Investment by researchers has been made, however, little research exists that systematically evaluates the effectiveness of occupational therapy (OT) interventions in equine assisted activities, and none have included interactive vaulting. Research that has been conducted has supported the use of equines in OT treatment sessions (hippotherapy) in increasing length of time engaged in activities, compared to conventional therapy as well as improvements in postural sway, adaptive behaviors, and participation. In addition, it has been found that children with visual impairments who participated in a 6-week EAT program demonstrated clinically significant changes in occupational performance and qualitative themes of peer interaction, taking on challenges and overall satisfaction with the program.~The gaps in research warrant investigation into the efficacy of this intervention in the development of executive functioning and social skills in children with disabilities. Further research needs to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of occupational therapy in this context. Occupational therapy interventions will be integrated into the existing program. Group interventions will target the emotional awareness and regulation, social skills, and use cognitive strategies to improve social interactions with peers and adults.
Occupational therapy services will be integrated into an interactive vaulting program which is an equine assisted activity. Children with disabilities ages 5-17 will participate. The objectives of this study are to determine the influence of a collaborative occupational therapy interactive vaulting program on the executive function and social participation in children with disabilities.