IEP Guidance
We help families understand, review, and advocate for meaningful Individualized Education Programs that truly meet their child's needs.
Howard Hanna Real Estate · Shaker Heights, Ohio
You Don't Need Luck to
Buy or Sell!!
You Need Us, Your Local
Real Estate Experts.
Mary Lou McHenry, Karen McHenry-Ruppe, and Mary Jo O'Neill work together as a team to provide high-quality service in helping you find your dream home or sell your property. Mary Lou is an award-winning Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate.
Award-Winning Realtors
30+ Years Experience
Howard Hanna Certified
Shaker Heights Specialists
Why Families Trust Us
Decades of Dedicated Advocacy
Our team brings deep knowledge of Ohio special education law and an unwavering commitment to every child's right to an appropriate education.
30+
Years Experience
500+
Families Supported
100%
Parent-Focused
50+
School Districts
3
Expert Advocates
Ohio Law Expertise
Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Ohio special education regulations.
Compassionate Guidance
We stand with parents — calm, clear, and always in your child's corner.
Meeting Preparation
Thorough preparation before every IEP, ETR, and 504 meeting.
Proven Results
A track record of securing appropriate services and supports for students.
Our Services
How We Help Your Family
From IEP meetings to independent evaluations, our advocates are with you at every step of the special education journey.
504 Plans
Supporting families through the 504 evaluation, plan development, and implementation process to ensure classroom accommodations are in place.
Evaluations
Guidance on requesting evaluations, understanding ETR results, and knowing your rights when you disagree with school findings.
Parent Rights
Every parent has enforceable rights under IDEA. We help you understand and exercise those rights with confidence at every step.
Educational Advocacy
We attend meetings with families, ask the right questions, and ensure school teams develop programs that are appropriate and individualized.
Meeting Preparation
Thorough pre-meeting coaching, agenda review, and document preparation so you walk into every meeting informed and empowered.
Independent Evaluations
When you disagree with school evaluations, you may have the right to an IEE at public expense. We guide you through the process.
ESY Services
Understanding Extended School Year eligibility and ensuring your child receives summer services when regression is a concern.
Meet the Team
Your Dedicated Real Estate & Advocacy Team
A team of award-winning professionals committed to exceptional service — whether you're buying, selling, or navigating special education.
Mary Lou McHenry
Founder & Award-Winning Realtor
Mary Lou brings decades of experience as both an award-winning Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate and a dedicated special education advocate. As founder, she leads her team with compassion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to every client and family she serves.
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Karen McHenry-Ruppe
Realtor & Advocate
Karen is passionate about helping clients find their perfect home and empowering parents to advocate effectively for their children. She brings deep knowledge of the local real estate market and a warm, reassuring presence to every client relationship.
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Mary Jo O'Neill
Realtor & Special Education Advocate
Mary Jo's background in real estate and advocacy gives families confidence and clarity. She ensures every client — whether buying, selling, or navigating special education — feels heard, supported, and empowered throughout the entire process.
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Melissa A. Miller
Special Education Advocate
With over 28 years in education — including a decade as Director of Special Education — Melissa brings unmatched institutional knowledge of school systems, compliance, and special education law to every family she serves.
Special Education in Ohio
Understanding Your Child's Rights
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Every child with a disability is entitled to a free appropriate public education in Ohio — regardless of the nature or severity of their disability.
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines your child's special education services, goals, and accommodations. You have the right to participate meaningfully in developing it.
Section 504 Plans
For students who don't qualify for special education but still need accommodations, a 504 plan provides protections and supports in the general education setting.
Evaluation Team Reports (ETRs)
Ohio schools must conduct comprehensive evaluations before determining eligibility. Parents have the right to request evaluations and to seek independent evaluations if they disagree.
Free Resources
Helpful Documents for Meetings
Download or access these resources to help you prepare for IEP, ETR, and 504 meetings with confidence.
IEP Meeting Planning Form
Prepare effectively for your child's next IEP meeting with this comprehensive planning guide from Ohio's special education resources.
View ResourceETR Meeting – Evaluation Team Report Form
The official Individual Evaluator's Assessment Form used during Evaluation Team Report meetings in Ohio.
Download PDF504 Evaluation Form
A guide to the 504 evaluation process, including what to expect and what questions to ask your school team.
View ResourceNext Steps Explanation
A plain-language guide explaining what happens whether your child qualifies or does not qualify for special education services.
View ResourceNeed help understanding these documents? Contact us for guidance.
Community
National Advocacy Resources
Trusted organizations offering support, research, and advocacy for families of children with disabilities.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
LDA provides support for individuals with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers, and other professionals. Offering advocacy, educational resources, and research-based information.
Visit WebsiteAutism Speaks
The world's leading autism advocacy organization, providing resources, tools, and support for families navigating autism spectrum disorders and educational rights.
Visit WebsiteInternational Dyslexia Association
Focused on dyslexia and related reading differences, IDA provides research, advocacy, and a network of resources for educators and families.
Visit WebsiteCOPAA
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates champions the legal and civil rights of children and youth with disabilities in school through advocacy, training, and publications.
Visit Website
Your Rights
Independent Educational Evaluations
If you disagree with your school district's evaluation, you may have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense.
How to Request an IEE
- Submit your request in writing — Send an email or letter to your school's special education coordinator stating that you disagree with the district's evaluation and are requesting an IEE at public expense. Sample letter from Disability Rights Ohio →
- Review the district's suggested evaluators — The district may provide a list of approved evaluators, but you are not required to use their list.
- Research and call evaluators — Contact evaluators directly to confirm their expertise matches your child's specific needs before committing.
- The district must respond — Within a reasonable time, the district must either fund the IEE or file for a due process hearing to defend their evaluation.
Recommended Evaluators in Ohio
Dr. Cheryl Chase
Northeast Ohio
Specializing in comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents with learning disabilities, ADHD, and related challenges.
Visit WebsiteWendy Firestone
Beachwood, Ohio
Experienced evaluator providing thorough assessments for children with learning differences, language-based learning disabilities, and executive function challenges.
Visit WebsiteJenn Walinsky
Beachwood, Ohio
Offering comprehensive educational evaluations with expertise in identifying learning disabilities and recommending evidence-based interventions.
Visit WebsiteKidsLink Neurobehavioral Center
Northeast Ohio
A multidisciplinary center providing comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents.
Visit WebsiteUCP of Greater Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
Dedicated to providing resources, advocacy, and evaluation support for children and families affected by cerebral palsy and related conditions.
Visit Website
Summer Services
Extended School Year (ESY)
What Is ESY?
Extended School Year services are special education services provided beyond the regular school year. They are required when a child's IEP team determines their skills would significantly regress without continued services, and that it would take an undue time to recoup those skills in the fall.
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined individually by the IEP team, considering regression, recoupment time, the nature of the disability, and whether critical life skills are at stake. ESY cannot be denied based on administrative convenience or limited resources.
Key Questions to Ask at Your IEP Meeting
Bring these questions to advocate effectively for ESY services:
Has the team formally considered my child for ESY services?
What data shows whether regression is likely over summer?
Which skills or goals are at risk without continued services?
What type of ESY services are available in our district?
Can services be provided by an outside provider?
What is the process if I disagree with the ESY decision?
Financial Support
Ohio Special Education Scholarships
Ohio offers scholarship programs that provide families with funding to access specialized educational services.
Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship
Provides funding for eligible students with disabilities to attend a participating private school or receive services from an approved provider. Eligibility is based on the child's IEP and Ohio Department of Education guidelines.
Learn MoreAutism Scholarship Program
Provides eligible students with autism spectrum disorders funding to attend a special education program provided by a registered provider or a nonpublic school in Ohio.
Learn More
School Options
Schools Supporting Students with Special Needs
Exceptional schools in Northeast Ohio specializing in educating students with learning differences.
Julie Billiart Schools
Lyndhurst & Beavercreek, OhioCatholic schools dedicated entirely to educating children with learning differences — dyslexia, dyscalculia, language-based learning disabilities, and attention differences. Small class sizes, individualized instruction, and therapeutic support.
Visit Julie Billiart Schools
Lawrence School
Broadview Heights & Sagamore Hills, OhioA private, non-sectarian school exclusively serving students with learning disabilities. Certified teachers provide a language-based curriculum with small class sizes designed to help students with dyslexia and related differences thrive.
Visit Lawrence School
Families We've Helped
What Parents Are Saying
Real words from Ohio families who found clarity, confidence, and results.
Get In Touch
Let's Talk About Your Child's Future
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced advocacy team. Every family deserves guidance — and every meeting truly matters.
216-319-3333
(216) 751-8550
Maryloumchenry@howardhanna.com
20710 Chagrin Blvd
Shaker Heights, OH 44122
Shaker Heights, OH 44122
Send Us a Message
We'll respond within one business day. All inquiries are confidential.