Microboards Create Peace of Mind
for Iowa Families
“I think
microboards really answer the big question parents fear most: ‘Who will
take care of my children when I can’t?’”
It doesn’t take
much reading between the lines to realize that Leah Morrison, mother of
a 15-year-old son with disabilities from Waterloo, is relieved. Leah
and her family are in the beginning stages of forming Iowa’s third
microboard.
A microboard is a
small, non-profit organization created to provide natural and/or paid
supports and services to an individual with a disability or someone who
is elderly. First introduced in Canada by the Vela Microboards
Association in the late 80’s, microboards slowly made their way to the
states in the mid-90’s. In Tennessee, funding from the TN DD Council
made the creation of the first microboards association in the U.S.
possible. In the U.S. as in Canada, microboards utilize a
person-centered planning approach to offer choice and independence for
individuals with disabilities and their families.
“Families create
microboards in order to establish a network of unpaid social support for
as long as it’s needed,” says Tennessee Microboard Association Executive
Director Ruthie-Marie Beckwith. “Being able to control who comes in and
out the front door and to build resources for the future are strong
motivating factors as well.”
Tami Mugler of
Fonda formed Iowa’s first microboard with Beckwith’s assistance.
“Harli and her
microboard are now in charge of her waiver services, staff, schedule,
and yes, even her life,” says Mugler. “Her life includes friends,
parties, movies, proms, graduations, gardening, … you name it! The
microboard is assisting Harli to live life, not just to exist in it.”
Mugler is quick to
point out that her daughter’s microboard, Harli Can Inc., is an approved
Medicaid waiver service provider. “This allows Harli to decide who will
provide her services and supports, and gives the board the authority to
hire staff to tend to her needs,” Mugler said.
Microboards create
a system of natural supports around the individual, a concept familiar
to Iowans. “When I was in the hospital recovering from a back injury,”
recounts Mugler, “neighbors and friends brought food, helped with
shopping, and provided Harli’s personal cares. Without the microboard,
I shudder to think of what would have happened.”
Enthusiasm for
microboards is spreading rapidly throughout Iowa, thanks in large part
to efforts of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG).
“We have hosted two trainings in Des Moines and a third in Iowa City,”
said MIG Policy Coordinator Tammie Amsbaugh. “Data from across the
country suggests that creative thinking and natural supports generated
by microboards lead to positive employment outcomes for persons with
significant disabilities,” she said.
“We are forming an
association,” says parent Kelly Von Lehmden of Cedar Rapids. “In
addition to providing support to one another, we look forward to
organizing trainings for families who are interested in starting a
microboard.”
To learn more
about microboards, visit the Vella Microboard Association’s website at
www.microboard.org/. If you are interested in starting your own
microboard or would like to learn more about Iowa’s association, contact
Tami Mugler at 712-749-0653 or via email at
jflash@ncn.net.
Possibilities,
September 2009
