Daniel Olsen, a senior at Blackburn College, was a 2024 Michael Curry intern for the Office of Communications at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), learning about the empowering services the agency offers individuals with disabilities.
The state of Illinois’ Michael Curry Summer Internship Program allows college students to gain hands-on experience working in agencies under the governor’s office. During his internship with IDHS, Olsen contributed an article detailing his educational journey, which was featured on their website and included in the agency’s Stakeholder Newsletter. The piece, titled “A Legacy of Neurodiversity Pride,” reflects Olsen’s personal story and advocacy for neurodiversity awareness.
“As a neurodiverse college student, I have faced challenges — but also gratifying experiences throughout my education,” he wrote. “Before arriving at Blackburn, I was struggling in schools that lacked inclusive support. Adding to that, there was a time when I was not proud of being neurodiverse.”
During his internship, he visited Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services—part of the offerings managed by the IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)—which connect people with disabilities to resources so they can find and keep jobs. VR services can include guidance and counseling, job development services, assistive technology, and job placement and retention services.
“I am close to earning my degree at Blackburn College. It took me several years to finally be comfortable and find a space that was not only inclusive, but also gives me the tools to lead an independent life,” Olsen wrote. “My community needs to gain more equity and inclusion, and that is where the advocacy for and by myself and others comes in.”