With the ongoing government shutdown, the massive layoffs within the Department of Education, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and the Office of Special Education Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) are virtually non-existent. This is still part of the ongoing efforts of the Trump administration to bring about the complete destruction of the Dept. of Education in an effort to bring the choice (and funding) back to the states.

What this means to parents of students with disabilities is that there is currently NO federal oversight happening to ensure your child's rights are being upheld. This video addresses your concerns regarding individualized education plans (IEPs), IDEA, and FAPE. Stay with me near the end when I go over what you CAN do as a parent!

It's important that we take these next few stages very seriously and cautiously, but not alone.

#trumpadministration #departmentofeducation #specialeducation #governmentshutdown #educationlaw #parentinghelp Article Referenced:

https://adayinourshoes.com/osep/ -- please go read it!

Timestamps:

0:29 Is Your Child's IEP Still Valid Today?

1:15 What is OSEP?

2:51 IDEA & Educational Law

4:14 What Happened to Educational Law?

4:56 How Did We Get Here? [History of US Dept of Ed] // Culture Wars & Voting Against Your Interests // Trump's Executive Order

8:09 What Happens Next?

9:24 What Can Parents and Educators Do?

** I promise I'm not becoming a political podcast. However, this cannot be left alone. **

I'm sharing a critical breakdown of the recent, massive firings at the U.S. Department of Education's special education offices. I believe these cuts signal a looming crisis for some of the nation's most vulnerable students.

In this deep-dive, I analyze the immediate and long-term consequences of these sudden staff reductions, with a focus on the offices that enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Here's why I think you need to watch this now:

Students with Disabilities (SWDs): With the staff in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) decimated, my biggest concern is: Who is left to provide the necessary oversight to ensure states and Title I schools are complying with federal law and delivering a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?

I explain how this diminished federal capacity could leave millions of disabled students without the mandated services and civil rights protections they are entitled to.

Low-Income Students & Families: I also found that the cuts extend to the offices that administer Title I funding, which is the largest source of federal support for high-poverty schools. I analyze how this disruption could hinder grant oversight, delay reimbursements, and ultimately impact the quality of education and support programs for low-income students who rely on these critical resources.

My Insight on the Intersection: I want to emphasize that this crisis is magnified for the many students who are both low-income and have disabilities. I detail what parents, educators, and advocates I believe need to know to protect their rights and resources moving forward.

Don't let these crucial changes go unnoticed. Hit subscribe so I can keep you updated with essential information and advocacy tools. #specialeducationlaw #departmentofeducation #trumpnews #currentevents

Timestamps:

0:00 Another Massive Round of Layoffs within the Department of Education! [OSEP & OSERS]

0:41 What is Title 1 & Who Qualifies?

2:11 Immediate Impact of Dept. of Ed. Layoffs [IDEA]

4:33 Are We Returning to Pre-Civil Rights Times for Disabilities?

7:45 We Cannot Become Complacent with These Changes

Hey folks! This episode is video I just uploaded to my YouTube channel, but I want to share it here too because of the absolute importance of what is happening right now. I don't normally go into these topics for a variety of reasons, but potential cost and damage to American schools and students with disabilities cannot be overlooked.

Please watch and let me know what you think!

I investigated the radical plan by Donald Trump and RFK Jr. to dismantle the Department of Education, and what I found is a direct threat to special education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan, you must watch this now. I break down exactly how the proposed shift of special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the push for "no strings attached" block grants will gut the protections guaranteed under IDEA funding. This isn't just a political shake-up—it's an existential crisis for millions of students with disabilities.What I Cover in This Emergency Report:The Blueprint: I reveal the specific policy proposals (from Project 2025 and administration statements) that target the US Department of Education's ability to enforce IDEA compliance.The RFK Jr. Factor: What does placing special education under an HHS led by RFK Jr. really mean for the future of your child’s individualized education program (IEP) and the $14+ billion in federal funding?The Block Grant Threat: I explain how converting special education grants into "no-strings-attached" block grants could strip away critical FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) and LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) safeguards.My Call to Action: I share immediate, actionable steps you can take right now to advocate for the continuation of special education services and protect the law that has guaranteed disabled students an education for nearly 50 years.Don't let them quietly undo decades of civil rights progress. I'm fighting for transparency on this issue, and I need your help to get the word out.#Trump #RFJkr #SpecialEducation #Studentswithdisabilities

This is episode one of my series called "Short Story Long!" Essentially, I'm going to tell you a story that has no business being this long with a lot more details because I have ADHD! Speaking of ADHD, these stories are tied to my experiences and symptoms of ADHD. This first episode deals with my (well-intended) impulsive purchase for my wife. To say that I was both underwhelmed by the quality but also highly amused by the ridiculousness of this purchase is captured in this video. If you struggle with impulsive shopping, please share your experiences in the comments! #adhdstruggles #adhdhelp #adhdselfimprovement

Hey! It's another episode of ADHD in a HURRY! This one is a video podcast.

Today's episode is inspired by my own mortality. I'm going to be 40 years old next March, so I've been thinking about what I've learned so far and combined some major talking points into this episode. If you are a teenager, young adult, or even in your 30s, I would invite you to listen/watch and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

In this episode I talk about having ADHD in your teenage years: why it's important to try on different roles and responsibilities to find your passions which bolster your strengths. I also talk about having ADHD in your 20s and how this can cause some people to feel a sense of dread regarding their overall progress in life, but also some important perspectives too! Lastly, I talk about having ADHD in your 30s, a decade where learning about your authentic self, finding contentment and applying what you've learned to reach out to younger generations.

#adhdhelp #adhdteenagers #adhdadulthood

Timestamps:

0:19 ADHD in Adolescence: Finding Authenticity and Purpose

10:11 ADHD in Your 20s: Finding Your Calling and Contentment

16:47 ADHD in Your 30s: Feeling Established in Life and Generativity

Hey, folks! Dustin here, your host of ADHD in a HURRY! Welcome or welcome back.

Today's episode focuses on your self-talk systems as an ADHDer and the POWER you have to take control over what you believe, think, and feel. Yes, YOU!

• I break down what self-talk is and why it tends to skew negatively for people with ADHD.
• Even though my strategies are "common sense" they do require a concerted effort on your part.
• I have three primary strategies that you can use along with real-world examples and applications.

I humbly request that you listen through, give this episode a positive rating (if I earned it), leave a comment, follow, and/or share it with someone else that can benefit from it!

Music: Ben Backus | IG |

Me: Website | Fiverr | IG

Chapters:

1:01 Self-talk Outlined

4:52 Why Do We Skew to the Negative?

8:27 There's a Catch to This!

10:01 Strategy 1 - Catch Your Critic

15:20 Strategy 2 - Reframe, Not Replace

18:07 Strategy 3 - Borrow A Brain

20:56 Outro

#adhd #adhdbrains #selftalk #adhdmentalhealth

Hello, folks! It's another episode of ADHD in a HURRY!

Today's episode is focusing on the effectiveness of punishment for people with ADHD.

Punishment often fails people with ADHD, and I want to explain why:

My personal belief, backed by psychological research, is that it's an ineffective and often harmful tool for managing a brain that's wired differently.

I'll dive into operant conditioning, a term popularized by the famous psychologist B.F. Skinner. I'll explore how his theories on reinforcement and punishment can help us understand why traditional consequences just don't work for ADHD brains.

I'll get into the specifics of why impulsivity isn't a choice, why delayed punishments feel so random, and how constant negative feedback can erode self-esteem.

I'll also break down what actually works, shifting the focus from punishment to positive reinforcement and proactive strategies.

Think of it as a guide to building a system that helps, not hurts. You'll hear about why immediate rewards are key, how to set up an environment for success, and why teaching skills is more effective than simply doling out consequences.

My goal is to challenge the outdated idea that "tough love" is the answer and instead show you a compassionate, evidence-based approach that creates real, lasting change. This is for anyone who has felt like they're in a losing battle with an ADHD brain—whether it's your own or someone you love.

Music: Ben Backus | IG

My Services: ADHD Body Doubling | Academic Support in College

Chapters:

0:00 Start

2:27 Punishment [Operant Conditioning] Defined

4:53 Outlining ADHD

9:53 Punishment Aversion and ADHD

11:22 Promoting Alternative Skills [Punishment Doesn't]14:28 Identifying Emotions and Expressing Feelings

19:02 Skill Development

In this video, I'm tackling a difficult but crucial topic: why criticism can be so incredibly challenging for me as someone with ADHD. I'll break down the key factors that contribute to this struggle, including:

• Emotional Dysregulation: The intense emotional highs and lows I can experience before, during, and after an argument or critical feedback.
• Communication Difficulties: How my ADHD symptoms can make it hard for me to articulate my feelings and be understood during a conflict.
• The Micromanagement Trap: Why being micromanaged is especially tough for my ADHD brain and how it can feel like a constant evaluation.
• Being "Outside the Box": The unique struggles I face wanting to do things differently in environments that promote more conventional methods.
• Feeling Constantly Evaluated: The exhausting sensation of being under a microscope and the impact it has on my self-worth.

If you have ADHD, or you're a loved one trying to understand these challenges, this video offers insight and validation.

Chapters:

0:00 ADHD & Criticism

2:50 Your Mindset Opens or Closes The Door to Outcomes

5:00 All-or-Nothing Thinking

7:00 Push Through Those First Few Minutes!

8:50 Feeling "Evaluated" When Completing Tasks

#adhd #adhdhelp #adhders #neurodiversityaffirming

In this episode, I'm tackling some of the most common and frustrating misconceptions about ADHD. It's more than just being "easily distracted" or "hyperactive," and the stereotypes can be damaging and isolating for those who have it.Watch as I break down harmful phrases and ideas like:"Just try harder": We'll explain why it's not a matter of willpower, but rather a difference in brain function."You're so smart, why can't you focus?" Let's dive into how ADHD impacts executive functions and why intelligence isn't a shield against it."Your disorganization means you're irresponsible." Let's uncover the link between ADHD and organizational challenges, and why it's not a sign of laziness."Why don't you think before you speak?" I discuss the impulsivity that often comes with ADHD and how it affects communication."ADHD is only for kids." It's not. Let's talk about the reality of adult ADHD and why so many adults are only now receiving a diagnosis.This episode is for anyone who has ADHD, loves someone with ADHD, or just wants to understand the condition better. We hope to dispel myths, offer a new perspective, and foster a more compassionate conversation about neurodiversity.---LINKS---Hire me to be your body double today! https://www.fiverr.com/s/e650gykHire me for academic mentoring in higher education! https://www.fiverr.com/s/xX6GGNqAll my links! https://linktr.ee/PCH.edconsultant?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Hey, folks! Another episode of ADHD in a HURRY! Hosted by me, Dustin Horvath.

Today's episode focuses on the topic of men and their mental health, including ADHD and undiagnosed ADHD. We're seeing more and more men who are taking the "road less traveled" but seeking out help, but still a shockingly large amount who do not, and the devastating outcomes for those who do not reach out for help.

As men, we're ALLOWED to reach out for help and seek support. The mask of masculinity IS slipping, but I am going to continue to remind others of this for as long as I can.

Listen through this episode if you need help with/want to know more about:

• Impact of men's mental health on overall health.
• Impact of undiagnosed ADHD on mental health.
• Why men struggle to reach out.
• What we can do to break down those barriers.

The music is from my friend Ben Backus -- send him some love.

Timestamps:

0:00 Resiliency from Tragedy

3:01 Today's Topic: Mask of Masculinity is Slipping

5:07 Reaching Out for Help

7:33 The Dangers of Silence

10:58 Emotional Dysregulation

12:14 Undiagnosed ADHD/Symptoms Overlooked

14:00 Barrier to Support/Breaking Them Down