Climbing together: Increasing climbing gym staff self-efficacy and knowledge for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an evidence-based, occupational therapy manual

Aguilar, Yanely and Garewal, Seanna and Luu, Charles and McShea, Morgan (2024) Climbing together: Increasing climbing gym staff self-efficacy and knowledge for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an evidence-based, occupational therapy manual. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.

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Abstract

Participating in indoor rock climbing has demonstrated a multitude of benefits for individuals of all abilities who choose to climb for competition, for sport, or even to try something new. Even so, there is a notable gap in equipping traditional rock climbing environments to be fully accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), which could limit this population's participation and enjoyment of the activity. This study aims to create an evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) manual to provide training surrounding development and social engagement for individuals with IDD to increase the self-efficacy of climbing gym staff in interacting with these individuals. This study utilized an in-depth literature review to gather sources centered on educating gym staff to support climbers with IDD. The manual, included in the appendix, was created for individuals over 18 working in climbing gyms in Southern California. It introduces the IDD population, the benefits of rock climbing for individuals with IDD, a variety of proactive communication strategies, reactive strategies for coping and regulation, and opportunities to make climbing gyms even more accessible. A continuation of this project is necessary to disseminate the manual and determine its effectiveness in improving gym staff members’ self-efficacy and retention of the skills provided using the modified Teaching Students with Disabilities Efficacy Scale (mTSDES) and a knowledge check that we created.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: MSOTOC013
Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Depositing User: Kareena Yashko
Date Deposited: 31 Mar 2026 19:02
Last Modified: 31 Mar 2026 19:02
URI: http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/219

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