DH Special Services
Education for the Activity Professional |
|
February 2026
|
|
Comfort Care at End of Life |
 One of the primary goals of the activity professional is to focus on living and opportunities to have a meaningful quality of life. Unfortunately, death and dying are unavoidable realities we often do not want to face. The end-of-life process is personal and emotional, requiring acknowledgement and understanding. Activity professionals play a critical—yet often underrecognized—role in supporting residents during their final stage of life. While the medical staff address physical symptoms, activity professionals continue to focus on quality of life, as well as emotional comfort and dignity as the life draws to a close.
Introducing newest NCCAP approved CE program
4 CE hours
|
Spring Conference Season Begins |
The National Association of Activity Professionals is hosting their annual convention in Chicago, Illinois this year from April 27th - 29th, 2025. Three days of great education, meeting vendors and lots of cammeraderie with activity professionals not only from the USA but the world!
It is spring convention season for many State activity associations. There are several states with information posted about their upcoming conferences. Check them out!
If you know of a workshop or conference scheduled, email the information and it will be posted on the Conference page.
Updated postings of on line training can be found on my Facebook page. NAAP and Linked Senior offer live webinars monthly. As a member of NAAP, you have access to a full library of on line education. |
Independent Study Library |
If you are looking for continuing education hours to meet certification standards but also to hone your skills, consider independent study. DH Special Services offers over forty programs which can be completed at your leisure, where ever you are. Topics include:
-Understanding and programming for persons living with dementia
-Specific activity approaches such as gardening, creative writing, and pet therapy
-Management practices and skills
Some of the programs are based on actual books which are mailed to the participant while other programs are sent via a link or on line learning system. Discounts are offered if departmental staff want to share a program or if you already own the book.
All programs are NCCAP approved and applicable to your renewal hours.
|
|
Standardized ADC Complete
|
|
NCCAP is now offering the Standardized ADC Complete course - which is a merged curriculum of MEPAP I and II course content. Individuals who complete this course and pass the national exam will attain Activity Director Certified.
This month - NCCAP is introducing an on demand, independent study "bridge" course for those who have completed MEPAP I and want to level change to ADC.
Both courses are offered in two formats.
-A live class virtual format (like ZOOM) with a live instructor teaching the lessons. This provides opportunities to interact with fellow students and the instructor. You can see the current schedule of classes on the NCCAP site.
-On demand, independent study LMS. You can start it at any time and complete it at your own pace. You can review information about this format on the NCCAP site. |
Alternate Paths to Certification |
 There are alternate paths to NCCAP certification which do not involve completing the MEPAP class. -Experiential path for those with more than five years of experience in activities with two years being activity supervisory experience. This path involves writing eight essays and passing the national exam.
-Professional equivalency path for those who are certified as AT-BT, MT-BT, CTRS, COTA, OTR, CPG or a LNHA. Applicants would also need one year of supervisory experience in activities. The final step would include passing the national exam.
Email if you need assistance determining your path to NCCAP certification.
|
|
~Facebook continues to be a great place for Activity Professionals to share success stories, ideas and resources. January showcased many ways the activity professional shared NAP Week.
~The latest listings of spring workshops and conferences are posted as they are scheduled. NAAP offers monthly live webinars which provide complimentary CE hours.
~ To catch these stories and more, you are invited to join the celebration of our profession and aging as well as receive the support of our members on my DH Special Services Facebook Group.
|
Here are some helpful Pinterest pages for the upcoming months.
Looking forward to Spring time fun!
|
|
 |
|
| | | |
