Nicole Campoverde on Occupation Therapy and D’Youville University

Ever wonder how OT students are trained to support the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome? Nicole Campoverde has firsthand experience to share.

As a D’Youville OT graduate student from New York City, I’ve always been passionate about working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities. When I think about the question, “What does it mean to live a meaningful and independent life?”—to me, it means having the ability to engage in the everyday activities that bring purpose, joy, and connection. 

In occupational therapy practice, we focus on empowering individuals by meeting them where they are, understanding their goals, and supporting them as they build the skills needed.  It’s about creating opportunities for growth, fostering independence, and helping people participate fully in the roles and routines that matter most to them. Through my education and clinical experiences, I’ve seen how powerful occupation-based interventions can be in promoting independence, enhancing well-being, and improving quality of life. 

Occupational therapy is a holistic healthcare profession that focuses on helping people engage in everyday activities or “occupations”— that are significant to them. These may include self-care tasks, school or work responsibilities, social participation, play, leisure, and more!  OT practitioners consider the physical, emotional, cognitive, and sensory needs of each individual to help them overcome any challenges, build on their strengths, and achieve their goals with greater independence. 

D’Youville University offers a five-year BS/MS Occupational Therapy program, beginning with a Bachelor of Science and leading into a Master of Occupational Therapy. This integrated program combines classroom learning, hands-on lab experience, and two levels of clinical fieldwork. Fieldwork placements take place in diverse settings—such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community-based organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse. 

At GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo, my peers and I have had the opportunity to design and lead group-based programs for young adults with Down syndrome that support developing functional life skills and enhancing both mental and physical well-being. 

Each session is centered around goal setting, where participants identify their own interests and work towards breaking down their long-term goals into smaller achievable steps. We focus on building skills through hands-on activities like learning how to cook healthy meals,  preparing for a job,  improving social participation, and encouraging physical activity. Sessions also explore important topics like healthy relationships, setting personal boundaries,  role-playing scenarios and self-advocacy. From making nutritious meals to staying active with movement-based activities, each experience is designed to promote independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Across all of our work, our primary goal is to empower individuals to make their own choices, try new things, and develop the skills they need to live with purpose and independence. Watching participants celebrate their progress—no matter how big or small—reminds me why I chose this profession. Occupational therapy isn’t just about helping people do things, it’s about helping them discover what they’re capable of. 

GiGi’s Playhouse offers functional life skills programming every Monday morning, with sessions led by D’Youville OT students. Anyone interested in joining can register through the GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo Calendar. We’re also proud to collaborate with students and volunteers from other universities and healthcare fields, creating a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.

So the next time you visit GiGi’s Playhouse and see me—or any of the students lending their time and hearts—feel free to come over and say hello. We’re truly honored to be a part of your journey.