MicroBoards - UMKC Institute for Human Development

MicroBoards
IHD Priority Area: Individual Advocacy & Family Suports
Description: A Microboard is an organization composed of people who know and care about a person with a disability and
established to assist that person to plan for and obtain needed supports in their lives. The Institute works with individuals
with DD, their family, friends, and service providers to develop microboards to support that individual in the selfdetermination
of the care, housing, employment, retirement, and activities in the community.
Project Contact: Vim Horn Project Period: continuous
Funding Source: Administration on Developmental Disabilities
Core Functions
Community Services and Supports: Teams interested in
forming mircoboards receive technical assistance from the
Institute in planning and implementation
Information Dissemination: The Institute works with the
Missouri MR/DD Divisio n to disseminate information about
what microboards are and how they can be used to support
individuals with DD and their families.
Interdisciplinary Personnel Preparation: Service
agencies and personnel are trained on the uses and benefits of
microboards.
Program Need and Historical Context
In the last decade, there has been a dramatic shift in the delivery of services to people with developmental
disabilities and their families toward more comprehensive individual and family support programs. This new
paradigm empowers individuals and families to direct care themselves. In 1999, the Missouri Planning Council on
Developmental Disabilities convened a group of Missouri citizens who had an interest in the lives of people with
developmental disabilities. The group consisted of people with disabilities, family members, and those working in
the field of developmental disabilities. The group was charged with the task of looking at Missouri’s developmental
disabilities service system, and developing a set of recommendations on how the system could be enhanced to meet
the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Several of the findings supported the
exploration and establishment of microboards in the State of Missouri.
Consumer and Community Involvement
One of the unique factors of a microboard is the requirements for being a member. The primary candidates for
membership on a microboard are those who know the person with a disability and are committed to having a give
and take relationship with the person. The Institute acts as a facilitator / consultant to the microboard.
Significant Project Activities and Outcomes
Individuals with DD in Missouri will be able to access a powerful tool for self-determination and actualization and
will develop person-centered futures plans.

Institute’s Role
• Staff assist people with DD and their families to investigate if a microboard
would be beneficial to them.
• Staff assist the microboard in development and implementation
• Person-centered planning consultants work with microboards to assist them
in developing a futures plan for the individual with DD.
• Staff will develop and disseminate a workbook for people interested in the
uses and benefits of microboards.
Products
• Missouri’s Microboard Development Workbook
www.ihd.umkc.edu/Resources/Microboard Workbook.pdf
• Person-centered futures plans for microboards and individuals
Impact
System: People with
disabilities can decide what
supports they need and selfdetermine
how they will access
services
Personnel: Friends and
family members will
participate in the planning
process
Leveraging: MicroBoard
members volunteer their time.