An I/DD Pioneer Joins Foothold Technology

We’re excited to announce Laura Nuss has joined the Foothold Technology team. Recognized as a pioneer in the I/DD movement, many know Laura from her years of work making contributions to the services and supports delivery systems for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country and as the former President of the Board of Directors at the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS). Now that Laura has joined our team, we are even better positioned to support agencies providing I/DD services and supports.

Laura served most recently as the Director of the Department on Disability Services for the District of Columbia where she collaborated with agencies to create innovative and positive improvements in the I/DD and Vocational Rehabilitation services and supports delivery system. Among many other accomplishments, she is credited with leading the D.C. I/DD system through transformative systems change to address a 40-year-old class action litigation and turn D.C. into a national leader in person-centered thinking, inclusion, and Employment First. Previously, Laura worked in Connecticut where she revised the state’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers to include self-directed services, designed the transition from program-based to fee-for-service funding, and led quality assurance reforms for HCBS services, and in North Carolina she oversaw the management of the state’s DD Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver and fiscal operations. Laura began her career in Pennsylvania where she worked for private organizations operating community-based residential and vocational services for individuals with intellectual disabilities transitioning out of state institutions and into the community.

Laura’s personal interest in serving people with disabilities began at a young age, spending time with her aunt, and later Laura served as her aunt’s supportive decision-maker. Her experience as a family member, provider, and state leader gives Laura a unique perspective and strong belief in the power of meaningful stakeholder engagement. When asked about joining Foothold, Laura stated,

“I’m excited to work with Foothold customers to highlight the critical role technology plays in supporting agencies and states. When used effectively, technology provides methods of advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities in our communities through more effective and efficient person-centered supports, and ensures the quality of those supports by improved coordination of health and supportive services.”

Laura’s passion for public service on behalf of individuals with disabilities has helped to promote person-centered thinking, enhance staff development, develop strong stakeholder relationships, and ensure quality assurance and improvement efforts for many organizations across the country. We’re thrilled she will bring this enthusiasm and knowledge to the Foothold community.

As part of the Foothold team, Laura will serve as a valuable resource on issues related to person-centered long-term services and supports delivery, budgeting, performance management, and quality assurance on both federal and local levels. Laura joins David Bucciferro on our team of Senior Advisors, providing us with additional expertise to support agencies in the nation’s transition to electronic record-keeping and more integrated systems of support through use of AWARDS. We’re honored to be able to welcome Laura and add her expertise to our support of the work of our customers. Look for Laura here on our blog and be sure to say hello at our upcoming conferences and speaking engagements.