What Is A Microboard?
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A MicroboardTM is a group of family and friends (a minimum of 5) joining with a person with a disability to create a non-profit organization. A Microboard is focused on the person's self-determination, empowerment, and supports planning using a person-directed approach.
To learn more about the impact a Microboard has on a person's quality of life, watch this short video prepared by the Canadian Centre for Citizenship and Inclusion. |
A Microboard is different from a Circle of Support in that a Microboard is a permanent, incorporated structure that is sustainable. To learn more about how they're different, click here.
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A Microboard Might Be An Option If You Are:
- Looking for a sustainable, supportive and person-directed option for your family member with a disability.
- Concerned about succession planning and ensuring your family member is supported in the community by a solid network of friends and family.
- Seeking an accountable and reliable option for managing your direct funding.
What's The Role of a Microboard?
- Can receive and administer individualized/direct funding.
- Help oversee and manage assets (like a home, vehicle).
- Can monitor and broker supports and services.
- Can purchase services or enter into a contract with an agency.
- Act as an “employer of record,” engaging employees and contracting support staff.
- Liaise with trusts/trustees, RDSP and ODSP representatives.
- Ensure proper filing of tax and annual incorporation records.
- Powers of Attorney for financial and legal decisions; health and personal care can be Directors on a Microboard; POAs and trustees can also be appointed by the Microboard..
Microboard Principles & Values
Vela Canada pioneered supporting people and families to create and sustain Microboards, based on work done by David & Faye Wetherow in the 1980's. Vela trademarked Microboards, asking that those using the name align to six principles:
- Microboard members have a personal relationship with the person for whom the board is created.
- All people are assumed to have the capacity for self-determination - they want to express their wishes, goals and what they like/don't like.
- All planning and decisions made by a Microboard will demonstrate regard for the person’s safety, comfort, and dignity, with consistent respect for his/her needs, wishes, interests, and strengths.
- Microboard members will help ensure the person participates in community activities, in ways that are natural for each of the people involved. It is these experiences that help a person make informed decisions!
- Ensure the person has the opportunity to both receive from and give to their community.
- All Microboard members will conduct board business with mutual respect, cooperation, and collaboration.
