Unfiltered Resilience: Dawn Olson's Journey

In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience , I’m sharing some deeply personal — and frankly, frustrating — experiences navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks, delays, or outright dismisses the concerns of people with disabilities. From a shoulder injury ignored for years, to a gallbladder issue no one wanted to take seriously, I talk about what it took to finally get the care I needed....

In this episode, Dawn Olson reflects on what “independence” truly means for someone living with a disability. Speaking from her own lived experience, she acknowledges the complexities of the term—recognizing how different levels of support and ability shape what independence looks like from person to person. She shares candid moments from her life—from her 30s to now—highlighting how her routine,...

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, host Dawn Olson unpacks the financial challenges that come with living with a disability—what she calls the “disability tax.” From hidden costs like time and transportation to overwhelming medical expenses and restrictive government program rules, Dawn shares how these realities have shaped her life and career. She also opens up about her work histo...

You know, there's this moment that happens sometimes. When you're facing what seems like an impossible barrier, and everything in you wants to turn around and walk away. I've been there. More times than I can count. In hospitals, in workplaces, in government offices with mountains of paperwork... Just trying to live my life with dignity and independence. I'm Dawn Olson, and I'v...

You know, there's this moment that happens sometimes. When you're facing what seems like an impossible barrier, and everything in you wants to turn around and walk away. I've been there. More times than I can count. In hospitals, in workplaces, in government offices with mountains of paperwork... Just trying to live my life with dignity and independence. I'm Dawn Olson, and I'v...