The Texas Microboard Collaboration
A new and innovative program to support individuals with disabilities in the communities of their choice.
What is a microboard?
A microboard is formed when a small group of committed family and friends join together with a person with
a disability to create a nonprofit organization. This
group develops a person-centered plan called a PATH
(Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) to
address the individual's
support needs. This
PATH-the goals and
dreams of the person with a
disability-becomes the
microboard's mission.
The microboard concept originated in Canada by David and Faye Wetherow, and was later adopted by the Vela Microboard Association. Tennessee is
successfully operating over 170 microboards, and 13
other states are in various stages of implementing
microboards.
How does a microboard
support a person's dreams?
- Builds bridges that allow individuals to participate in and contribute to their communities.
- Provides social opportunities.
- Allows individuals to determine
and carry out their own dreams.
- Manages services such as home
supervision,
transportation, medical care and
job searches.
- As a Medicaid Waiver Program
provider that serves an individual, you gain control
over financial decisions.
The biggest benefit of a microboard is that the individual
with a disability has control over his or her own life with
supports from a nonprofit organization run by those who
know and care about them most.
Two Ways a Microboard
Can Choose to Operate:
- Natural Resources. The Microboard can use readily available
"natural" supports and resources by finding people willing to help in a
systematic way and using generic community resources (i.e. housing program funding, grants from local banks,
volunteer services, etc.). The corporate structure of the microboard ensures sustainability of the support network. It gives families peace of mind that something legal and concrete is in place with people who know and care for the individual.
Click here for an example of a Natural Support Microboard
- Provider. If an individual receives Medicaid Waiver
Program funding from the state, his or her
microboard can apply to be a provider of Home and
Community Services (HCS) or Texas Home Living
(TxHmL) for the person. The microboard would manage
all aspects of the individual's care and hire staff who would be paid by the microboard with
waiver program funding.
When the microboard serves as a provider, the
arrangement can benefit the individual with a disability in
several ways:
- The microboard can build resources in the nonprofit bank account for
the benefit of the individual with the disability. Some examples are buying a washer/dryer for the individual's home or an automobile that staff will use to drive the individual to approved locations for recreation
or shopping.
- The microboard nonprofit provider can share housing expenses with the individual by renting office space
in the person's home. This allows individuals on a fixed income (i.e., SSI or SSDI) more financial flexibility
to pay rent and utilities in homes and communities of their choice.
- The microboard can choose an amount to pay supported home living or direct-care workers, therefore
attracting and retaining higher-quality staff.
Estate Planning and Microboards
Some families learn that the microboard provides a sound system for future
planning for the person with the disability. Because microboard members are
knowledgeable about the individual's needs and wishes, they can be written into a
will or serve as a successor guardian or trust advisor in the event of a parent or other
significant family member's death.
Click here for more information on Microboards and Estate Planning
Click here for specific examples of how Microboards can help families
7 Easy Steps to
Establish Your
Own Microboard:
- Contact The Arc of Texas.
- Participate in an informational meeting
with The Arc of Texas staff.
- Receive the Texas Microboard Starter Kit,
which includes sample Articles of
Incorporation, Texas Bylaws and Initial
Board Meeting Minute Template.
- Recruit family and friends to serve
as board members for the nonprofit
organization.
- Create a person-centered plan called a
PATH with The Arc of Texas staff.
- Participate in a board training provided
by The Arc of Texas
staff.
- Work with The Arc of Texas
staff to begin to implement
the individual's PATH and
determine qualification to
apply to be a provider.
It's really that
simple to get started!
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Microboards
Click here for Helpful Resources
Click here for a printable version of the Texas Microboard Collaboration brochure
Please contact Lisa Rivers lrivers@thearcoftexas.org or Jennifer Mathews jmathews@thearcoftexas.org with questions, or call The Arc of Texas at (800) 252-9729.
Financial Support for The Texas Microboard Collaboration is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, with Federal funds made available by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The project expects to receive $102,224 (75%) DD funds and $34,074 (25%) non-federal resources.