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Permission to Make a Mess: A Visit to The Process
At The Process, visitors have room to explore that middle. Everyone does not need to leave with an identical finished project. An experiment can lead somewhere unexpected. Making something can be worthwhile simply because you enjoyed making it.

Jennifer Bohne, MS, MBA, LPC, NCC
3 days ago3 min read


Giving Tuesday: A Call for Equity
Key Takeaways Giving Tuesday, reframed: It's not a one-off act of charity but a call to close longstanding gaps in inclusion, opportunity, and rights for people with IDD. Everyday inclusion matters: Accessible spaces, inclusive classrooms, fair employment, and genuine social connection are foundational to equity. Representation is lacking: People with IDD are underrepresented in media and often underpaid, underscoring the need for visibility and fair treatment. Justice gaps p
Progressive Lifestyles
6 days ago3 min read


The Biology of Feeling Safe: How a Culture of Gentleness supports nervous system regulation
A person can be sitting in a familiar home, surrounded by people who care about them, with no visible danger anywhere in the room—and still feel unsafe. Everything may look calm to the people around them while their body is already preparing to respond to a threat. Psychological safety is experienced both emotionally and physically. To understand why someone can be objectively safe without feeling safe, it helps to understand the autonomic nervous system and the role it plays

Jennifer Bohne, MS, MBA, LPC, NCC
Sep 184 min read


People are the mission. Trust is how the work gets done.
Trust is how employees get confident enough to grow, take ownership, solve problems, and do exceptional work. It is how customers become loyal, how teams become resilient, how leaders earn credibility, and how organizations become more than a collection of job descriptions and org charts.

Jennifer Bohne, MS, MBA, LPC
Sep 72 min read


Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future: Disability History and Awareness Month
Key Takeaways The disability rights movement began in 1960 alongside the broader civil rights movement, leading to landmark laws like the Architectural Barriers Act (1968), the Rehabilitation Act (1973), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). Grassroots youth advocacy in states like West Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington helped establish October as a dedicated time for teaching disability history in schools. Missouri's House Bill 555 (2011) officially designat
Progressive Lifestyles
Sep 13 min read


Why America Needs Better Disability Journalism
Key Takeaways Disability is common, but coverage isn't. One in four US adults has a disability, yet the population remains underrepresented in the media. Bad framing does harm. Media often portrays disabled people as objects of pity or "inspirational" heroes, rather than as full, complex individuals. Real stories are going uncovered, including the Medicaid funding crisis, healthcare discrimination, overcriminalization, employment barriers, and lack of sex education access. Re
Progressive Lifestyles
Sep 13 min read


Join Us at Topgolf on September 18!
About Us | Tickets | Sponsor Ready to Get in the Game? Friday September 18, 2026 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM Topgolf Auburn Hills No golf experience is needed! Your ticket includes three hours of Topgolf play, food, and one premium drink ticket. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in our silent auction and help raise critical funds to support the people and homes served by Progressive Lifestyles. Tickets are $150 per person, or gather a group and reserve a 6- person V

Jennifer Bohne, MS, MBA, LPC, NCC
Aug 251 min read


Why Non-Office Jobs Are More Fun and Rewarding
Key Takeaways Non-office jobs boost physical health with more fresh air, movement, and less eye strain than desk work. They offer variety and engagement: hands-on tasks prevent boredom and build dexterity. DSP work offers flexible scheduling, ideal for students or anyone balancing other commitments. DSP roles build transferable skills, including communication, crisis management, and problem-solving abilities that are valued across careers. The work is deeply meaningful; DSPs
Progressive Lifestyles
Aug 63 min read


Celebrating Value and Talent: National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026
Key Takeaways NDEAM has deep roots, evolving from a weeklong tribute in 1945 to a full month in 1988, and it's been led by ODEP since 2001. The 2026 theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent." NDEAM is a yearly touchpoint for employers to renew their commitment to inclusive hiring and workplace policies. Inclusive job postings matter: focusing on essential functions rather than specific abilities helps avoid discouraging qualified candidates. Workers with non-apparent disabilit
Progressive Lifestyles
Aug 63 min read


How Volunteering Can Help Your Career
Key Takeaways Volunteering allows you to explore new industries and career paths with minimal risk. It helps you build valuable workplace skills, including leadership, communication, and teamwork. Service can expand your professional network and create new career opportunities. Volunteer experience strengthens resumes and helps candidates stand out to employers. Giving your time can benefit both your community and your long-term professional growth. Many people volunteer beca
Progressive Lifestyles
Jul 63 min read


The Surprising Wellness Benefits of Volunteering
Key Takeaways Volunteering can improve mental health by reducing stress, boosting mood, and increasing feelings of purpose and accomplishment. Research links volunteering to better physical health, including lower blood pressure, improved mobility, and greater longevity. Giving your time helps build meaningful relationships and stronger connections to your community. Volunteer opportunities that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) help
Progressive Lifestyles
Jul 63 min read


Disability Pride Month: How to Support People With IDDs
Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the contributions, identities, and civil rights of people with disabilities. The observance also commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, a landmark civil rights law designed to protect disabled Americans from discrimination. Disability pride is not about having something to “overcome.” Instead, it encourages people to recognize disability as a natural part of human diversity and to
Progressive Lifestyles
Jun 33 min read


Nursing Careers That Offer Purpose, Flexibility, and Growth
Nursing offers far more career flexibility than many people realize. These professionals can pursue specialties in hospitals, schools, private homes, clinics, community organizations, and leadership settings. This wide range of options allows people to find nursing career paths that align with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Registered Nurse Roles in Hospitals Many nurses begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs) in hospitals, where they gain experience
Progressive Lifestyles
Jun 33 min read


Understanding SSI Asset Limits for Adults With Disabilities
For families supporting adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a vital source of financial support. However, SSI is a needs-based program, which means eligibility depends not only on income, but also on what a person owns. What Are SSI Asset Limits? The Social Security Administration sets strict limits on “countable resources,” also called assets. These include things like cash, bank accounts, stocks, and other
Progressive Lifestyles
May 83 min read


Understanding SSI and SSDI for Adults With IDDs
For families supporting an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs), two federal programs often come into play: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While both provide financial support for people with disabilities, they work in very different ways. Here’s an introduction to SSDI vs. SSI benefits. What SSI Is and Who It Helps Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program designed for people with disabi
Progressive Lifestyles
May 83 min read


Accessible Summer Vacation Ideas for Families With Special Needs Adults
Planning a summer vacation that meets everyone’s needs can feel overwhelming, but more destinations than ever are prioritizing accessibility accommodations and inclusion. With the right mix of preparation and choice of location, families with adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) can enjoy meaningful, low-stress travel experiences. Here are some family vacation ideas with special needs members in mind. What to Look For Before choosing where to g
Progressive Lifestyles
Mar 313 min read


National Barrier Awareness Day: How Communal Living Empowers Adults With Special Needs
May 7 is National Barrier Awareness Day , an observance established to recognize and remove the obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in community life. There are several types of common barriers to inclusion in society, including: Physical barriers, such as inaccessible housing or transportation Communication barriers that limit access to information Attitudinal barriers, such as stigma or discrimination Policy and systemic barriers that r
Progressive Lifestyles
Mar 313 min read


Standing Up for Community Living: What Families Need To Know About the Federal Integration Mandate
People with disabilities should be able to live, work, and receive services in their communities. This is not just a preference; it’s the foundation of safety, dignity, and independence. The integration mandate under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act protects that foundation. As legal and political challenges emerge, understanding what this mandate does and why it must be defended is more important than ever. What Is the Section 5
Progressive Lifestyles
Mar 63 min read


What Special Needs Parents Should Know About the 2026 ABLE Act Expansion
Starting on January 1, 2026, Congress expanded the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act to broaden who can open an ABLE account and help more people with disabilities save for their future. These changes were enacted as part of federal legislative updates and represent the most significant ABLE Act revision since the program began in 2014. Core Features of ABLE Accounts ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings vehicles designed for people with disabilities. ABLE a
Progressive Lifestyles
Mar 63 min read


Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2026: Recognition, Challenges, and Progress
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month ( DDAM ) is observed each March in the United States to draw attention to the experiences, rights, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities and to promote inclusion and understanding across communities. The month encourages public education, advocacy, respect for individual rights, and opportunities for people of all abilities to participate fully in society. Understanding Developmental Disabilities Developmental
Progressive Lifestyles
Feb 33 min read
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