The Origins of Microboards
David & Faye Wetherow created the “Microboard” concept in Canada. You can access their materials and thoughts on Best Practices for supporting an individual with disabilities at their Community Works website .
Supporting Your Microboard through Direct Control of
the Individual’s Government Funding
In addition to building natural supports by helping an individual with a disability recruit voluntary support, Microboard members can help those with disabilities gain direct control over the public services received, including hiring support staff, respite caregivers and other services directly.
This can be done in one of two ways: 1) Select the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option if it is available within the program through which an individual receives support (this may be a Medicaid Waiver program such as CLASS or HCS or StarPlus! in Texas); 2) Have the Microboard qualify as a contracted provider with Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) for CLASS or HCS services if the individual is eligible for either of these Medicaid waiver programs.
CONSUMER DIRECTED SERVICES
When it comes to managing services, everyone has different needs. Individuals with disabilities who are supported through services provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission typically have the option of hiring and managing their own service providers through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option, and a Microboard and its volunteers can assist in directing those services and helping to find and hire staff .
For general information about available HHSC services and how Texans with disabilities may access them visit the Health & Human Services Commission website here.
For information on Consumer Directed Services (CDS) visit the HHSC website here.
BECOMING A CONTRACTED PROVIDER
Also, if you receive supports through HHSC you/your family can use the Microboard corporation and contract directly for your services. It can be a challenging process to become a contracted provider (count on about one year to accomplish this goal), but can be worthwhile for those who have the time, energy and desire to fully direct their own services.
Two programs, in particular, provide great opportunity: HCS & CLASS
Home & Community Based Services (HCS)
For those receiving HCS Medicaid waiver services, link to the HHSC “How to Become A Provider” web page.
Community Living Assistance and Suport Services (CLASS)
For those receiving CLASS Medicaid waiver services, HHSC offers a similar “How To” Webpage.