist staff in future implementation. The group purchased an Animal World clay kit.
Results: During implementation the six residents participated in the clay activity. Each of the group worked individually with the residents to assemble the clay animals. The residents were positively engaged. Resident and staff feedback was positive.
Conclusion: Motor-based interventions, especially task-oriented activities, help increase the development of motor skills in people with developmental coordination disorders. This project has the potential to provide a sustainable approach to improve FMS which increases independence in activities of daily living.
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- Therapeutic Fine Motor Activities as a Tool for Improving Daily Living Skills for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Presentation
- Sallie J Shipman (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of HealthBrenda C Mutchler (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of Health
- © the author(s)
- 99381730355806600
- School of Nursing; Usha Kundu, MD College of Health; Population Health
- English