Hulme Resources: Supporting I/DD Families Through School and Beyond
When it comes to navigating life with a disability, support and clarity can make all the difference. That’s where Hulme Resources comes in. As a key partner of eitas, Hulme Resources plays a vital role in preparing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families not just for success in school, but also for life after high school is over—one meeting and one plan at a time.
At eitas, we believe everyone deserves a fully lived life, and through partnerships like this one, we're building bridges to more inclusive, informed and empowered communities across Jackson County.
Supporting Life Beyond School: Hulme Resources’ Mission
We spoke with Lauren Arnone, an IEP coach from Hulme Resources, about their mission to walk alongside families through the often-overwhelming world of special education and post-secondary transition planning.
“Our core mission is to prepare students and their families for what comes after high school, whether that’s education, independent living or employment,” Lauren shared. “So much focus is put on school-age services, but that transition piece often gets overlooked. We’re here to fill that gap.”
Hulme Resources helps families understand the special education process and their rights, especially during critical transition periods. Whether it's attending IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings or coaching parents one-on-one, their approach centers the individual and empowers the family.
“What would I have wanted when I sat in on my first IEP meeting? That’s what we try to give families now,” Lauren said.
Enhancing Impact Through eitas Partnership
Through their partnership with eitas, Hulme Resources has been able to expand awareness and accessibility of their services across Jackson County. Eitas helps not just with funding, but with reach, connecting Hulme Resources to families who didn’t know support like this existed.
“Eitas has really helped spread the word that we’re here,” Lauren noted. “Their case workers have been incredible at connecting us with families who need help. Everything feels overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.”
One of the most impactful programs funded by eitas is Hulme Resources’ IEP Coaching, which includes reviewing documents, preparing individuals for meetings and, when needed, attending meetings to advocate alongside families.
“It’s about the individual, not just people talking around them. We ask, what do you like about school? What are you struggling with?” Lauren said, when describing her role before and during the IEP meetings.
Bridging Gaps and Building Confidence in the I/DD Community
Families of individuals with I/DD often face fragmented, confusing systems, and many simply don’t know what supports are available to them. Hulme Resources is changing that by focusing on connection, education and mindset.
“There’s this ‘me vs. them’ mindset going into IEP meetings,” Lauren said. “It leans negative. But we want families to go in with a positive attitude. To feel part of the team.”
By demystifying the process and reframing conversations around success and inclusion, Hulme Resources works to create a more welcoming and empowering environment for both families and school districts. It’s advocacy grounded in empathy and action, designed to help individuals with I/DD find their voice and their agency.
One example of this is a young man whose story Lauren shared. In his first IEP meeting, he was too anxious to speak. But with support, preparation and encouragement from Hulme Resources, he was able to work through that anxiety and begin actively engaging in these meetings with the rest of the team.
A Vision for a More Connected Jackson County
Looking ahead, Hulme Resources envisions a community that prioritizes collaboration, where families, schools and service providers are all part of one team with a shared goal: success for every individual.
“We’re finally seeing schools recognize that we’re here to help. This isn’t about creating conflict, it’s about creating solutions,” Lauren said.
Their hope is that more families learn about their rights, more schools embrace collaborative approaches and more young people with I/DD are set up for lives filled with choice, opportunity and independence.
And for community members wondering how to support this mission? It starts with awareness.
“The biggest thing is just spreading the word that this exists,” Lauren said. “Can someone sit down with us and explain it? That alone changes everything.”
Learn More. Support More. Connect More.
At eitas, we fund and support innovative partners like Hulme Resources because we know the difference they make every day, empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to move confidently toward the life they want.
Because everyone deserves a life that’s real, meaningful, and fully lived.