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• Read This For Me!

 

 

“A nonprofit created to transform the way individuals with disabilities are supported.”

What is a microboard?

A Microboard is a small group of committed family and friends who join together with an individual with a disability to create a non-profit organization. 

 

PATH: A microboard's mission and much more

 A PATH is a person centered planning tool that utilizes graphic facilitation and natural support networks to
discover dreams and develop positive future plans.

The Microboard addresses the individual’s planning and support needs through a person-centered-plan called a PATH, but PATHs can be completed for people and groups whether or not they intend to form a microboard.   

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 Support. 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. 

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.

Services of The Texas Microboard Collaboration

The Texas Microboard Collaboration is here to assist you every step of the way as you form a microboard for your friend or loved one. We give monthly webinars on microboards and PATH, help you file your nonprofit paperwork, facilitate your focus person’s PATH (the life plan and mission statement of every microboard) and help you apply to become a Medicaid wavier provider if your microboard chooses to do so.

Getting Started: New April 2012 Fee Schedule
 
Click here for Provider Microboard discounted fees through Twogether Consulting.

Click here for a printable version of the Texas Microboard Collaboration brochure.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Microboards.

Texas Microboard Newsletter & Announcement Archive

 

Please contact Amy Stabeno with questions, or call The Arc of Texas at (800) 252-9729 ext. 7753.

 

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.