Dr. Sallie J Shipman

Introduction: Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. (CALT) serves adults with disabilities through educational activities and life skill training. The identified issue was the need for opportunities that foster creativity and social-interaction. Research findings show nature-based art activities reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance social connections.
Aims: The purpose of this project is to increase community belonging and emotional well-being for adults with disabilities. After the participants will: (1) Discuss how art provides a method for self-expression, improves mood, and emotional well-being; (2) Describe how sensory art experiences to support relaxation, improve emotional regulation, and reduce anxiety; and (3) Complete a nature-based art activity to increase social interaction.
Methods: The group collected empty food cans at the UWF Nursing building. Art supplies and plastic plant inserts, so the cans could be utilized as planters, were donated by the team. An infographic was created to guide the activity, using color to express feelings.
Results: Sixty-five empty food cans were collected. There were two events: (1) participants created a personalized can, during a nature-based painting activity; and (2) each participant's art can was attached to the fence. Each of the displayed cans will be used as a flower pot. Additional cans were designed into the Capstone TEC logo to enhance the display. Feedback from both events was positive.
Conclusion: Art increases social interactions for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This project promoted creativity, emotional expression, and social interaction. Engaging in this nature-based activity enhanced participants’ emotional well-being and sense of community.

Introduction: Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. group homes provide care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This population is at risk for limited community integration and social inclusion due to a lack of connection in the community. Studies show art interventions provide a way to help adults with IDD reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental health.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to bring awareness to adults with IDD by increasing community awareness through a resident art exhibit, promoting self-expression and positive communication. The aim was to facilitate the creation of an art exhibit with resident-developed pieces of artwork and personal profiles to display in the community by December 2025.
Methods: The group organized the IDD Art for Awareness Exhibition to educate community members. The group facilitated the creation of resident artwork. An artist profile was created for each resident, using a set of questions to provide insight into each individual.
Results: The art exhibit was displayed at the UWF nursing building for 2 weeks, with 62 participants completing the survey. Survey results yielded 59 (95.2%) participants, indicating an increased awareness and understanding of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Qualitative feedback was positive.
Conclusion: Art can be used as a form of self-expression and a tool to bridge the gap between a population and the broader community, as evidenced by attendance and feedback. The exhibit fostered a connection and understanding, allowing for perception beyond appearances or behaviors, reducing stigma and promoting compassion.

Introduction: The Majella house is a non-profit maternity home for homeless pregnant women and their children. The identified problem was the cyclic effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Mothers with increased ACEs are at higher risk for intergenerational transmission of trauma due to learned behavior, stress, and coping challenges.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to provide education on the intergenerational impact of ACEs and positive parenting techniques. After the educational session participants will be able to: (1) Define ACEs; (2) Discuss the intergenerational impact of ACEs; and (3) Identify two effective therapeutic methods to manage anger or stress.
Methods: The group developed an educational seminar, Raising Babies, Raising Ourselves. The deliverables were an invitation, presentation, and pamphlet that included: Definition of ACEs, ACE screening test, intergenerational impacts, prevention, and positive parenting techniques. Health literacy was considered through the creation of all deliverables.
Results: The group hosted a seminar attended by six people which included the Majella House staff and mother that is staying at the house. The seminar led to engaging conversations about the lasting impacts of ACEs and prevention measures. Feedback was positive from the attendees. The Majella House plans to share the deliverables with incoming mothers to increase
awareness of ACEs.
Conclusion: Educating mothers about ACEs and positive parenting techniques can help break the trauma cycle, leading to safe and positive environments for children. This project provided deliverables to increase awareness and empower mothers with tools to foster healthier family environments and reduce long-term health risks.

Introduction: Alfred-Washburn Center is a volunteer ministry serving people who are homeless in Escambia County by providing assistance with everyday necessities. People experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk for hypothermia due to constant exposure to the elements during the cooler seasons. Research findings show people experiencing homelessness have a higher occurrence of cold weather injuries, hypothermia, and death due to exposure to the elements.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to increase awareness and measures to reduce the incidence of hypothermia for people who are homeless. After this educational intervention participants will be able to: (1) Discuss the risk for hypothermia; (2) Describe injuries related to hypothermia; and (3) List 3 measures to reduce the risk of hypothermia.
Methods: Collection boxes for cold weather clothing items were placed at multiple UWF campus locations. The deliverables included a wallet-sized card with information regarding warming shelters in Escambia county, warning signs of hypothermia, and ways to prevent hypothermia injuries. Readability and health literacy were taken into consideration.
Results: The group collected over 200 bennies in donations. Individual education on hypothermia prevention methods, warming centers, and cold weather accessories were provided to 110 participants. A majority of the participants stated they did not know about the warming centers in the county.
Conclusion: People who are homeless experience challenges during the winter due to exposure to low temperatures which can lead to hypothermia. This project helped address this need by delivering education and cold weather accessories to the clients at Alfred-Washburn.

Introduction: Bayview Senior Community Center serves adults 50 and over in Escambia County, offering a safe, supportive environment for social well-being. A needs assessment identified limited digital health literacy as an issue. Evidence shows older adults who use patient portals and related tools have improved health outcomes.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to educate older adults about the benefits of patient portals and medical identification (MID). After this educational event participants will (1) Discuss benefits of patient portals to manage health; (2) Identify three MID components that assist first responders; and (3) Demonstrate how to set up a MID in a cell phone.
Methods: The group designed three deliverables for the seminar: (1) Presentation titled Get the Scoop on Health Technology covering the importance of patient portals, MID, and setup; (2) Pamphlet titled Let’s Learn about Patient Portals with key information; and (3) Step-by-step instructions titled Medical ID “Setup Guide.” Plain language and large font were used to address health literacy.
Results: Nine participants attended the seminar and received educational materials and demonstrated understanding of medical ID components and patient portal use. All participants were assisted in successfully creating a medical ID on their smartphone. 9(100%) participants agreed the seminar was beneficial.
Conclusion: There is a gap between the aging population and technology. This project helped to empower older adults to use digital tools for safer, more independent health management. The model effectively promoted confidence, autonomy, and safety, and can be replicated to advance digital health equity.

-Evidence shows that long-term exposure to stress produces effects that alter brain function, neural pathways, the immune system, and STEM cell development.
-Stress is directly correlated with the physiological response of increased blood pressure and heart rate.
-Research findings show a correlation between stress ball usage and decreased stress scores.
-Research indicates that handgrip training may be an inexpensive and effective method of reducing systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure.
-Study findings show patients who squeezed a stress ball during angiography experienced noticeably lower pain and anxiety levels compared to those who received routine care.

Introduction: The Health and Hope Clinic offers healthcare services to the uninsured and medically underserved population in Escambia County, Florida. The identified problem was health literacy in regard to medication adherence. Study findings show an increased risk of hospitalization from lack of medication compliance and interventions such as pill organizers can improve compliance.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to educate clients at Health and Hope Clinic about the importance of medication adherence to improve health outcomes. After education, participants will be able to: (1) Discuss the difference between medication adherence and non-adherence; (2) List two benefits of medication adherence; and (3) Demonstrate proper setup, usage, and maintenance of pill organizers.
Methods: The deliverables included 55 pill organizers purchased by the group and an educational handout that contained: (1) Benefits of using a pill organizer; (2) Instructions on how to use and maintain a pill organizer; (3) Clinic contact information; and (4) Benefits of medication adherence.
Results: The education was piloted with 12 clients in the clinic. An informal survey of the pilot group yielded: 10(83.3%) had never used a pill organizer before; 11(91.66%) were able to identify the difference between medication adherence and non-adherence along with two benefits of medication adherence; and 8(66.66%) successfully demonstrated use of a pill organizer.
Conclusion: This project promoted and enhanced clients’ understanding of medication adherence. Pill organizers provide a simple tool to help clients take medications as prescribed, supporting positive health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Introduction: Gulf Coast Kid’s House (GCKH) is an organization that provides support for children and adults who have experienced abuse. The identified problem was the anxiety experienced by children during a sexual abuse physical exam. Research findings show a connection between childhood sexual abuse and negative experiences with gynecological exams.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to aid children in using adequate coping techniques when experiencing anxiety. After this educational activity participants will be able to: (1) Describe healthy coping strategies for dealing with anxiety; (2) Demonstrate deep breathing techniques; and (3) Use the “Stuffed Friends” toy as a coping tool.
Methods: The deliverables created for this project were: (1) “Stuffed Friends”both sew and crochet small stuffed animals; (2) Laminated labels with deep breathing instructions; and (3) “Hugs that Heal” infographic to raise awareness for childhood anxiety and coping mechanisms.
Results: The group created a total of 45 crochet and sewed “Stuffed Friends.” All group members were involved in the assembly of the “Stuffed Friends.” Feedback was very positive from the community partner. GCKH plans to use the deliverables as a coping tool to reduce the high levels of anxiety experienced by children after a sexual abuse exam, providing security and reassurance.
Conclusion: Stuffed animals can provide a sense of security and comfort for a child undergoing a stressful medical intervention. This project provided stuffed animals in combination with coping strategies which will hopefully provide the children at GCKH healthy ways to cope with their anxiety.

Introduction: The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH) serves the public health needs of people in the community. The identified problem was a lack of knowledge about the importance of an established primary care provider (PCP), resulting in increased emergency department (ED) visits. Patients with a PCP have improved chronic care management and preventative care.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to educate the people of Escambia County about the benefits of establishing a PCP. After this educational activity, patients will be able to: (1) Describe the role and purpose of a PCP; (2) Discuss the importance of establishment of a PCP in relation to improved health outcomes; and (3) Demonstrate how to find a PCP.
Methods: An educational pamphlet and trivia presentation were developed using Canva. The pamphlet was created with the intent to be distributed in the community. Health literacy and readability were considered with all deliverables.
Results: The group presented two times to the FDOH administrative staff. All recommendations and changes were implemented based on FDOH feedback. Feedback was positive and the plan is to show the trivia game in the waiting room after approval.
Conclusion: The mentorship with the FDOH administrative team allowed us to collaborate with healthcare providers who had real-world experience in addressing the challenges of creating accessible education for people with limited health literacy. The hope is that this project can help people establish a primary care provider, leading to reduced emergency visits and a healthier community.

Introduction: Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. (CALT) group home provides care for adults with extensive intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The identified problem was mental health challenges in this population are often misinterpreted due to limited communication and nontraditional symptom presentation. Research shows that sensory and calming interventions can reduce distress, improve coping, and foster emotional regulation. Aims: The purpose of this project is to provide adults with extensive IDD a sensory toolkit to promote recognition, calming, and emotional regulation. The aim is to provide CALT with one sensory toolkit containing five calming, disability friendly items to support group home residents in practicing self soothing and managing emotions by December 2025. Methods: Two evidence based deliverables were created: (1) Educational Binder: Includes nontraditional signs of depression and anxiety, de-escalation tips, and personalized resident preference pages from staff and resident interviews; and (2) Sensory Toolkit. Results: The group presented to eight residents and staff at Burgess. Residents showed a decrease in agitation and increased positive engagement after with the implementation of the calming playlist and sensory items. The site plans to place the profiles in the resident bedrooms to guide new staff. Conclusions: The project addressed the often unnoticed mental health challenges in adults with extensive disabilities through education and sensory based support. Residents benefited from accessible, calming activities that encouraged self regulation and reduced agitation. The project is sustainable and adaptable, providing a foundation Burgess Group Home can continue to build on to promote long term mental wellness.