The objective of this capstone project is to expand the role of occupational therapy within the school-based setting and promote the overall well-being of children in special education through engagement in an outdoor hiking program. A comprehensive review of evidence and current literature is critqued to support the need for an innovative intervention within the school day to address the growing mental and physical health concerns of children in special education. An explanation of the global epidemic of the mental and physical health concerns in children is provided and the role of legislative role of schools to intervene is reviewed. Occupational Therapy theoretical constructs, Occupational Therapy Practice Framework-III, Centennial Vision, and Vision 2025 are discussed to demonstrate the role of occupational therapy within the school-setting, and in the mental and physical health of children. An evidence-based program is developed and presented through a comprehensive literature review. An explanation is provided for how the proposed program will be presented to the occupational therapy director with anticipation to present to various programs and districts serviced by The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED). The formal program proposal outlines the objectives, target population, needs assessment, evidence-based interventions, outcome measures, and budget analysis. Future implications are discussed to assist with maintenance and longevity of the proposel program.
