$900 a Month for Independence: The Math That Doesn’t Add Up

Disability Awareness Month may have ended, but the reality behind the statistics hasn’t. In this episode of Unfiltered Resilience, Dawn Olson goes deeper into why awareness alone will never be enough — because right now, she’s living the consequences of a system that wasn’t built to support disabled people as they age, work, or try to stay independent.Dawn shares her personal case study in real time: navigating soaring Medicaid client shares, the loss of Medicaid buy-in at 65, the fear of losing long-time care providers, and the emotional toll of being penalized for working. She breaks down how well-intentioned programs fall apart with age limits, outdated asset caps, and policies that punish earning instead of empowering independence.With honesty, vulnerability, and her signature clarity, Dawn walks us through the steps she’s taking — from exploring special needs trusts to leaning on faith — and reminds us why disability employment awareness must lead to real systemic change.If you’re facing similar barriers, you’re not alone. And if you’re not disabled, you’ll finally understand what those barriers look like from the inside. It’s time for action, not just awareness.