A brief history of Nexus Inc.

​In 1972, the landmark class action lawsuit Ricci v. Okin brought national attention to the conditions and quality of care provided to individuals with developmental disabilities residing in Massachusetts state institutions. The court’s findings highlighted systemic issues in the treatment and living standards of institutionalized individuals, prompting widespread public concern and policy reform. As a direct consequence of this legal action, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts initiated a comprehensive effort to improve services for people with developmental disabilities. Many large-scale institutions were subsequently restructured or closed, creating an urgent need for community-based alternatives that could provide humane, individualized, and integrated models of care.

​

It was within this context that a dedicated group of professionals in the field of special education came together in 1972 to form what would become Nexus. United by a shared vision of social justice and community inclusion, these founders pooled their resources and expertise to develop an organization that could offer a viable residential alternative to institutional living. Their guiding philosophy centered on facilitating deinstitutionalization—empowering individuals to transition successfully into community settings—while ensuring that each person received the highest possible quality of life through supports tailored to their unique needs, delivered in the least restrictive environment.

From its inception, Nexus has been committed to promoting dignity, autonomy, and inclusion for all individuals it serves. Over the decades, the organization has evolved in both size and scope, expanding its services to encompass eight residential homes and two individual support programs across the state. Each program is designed to foster independence, community engagement, and personal growth, while maintaining a safe and supportive environment. Nexus’s person-centered approach emphasizes respect for individual choice, active participation in daily life, and the pursuit of meaningful personal goals.

​

A defining characteristic of Nexus’s operational model is its flat organizational structure. By maintaining only a few levels of management between direct support professionals and executive leadership, Nexus ensures open lines of communication, efficient decision-making, and a culture of mutual respect and accountability. This structure also promotes collaboration across all levels of the organization, allowing feedback from frontline staff to directly inform program improvements and policy decisions. The result is a highly responsive organization that remains closely connected to the individuals it serves and the staff who support them.

​

Today, Nexus continues to build upon its founding mission by integrating best practices in human services, emphasizing staff training and professional development, and maintaining strong partnerships with families, guardians, and community stakeholders. Through these ongoing efforts, Nexus not only upholds the values that emerged from the post-Ricci v. Okin era but also leads the way in defining what high-quality, community-based care for individuals with developmental disabilities should look like in the modern era.