Continuing Education for Activity Professionals

Take charge of your career with continuing education.

 – KNOWLEDGE IS POWER – 

Elder Care
Professional Development Programs

Get the job you want with our professional development programs.

 – DEFINE YOUR PATH – 

Resources

We are the go to resource for activity professionals and elder care providers.

 – MAKE A DIFFERENCE – 

Welcome to DH Special Services

 

DH Special Services is dedicated to providing education for the activity professional working in the long term care continuum.  It was founded by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, MDEC, CTRS who has been serving the educational needs of activity professionals since 1984.

DH Special Services offers the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals through independent study as well as in the classroom setting in NJ.  The Modular Education Program, also known as the MEPAP, is a qualifying credential to become an NCCAP  certified activity professional.   The MEPAP provides the activity professional with a strong foundation of knowledge to be an activity director working with the elderly in nursing homes, assisted living communites as well as the adult day setting.The MEPAP is the state approved course in many states.

DH Special Services also offers a wide variety of continuing education programs, specically designed for the activity and recreation professional working in long term care.  DH Special Services is an approved NCCAP provider meaning all programs can be utilized for initial certification or renewal continuing education hours. The distance learning or independent study program library include topics on dementia, communication, leadership, activity programming, volunteers, documentation, pet therapy, resident council, and specific activity approaches such as horticulture therapy and reminiscing.

DH Special Services independent study or distance learning programs can be completed in the privacy of your home and at your own pace.  The programs are based on popular books utlized by the activity professional which can become part of your professional library.  The program is completed by reading the book and completing the accompanying coursework (pre and post test).  The certificate of completion is sent to the student once coursework is submitted.   All programs offer free shipping and 1-1 support as needed. The E-Learning Library is a new addition to the DH Special Services educational offerings.  These programs can immediately accessed, with the certificate being accessible upon completion.

 

 

 

I totally enjoyed the entire class.  The lessons were very well thought out. The assignments were interesting and beneficial to our program.   

I liked the content and totally immersed myself in completing the assignments. Debbie was the perfect instructor for me.  Although we never met in person, I feel like we know each other.  She always answered my emails right away, even on weekends and holidays!  She is very knowledgeable about course content.  I learned so much and cannot wait to put this information into active use.

Gina Hobbs

Debbie has a deep compassion for for the work that she does. I’m very grateful to have been one of her students. Because of Debbie, I was able to pursue my career goal as An Activity Director. Thank you Debbie for sharing your unselfish knowledge, time, patience, and wisdom with me.
Renea