Laura Brackin, PhD - Member-At-Large
Dr. Laura Brackin is a national expert on Home and Community Based Services for the I/DD population. Her career consists of 35 years dedcated to improving systems and supports for individuuals with an I/DD. Leadership highlights include leading Louisiana’s Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities; iinfluencing state law and regulations, as the Executive Director for the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs; leading statewide advocacy efforts, as Executive Director of The Arc of Louisiana; and conducting research and developing innovative programs, as the Director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disability’s (UCEDD) Community Development program.
Dr. Brackin has served as an expert witness on disability issues at the state and federal level. She has testified before many legislative committees and was invited to speak before the United States Congressional Committee on Aging regarding long term care for individuals with disabilities. Her testimony has influenced improvements in service delivery systems, disability policy, mental health policy, employment policy, and the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Laura Brackin holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Research from Louisiana State University (LSU) and served as a faculty member of LSU’s Health Sciences Center for 14 years where she taught Research, Evidenced Based Practice, Management and Leadership in Health Sciences Professions, and disability-related courses. Dr. Brackin is a certified Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) trainer and a certified LifeCourse Ambassador. She has received several awards for her accomplishments in the disability field, including the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation Public Policy Award, the National Conference of Executives of The Arc Rising Star Award, and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Leadership Award (LA-AAIDD).
Dr. Brackin owns Brackin & Associates, a consulting firm, where she focuses on improving the lives of individuals with an I/DD, by empowering the HCBS providers who support them. She is best known for her expertise in the HCBS Settings Rule and innovative person-centered technology solutions for HCBS providers. Her talent lies in generating practical solutions and presenting complex information in ways that make sense.