HICKMAN LOWDER EVENTS
2025 EVENTS
Understanding Special Education Procedural Safeguards
04/10/2025 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://tinyurl.com/3jhf9uvp
Presented by: The Learning Disabilities Association of Ohio (LDA of Ohio) and Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Ohio and Hickman Lowder are hosting a free workshop for parents who have children with IEPs. Developed by Parent Advocate Mary Jo O’Neill, M.Ed. of Hickman Lowder, it aims to help parents better understand their rights as outlined in the Ohio Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education: Special Education Procedural Safeguards Notice.
Trustee School: Administering a Special Needs Trust
03/08/2025 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs & Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1145815487969?aff=oddtdtcreator
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Hickman Lowder is dedicated to ensuring successful administration of the trusts that we draft for your family members with special needs. This includes educating your successor trustees so they are prepared to successfully administer the trust you have established. Please join us for a discussion about what it means to administer a trust. The following topics will be covered:
- Trustee responsibilities, including taxation and reporting requirements
- Government benefits basics and how trust administration can impact those benefits
- Using care managers to ensure quality of life
2024 EVENTS
The Peace Plan – Using Science to Manage Big Emotions
10/23/2024 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1015437780737?aff=oddtdtcreator
Presented by: Budding Yoga & Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Learning to manage big emotions takes practice. Connie Morris, founder of Budding Yoga, and Hickman Lowder attorney Janet Griffith, invite you to a free webinar presentation that explores how you and your loved ones can make mindful choices that build awareness, grow confidence, and develop independence.
The ABCs of IEPs
10/10/2024 | 12 pm – 1 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/calendar/2024/10/10/parent-speaker-series-qualifying-for-special-education-services
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Are you questioning whether your child is eligible for special education services? Join Hickman Lowder Special Education Advocate Mary Jo O’Neill on October 10th at 1pm for a virtual presentation about the fundamentals of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the special education process.
Deep Dive into the IEP & the Special Education Process for Dyslexia (In-Person)
09/26/2024 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: In-Person at the Rocky River Library, 1600 Hampton Rd, Rocky River, OH
Registration required at: https://www.neodyslexia.com/events
Presented by: NEO Dyslexia Family Network & Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Join Mary Jo O’Neill, Special Education Advocate, as she dives into Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). She will discuss eligibility requirements, the IEP process, and the elements of a strong IEP, including communication and behavior support. Other related school supports will also be covered during this presentation, such as 504 plans, Evaluation Team Reports (ETRs), qualifying for extended school year services, securing Peterson or Autism Scholarship funds, and managing specialized instruction within Catholic or private school settings. We hope that each attendee leaves the session with a better understanding of the special education process for children living with Dyslexia.
Supporting Your Child in School (In-Person)
09/16/2024 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: In-Person at Lee Road Branch of Heights Library, Cleveland Heights, OH
Registration required at: http://rb.gy/e2dlud
Presented by: Adoption Network Cleveland & Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Adoption Network Cleveland and Hickman Lowder present “Supporting Your Child in School,” a free in-person educational talk on September 16th at 5:30pm in Cleveland Heights. Learn about IEP, 504s, interventions, social-emotional support, and more for pre-k and school-aged children. Dinner and child care provided.
2024/2025 Elder Law Talk Series –
Aging in Ohio: Navigating the Legal Maze
10/08/2024 – 01/07/2025 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Medicaid Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://rb.gy/ws3uhd
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Join us as we cover legal topics in Elder Law and estate planning that will help you live your best life and leave a legacy.
10/08/2024 | Your Future Starts Now: 5 Steps to Proactively Plan for Long-Term Care
Hosts: Attorney Ethan A. Welch
Planning for long-term care is a wise move! 70% of adults over the age of 65 will require long-term service and supports according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. But many people underestimate the costs and are not prepared for this eventuality with the appropriate legal documents in place. Too often we meet with clients who avoid discussing long-term care options until it is too late and their options become limited.
Join us as we discuss how your family can take charge, assess your potential future needs, and develop a financial and legal plan for the years ahead. This session will include an in-depth look at legal documents that are needed to ensure that your wishes are crystal clear and carried out by those you entrust to act on your behalf. It might sound overwhelming, but it’s like putting together a puzzle where each piece is a step towards a secure future.
11/12/2024 | Do I Qualify for Medicaid? Breaking Down Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
Hosts: Attorney Elena A. Lidrbauch and Attorney George O. Aljoe
You may be questioning whether you or a loved one qualifies for Medicaid. It can be confusing because eligibility requirements change all the time. But staying up to date on the latest Medicaid rules is important for your long-term planning. It’s like having the most current map for your journey—it ensures you’re on the right path.
Join us as we discuss the current Medicaid qualification guidelines on factors such as income limits, asset limits, and household composition, and programs tailored to specific groups, such as the aged, blind, and disabled. We will also cover Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It may feel complicated and confusing, but we are here to break it all down for you.
12/10/2024 | The ABC’s of Legal Competence, Surrogate Decision Making & Establishing Guardianship
Hosts: Attorney Helen L. Rapp
Are you concerned that your loved one doesn’t have the mental capacity to manage their own life? It’s crucial to plan ahead, discuss preferences, and document wishes through legal tools, in case they are unable to make their own decisions now or in the future.
Join us as we discuss legal mechanisms that support surrogate decision-making through documents like a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will. These documents can guide decisions based on the person’s previously expressed wishes. We will also explore establishing guardianship, where a court appoints someone (a guardian) to make personal or financial decisions for an individual who is deemed incapacitated. Like a roadmap, these tools can provide clarity and direction during challenging times.
01/07/2025 | Protecting Your Home and Assets from Medicaid Estate Recovery
Hosts: Attorney Ethan A. Welch and Attorney George O. Aljoe
What happens to your home if you require Medicaid coverage? For many people, their home is their most valuable asset that they own, not to mention that family members may still be living there. When it comes to protecting your home and assets from Medicaid estate recovery, there are many strategies you should consider.
Join us as we discuss the federal and state rules relating to liens and estate recovery so you can navigate questions about long-term care. We will discuss shielding your assets from Medicaid recovery by establishing an Irrevocable Trust; the complex rules behind gifting or transferring of assets to family members before entering a nursing home; and finally, ways to ensure that the spouse remaining at home has enough resources. We will help you understand your options and hopefully provide peace of mind in knowing that your future is secure.
Trustee School: Administering a Special Needs Trust
06/15/2024 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs & Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://rb.gy/64h7ut
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Hickman Lowder is committed to guaranteeing the effective management of the trusts we create for your family members with special needs, and this includes educating your future trustees. We invite you to attend a complimentary webinar where we will clarify the responsibilities of trust administration.
Trustee School: Administering a Special Needs Trust
03/09/2024 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs & Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trustee-school-administering-a-special-needs-trust-tickets-814207776377
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Hickman Lowder is dedicated to ensuring successful administration of the trusts that we draft for your family members with special needs. This includes educating your successor trustees so they are prepared to successfully administer the trust you have established. Please join attorneys Ethan A. Welch, George O. Aljoe, and Helen L. Rapp for a discussion about what it means to administer a trust. The following topics will be covered:
- Trustee responsibilities, including taxation and reporting requirements
- Government benefits basics and how trust administration can impact those benefits
- Using care managers to ensure quality of life
2023-24 SPED Talk Series: Resources and conversation about special education
12/06/2023 – 5/8/2024 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://rb.gy/xqt58d
Presented by: Hickman Lowder
Join Hickman Lowder special education attorney Janet F. Griffith and advocate Mary Jo O’Neill for a monthly webinar series that explores resources, sparks conversation, and empowers you with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for your child at school.
12/6/23 – Autism, School Supports, and the Autism Scholarship
(Guest: Taylor Boggs, Galvin Therapy Center)
Did you know that Ohio’s autism scholarship requirements recently changed? The scholarship program is one of many supports available to children with autism. Navigating these supports can be daunting particularly because a child’s needs vary based on their profile and any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADD, ADHD and sensory. Join us, and guest speaker Taylor Boggs from Galvin Therapy Center, as we explore autism and available supports including 504 Plans, IEPs, and the autism scholarship program.
Recording: https://youtu.be/tYm2slSZI6I
Presentation Slides: Slides for Autism Supports
1/17/24 – Help Needed? When to Seek Support for Your Child
(Guest: Staff from Disability Rights Ohio)
It is often difficult for parents to decide whether to seek additional assistance for their child. Join us as we discuss how to gauge your child’s behavioral, social-emotional, and academic well-being as well as when and where to go for help. We will share information about community resources such as Help Me Grow and the Developmental Disabilities Board. Finally, we will discuss the process for obtaining supports in school such as informal intervention and supports, 504 Plans, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
2/7/24 – Supporting ADHD and ADD in School & College
Children with executive functioning difficulties, such as ADD and ADHD, may struggle with various symptoms including focus, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, emotional regulation, time management, organization, and starting/completing a task. Identifying children with ADD and ADHD can be tricky because behaviors may seem developmentally appropriate at first and the condition often presents differently in girls and boys. In this session, we will discuss the symptoms of executive dysfunction, school supports including a 504 Plan, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and college level supports.
2/28/24 – Unique Behaviors & Social and Emotional Needs in the Classroom
(Guest: Dr. Jay Berk)
The pandemic had a social-emotional impact on many children due to virtual learning and the prolonged isolation from friends, family, and society. This impact may be greater for children with underlying conditions. Some students quietly internalize their struggles while others externalize resulting in concerning behaviors. Join us and special guest Dr. Jay Berk to learn how to help your child with behavioral and/or social-emotional needs through therapy and school supports such as 504 Plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans.
3/13/24 – Helping Your Struggling Reader
This fall, Ohio’s new dyslexia law went into effect. School districts must screen all students for dyslexia in grades K-3 and, upon request by a parent, screen students in grades 4-6. Every student learns to read at their own pace which makes it difficult for parents to discern when their student is struggling and needs additional support. During this presentation, we will discuss Ohio’s Dyslexia Law, how to recognize a struggling reader, and the various supports for reading both in and out of school
4/10/24 – Supporting Your Preschool Aged Child
Early intervention is critical when a child has a delayed developmental milestone or skill. Join us as we discuss when to ask for help, the Help Me Grow process, and the transition from preschool to kindergarten. Help Me Grow Early Intervention is a statewide system that provides coordinated early intervention services to families of eligible children.
4/16/24 – How Can Assistive Technology Help Your Student?
(Guest: Sophia Loferski Baskin, Helianthus Technologies, LLC)
Assistive technology are tools that can help students work around challenges related to their disability. There are a variety of methods such as communication devices for nonverbal students, speech-to-text for writing struggles and text-to-speech for students with reading challenges. Join our special guest, Sophia Loferski Baskin of Helianthus Technologies, LLC to discuss all things assistive technology.
5/8/24 – Transition Planning and College Supports
(Guest: Staff from Disability Rights Ohio)
Transition and future planning are important aspects of a student’s IEP as they work toward adulthood. When the student turns 16, the focus shifts from coursework to transition services including those provided by other agencies such as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the Department of Developmental Disabilities. Join us and staff from Disability Rights Ohio as we guide you through the process of preparing an effective transition plan that gives your student a strong foundation for post-secondary life.
2023 Events
Importance and Understanding of Executive Functioning for Your Special Needs Child
02/07/2023 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Julie Billiart Schools Lyndhurst Campus & Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/calendar/2023/02/07/february-7-2023–importance-and-understanding-of-executive-functioning-for-your-special-needs-child
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder
Executive function and self-regulation skills enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. For children with special needs, these skills don’t always come naturally. It’s important to find the right environment that will nurture your child, offer them guidance, and give them the tools they need for their future. In this session, our experts will take a deeper dive into executive functioning to set you up, as their caregiver, for success!
Trustee School: Administering a Special Needs Trust
02/25/2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs & Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/520536206807
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Hickman Lowder is dedicated to ensuring successful administration of the trusts that we draft for your family members with special needs. This includes educating your successor trustees so they are prepared to successfully administer the trust you have established.
Please join attorneys Ethan A. Welch, George O. Aljoe, and Helen L. Rapp for a discussion about what it means to administer a trust. The following topics will be covered:
- Trustee responsibilities, including taxation and reporting requirements
- Government benefits basics and how trust administration can impact those benefits
- Using care managers to ensure quality of life
Alphabet Soup – What Benefit Programs Are Available for My Family Member?
03/11/2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs & Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/planning-for-your-family-member-with-a-disability-1725469
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Learn about public benefits that may be available for your family such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare, Medicaid Waivers, Medicaid Buy-in for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD), food stamps, and housing benefits.
Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts
03/25/2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs & Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/planning-for-your-family-member-with-a-disability-1725469
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
What is involved in putting together an estate plan when you have a child with special needs? This session will discuss general planning considerations, legal documents you should have in place, and different types of trusts and how they are used.
Navigating the Transition From Elementary School to High School
04/18/2023 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Julie Billiart Schools
Registration required at: https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/calendar/2023/04/18/april-18-2023–navigating-the-transition-from-elementary-school-to-high-school
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder
Transitions can be wonderful, and stressful. When your child moves from one environment to another, it’s important to think about everything that plays into a smooth transition for you and your child. It’s also important to make sure their IEP goals continue to be met once they take those next steps. In this session, hear from educators about how to support your child from one setting to the next in an age-appropriate way.
Equipping Parents for Education Advocacy: An Overview of the IEP and 504 Process
04/15/2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/planning-for-your-family-member-with-a-disability-1725469
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Join us for an overview of the IEP and 504 process, as we help equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to advocate for your student’s educational needs. We will cover four topics: 1) the difference between IEPs and 504 Plans, 2) the IEP eligibility and development process, 3) addressing social, emotional and behavior needs, and 4) special education scholarships.
Transition – What Happens When My Child Turns 18?
04/29/2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/planning-for-your-family-member-with-a-disability-1725469
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Learn about what to expect when your child turns 18 and how to manage the transition. The will talk about guardianship and less restrictive alternatives, applying for SSI and Medicaid, transition planning, and vocational counseling through the school.
Working While Receiving Benefits
05/13/2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/planning-for-your-family-member-with-a-disability-1725469
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Learn about how working may impact public benefits received by your child. We will discuss how earnings may impact the following programs:
- SSI and Medicaid;
- Transitioning to SSDI and Medicare;
- Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities;
- Impairment-related Work Expenses; and
- Work Incentives.
STABLE Account or Special Needs Trust?
05/20/2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Children with Special Needs & Adults with Special Needs
Location: Live Webinar
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/planning-for-your-family-member-with-a-disability-1725469
Presented by: Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
What is the difference between a STABLE Account and a special needs trust? We will provide an in-depth exploration of both options, discuss how they differ and the advantages and disadvantages of them. Our focus will be on how to use these tools to ensure the best possible quality of life for your loved one.
Leveraging Your Child’s Strengths For a Transition Into the Workforce
06/07/2023 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Julie Billiart Schools
Registration required at: https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/calendar/2023/06/07/june-7-2023–leveraging-your-childs-strengths-for-a-transition-into-the-workforce
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder
As a parent or caregiver, you know your child, their hopes and dreams, their strengths and weaknesses, and what an ideal career path and future might look like for them. This could mean a college, a career, or skill or trade. This session is designed to provide you with practical resources for students in Ohio to help facilitate whatever track they are on.
10 Things You Need to Know About Your Special Needs Child
09/28/2023 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Julie Billiart Schools – 4982 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Registration required at: https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/calendar/2023/09/28/parent-speaker-series-10-thing-you-need-to-know-about-your-special-needs-child
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder
The special needs and special education journey can be overwhelming, our experts are here to help. We’ve gathered together to bring you 10 things you should know from an educational and behavioral perspective to support you and your family. You are invited to join us, in person, for this exciting event to further support you as a parent or guardian.
Planning for Disability Throughout Life: Issues and Solutions
10/10/2023 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Children and Adults with Special Needs
Location: The Union Club of Cleveland, 1211 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115 or Zoom
Registration: https://www.epccleveland.org/events/event/24552
Presented by: Cleveland Clinic Planned Giving, Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, Hickman Lowder
This presentation will address the importance of planning for incapacity and long-term care as we age, as well as planning for individuals who are born with a disability. It will focus on the legal documents we should make sure are in place and will include an overview of the government support programs available to those with lifelong or acquired disabilities. We will discuss the importance of protecting eligibility for these benefits and services with the documents we draft. EPC Cleveland will request approval for this program from the CFP® Board of Standards for CFP® designation holders, from the Ohio Department of Insurance for OH Insurance CE, and from the Supreme Court of Ohio for Ohio attorneys to receive CLE credit. A certificate of completion will be available for those AEP®, CPA, and CWS designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements.
Is It the Disability, Behaviors, or Both?
11/28/2023 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Webinar
Registration required at: https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/calendar/2023/11/28/parent-speaker-series-is-it-the-disability-behaviors-or-both
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder
During your child’s development, there are important milestones that every child is on the path to reaching. It’s important to remember that the journey to reach those milestones is not linear and looks different for every child. During this session, our experts will take a deeper look into recognizing the difference between the disability and regular milestone movements.
2022 EVENTS
The challenges and opportunities of technology for your special needs child
11/29/2022 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Julie Billiart Schools
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder
Nowadays, children have access to technology right at their fingertips, which can present challenges for parents and caregivers. Technology is a wonderful tool when it’s used responsibly. In this session, our experts come together to discuss how you can monitor and advocate for the healthy use of technology. We invite you to interact with experts about your specific questions. We’ll also address questions of school-age parents dealing with the results of the use and overuse of technology.
The challenges and opportunities of technology for your special needs child
12/29/2022 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Children with Special Needs
Location: Julie Billiart Schools
Presented by: Julie Billiart Schools, Jay Berk and Associates, Hickman Lowder
Nowadays, children have access to technology right at their fingertips, which can present challenges for parents and caregivers. Technology is a wonderful tool when it’s used responsibly. In this session, our experts come together to discuss how you can monitor and advocate for the healthy use of technology. We invite you to interact with experts about your specific questions. We’ll also address questions of school-age parents dealing with the results of the use and overuse of technology.