How Do You Get Ready for a Microboard?
Circles of Support
We know that happiness and well-being are closely connected to the relationships in our lives. We seek out our family and friends when we need someone to talk to, someone to share time with and when we are looking for support and encouragement. Often, the reason people with disabilities can live and participate in a rich way in their neighbourhood and community is because of the connections and friendships they have with other people.
When people are brought together intentionally on a regular basis to support a person to get what they want most out of life, the group may be referred to interchangeably as a Circle, Circle of Support, Circle of Friends or a Support Network. Gathering people together and establishing a Circle of Support can be a good first step to help friends and family better understand what it takes to support the person to make decisions and build a meaningful life in the community. As the Circle of Support gains experience, they are more likely to decide to take the step of becoming a legal entity and incorporating as a Microboard.
Circles of Support can be created for anyone of any age and can:
Circles typically range in size from seven to ten people and in addition to family and friends can include teachers, community members, neighbours, people who have worked previously with them as support workers, co-workers and employers. They meet regularly to hear from the person and his family about what has been happening in their life and what they would like help to think more about. They celebrate with the person when things are going well, and help the person problem solve those things that are not working and need to change. Most of all they support the person to consider options and think about how to go about taking the next steps. A big part of a Circle is getting to know one another and deepening the relationship between one another. Most importantly, a Circle is made up of trusted people who are not paid to be involved in the life of the person and who each bring with them different interests, ideas, skills and perspectives.
Some people already have an informal network of trusted friends, family and others to invite together when they first start a Circle. Other people may not have much of a network already established and need help to think about who they could invite into their lives. Building a Circle sometimes begins by intentionally strengthening the relationships they already have. Circles can be an important source of support and friendship through the person’s life. Some people, after having a Circle or Support Network for a period of time, choose to take it a step forward by create a Microboard.
When people are brought together intentionally on a regular basis to support a person to get what they want most out of life, the group may be referred to interchangeably as a Circle, Circle of Support, Circle of Friends or a Support Network. Gathering people together and establishing a Circle of Support can be a good first step to help friends and family better understand what it takes to support the person to make decisions and build a meaningful life in the community. As the Circle of Support gains experience, they are more likely to decide to take the step of becoming a legal entity and incorporating as a Microboard.
Circles of Support can be created for anyone of any age and can:
- Help people think of new ideas and opportunities such as developing valued roles in community, finding employment, moving out of the family home and learning new skills.
- Share information, find relevant resources and help the person with decision making.
- Celebrate the person’s accomplishment and enjoy each others company.
- Be there during difficult times and help to problem solve solutions.
- Ensure the person is setting the pace and direction of change and finding ways to contribute their gifts and talents in the community.
- Build safeguards to ensure the person is not put at further risk when pursuing a purposeful life.
Circles typically range in size from seven to ten people and in addition to family and friends can include teachers, community members, neighbours, people who have worked previously with them as support workers, co-workers and employers. They meet regularly to hear from the person and his family about what has been happening in their life and what they would like help to think more about. They celebrate with the person when things are going well, and help the person problem solve those things that are not working and need to change. Most of all they support the person to consider options and think about how to go about taking the next steps. A big part of a Circle is getting to know one another and deepening the relationship between one another. Most importantly, a Circle is made up of trusted people who are not paid to be involved in the life of the person and who each bring with them different interests, ideas, skills and perspectives.
Some people already have an informal network of trusted friends, family and others to invite together when they first start a Circle. Other people may not have much of a network already established and need help to think about who they could invite into their lives. Building a Circle sometimes begins by intentionally strengthening the relationships they already have. Circles can be an important source of support and friendship through the person’s life. Some people, after having a Circle or Support Network for a period of time, choose to take it a step forward by create a Microboard.
Independent Facilitation and Other Supportive Persons
The Ontario Independent Facilitation Network (OIFN) envisions people with developmental disabilities being supported to direct their own lives, and live as valued community members and citizens. Independent Facilitators are committed to facilitating change and customizing support in the lives of people with developmental disabilities, and their families.
Formal Support Role of Independent Facilitators:
Role of Other Supportive Persons:
Formal Support Role of Independent Facilitators:
- Support the deepening and broadening of relationships.
- Help focus the Microboard on supporting people to create and sustain valued adult roles and relationships in the community that makes it possible to contribute their gifts and talents and feel a sense of belonging.
- Facilitate safety and support for decision-making within the Microboard by helping to strengthen and amplify the person’s voice and ensuring everyone is heard.
- Assist the Microboard members to understand and carry out their roles.
- Independent Facilitators strive to be free of conflicts of interest.
Role of Other Supportive Persons:
- There are other Supportive Persons that may be invited by a person or family to support them to develop and sustain a Microboard over time.
- These persons work closely with the person and his/her Microboard to ensure that it is aligned with the values, beliefs and principles of Microboards.
- They support the Microboard members to understand and carry out their roles.
