Amy J. Whatley

5 days ago | [YT] | 3

Amy J. Whatley

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

Amy J. Whatley

🚨 APPLY FOR LIHEAP NOW — FUNDS ARE DISAPPEARING FAST! 🚨

If you are a senior, person with a disability, veteran, caregiver, or low-income household, this is your reminder to apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) RIGHT NOW.

💡 LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills, but here’s the truth most people don’t hear:
👉 LIHEAP funds are LIMITED
👉 Once the money is gone, it’s gone
👉 Waiting could mean missing out completely
Every year, I hear from families who waited just a little too long — and were told “funds have been exhausted.”
📍 You must apply through your local agency (not Social Security, not Medicaid).
Use the official national LIHEAP directory to find where to apply in your state:

🔗 National LIHEAP Directory:
www.liheap.org/directory

⚠️ Some agencies require appointments
⚠️ Some only accept applications during certain months
⚠️ Some stop accepting applications early when funds run out
👉 Please don’t wait. Apply now — even if you’re not behind yet.
🙏 Share this post with someone who needs help keeping their lights or heat on.
— Amy

3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 2

Amy J. Whatley

💊 Did you know some seniors pay only $0–$5 for prescriptions?
Many don’t realize they qualify for Medicare “Extra Help.”
I explain this benefit in one of my recent videos—check it out 👇
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_3TT...

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Amy J. Whatley

Did you know some recent executive orders and policy proposals could roll back decades of disability rights progress?



Right now, a new congressional proposal aims to repeal Medicaid’s “IMD Exclusion” — that’s the Institutions for Mental Diseases rule.



This rule currently prevents federal Medicaid funds from being used for large institutions, which helps ensure that people with disabilities can live in the community instead of being forced into institutional settings.



If the IMD exclusion is repealed, billions of dollars could shift from home and community-based services (HCBS) to institutions — meaning less independence, fewer supports, and more pressure toward institutional living.



Advocates are warning:
“This move could undermine disability rights and the promise of inclusion.”

Executive orders and budget changes matter — they can quietly reshape how people with disabilities access care, housing, and support.



Watch my video to learn how certain executive orders and funding decisions could hurt people with disabilities — and what we can do to push back.



Question for you:
Do you think Congress should expand funding for institutions or protect home and community-based care?
Let’s talk in the comments.


#DisabilityRights #Medicaid #ExecutiveOrders #DisabilityAwareness #IMDExclusion #CommunityBasedCare #HCBS #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusionMatters

2 months ago | [YT] | 2

Amy J. Whatley

I will be back with another video soon, guys. I fell down my stairs, and I am still recovering.

3 months ago | [YT] | 2

Amy J. Whatley

Struggling to afford healthcare? You’re not alone. Many families don’t know that HRSA Health Centers provide low-cost and even free healthcare in communities across the U.S.

💻 I’ll show you step by step how to find one near you in my new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDyiY...

Don’t skip the care you need—help is closer than you think. 💙

#AffordableHealthcare #HRSA

3 months ago | [YT] | 3

Amy J. Whatley

IDEA: The Federal Law That Protects Your Child’s Right to Education and Services
Did you know that your child has the right to a free and appropriate education starting at birth—not just when they enter kindergarten?
Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities from birth through age 21 are entitled to support, services, and education designed to meet their unique needs.
Here’s the part many parents don’t realize:
If you have a baby or toddler with special needs, your school district may already have programs in place to help you. These services might include therapy, early intervention programs, and developmental support—and they’re all provided at no cost to you.
The process is simple:
1. Call your state’s Department of Education (or your local school district office).
2. Ask about early intervention services (for children under age 3) or special education services (for children age 3–21).
3. They will guide you through the next steps, including evaluations and an individualized plan for your child.
Too many families miss out on years of support because they don’t know this law exists. Don’t wait until your child is school-age—early help makes a huge difference.
Please share this post with other parents. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive, and IDEA ensures that right.

4 months ago | [YT] | 2

Amy J. Whatley

Hey there, new friends! I’m beyond grateful you’ve joined me here on this platform where education meets heart and advocacy gets loud. Whether you’re here to learn more about Medicaid, assistive technology, caregiving tools, or simply navigate complex systems with clarity—you’ve landed in the right spot.


I believe knowledge should be accessible, solutions should be community-driven, and stories should be shared. So let’s build something powerful together.


Stay tuned for new videos where we break things down, build each other up, and take action with compassion.
Thanks for being here—your presence truly matters.


—Amy

5 months ago | [YT] | 5

Amy J. Whatley

Reflections on Reviewing Secretary McMahon’s June 3 Hearing


As part of my ongoing review of Secretary Linda McMahon’s appearances before Congress, I’ve closely watched the June 3, 2025 hearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee. Here's why this session matters deeply for the future of education—especially for our children with disabilities:

1. The Department of Education Stands Strong

Despite the Trump administration's push for a substantial 15 % (~$12 billion) budget reduction, Secretary McMahon affirmed that the Department of Education remains operational and committed. While proposals aim to streamline federal oversight and empower states, the core functions of the department continue unabated.

2. Protecting Hard-Won Rights for Students with Disabilities
One of my key concerns was whether proposed funding changes might erode protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). During the hearing, Chair Capito explicitly affirmed the importance of IDEA, alongside Title I and CTE grants, as essential formula-based supports that should not be compromise. It’s encouraging to see bipartisan insistence that these vital programs—and the rights they secure—remain intact.

3. The Stakes Are High
The hearing's tone was clear and bipartisan: many senators across party lines questioned or criticized the proposed budget cuts. Their concern wasn’t just theoretical—these programs are lifelines for countless students with disabilities, low-income backgrounds, and educational challenges . The active resistance to undermining student protections gives me cautious hope that progress won’t be undone.

Bottom Line
• Yes, the Department of Education remains standing after June 3.
• No, the proposed cuts shouldn’t be taken lightly—but there’s determined Congressional determination to preserve IDEA rights and foundational student supports.
• Our collective vigilance and advocacy is essential. These rights weren’t easily earned—and they shouldn’t be lost now.

Watch It Yourself
You can view the full June 3 hearing, where these issues were discussed in depth, through this video:

Full Hearing: 'Which Planet Did You Parachute From?'- Trump's Education Secy Cornered In Senate Meet (1h 37m)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lO0e...


Speak Up and Stay Informed
If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate for students with disabilities, this hearing is a must-watch. Here's how you can stay involved:
• Follow legislation: Track the FY 2026 appropriations process. Encouraging voices on IDEA and special education are already making a mark.
• Reach out to lawmakers: Let your senators know you support strong funding for IDEA, Pell Grants, civil rights enforcement, mental health programs, and TRIO/GEAR UP.
• Stay engaged: This is just one hearing. More reviews and votes are on the horizon. Together, we can ensure no backsliding on student rights.


Let me know if you'd like a detailed breakdown of specific portions of this hearing—or transcript excerpts focused on IDEA or other critical programs.

6 months ago | [YT] | 2