Nancy Murray, President, The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, A Home of My Own April 21, 2016

Office of Developmental Programs Bulletin “A Microboard© is a small, non-profit corporation that functions as a provider agency and is formed with the specific intent to support only one individual with a disability. The Microboard© concept was designed on a person- centered planning philosophy and the sole purpose of the Microboard© is to focus on assisting an individual to plan for, obtain, and manage the supports they need and desire and to direct their own services. Microboard© is used with permission of Vela Microboard Association of B.C.

The following principles of self-determination are inherent in the creation and operation of Microboards©:  Freedom to make major (and minor) life decisions.  Authority to receive and spend public funding, to hire direct support professionals and to collaborate with committed others in the operation of the Microboard©.  Authority to choose people to serve on the Microboard.  Responsibility for the funding received.

An individual may decide to establish a Microboard© in order to:  Increase control over services and supports.  Lower administrative costs.  Utilize a non-traditional service option.  Secure a future that meets their needs.

 The Microboard© works through the Department of State in order to be incorporated as a non-profit organization and must adhere to an established set of rules and regulations in order to exist as a non-profit organization.  The Microboard must also become a qualified provider through the Office of Developmental Programs in the Department of Human Services in order to bill for services.

As a provider of service, a Microboard© may use authorized Medicaid waiver and base funding to provide needed services but must adhere to all Pennsylvania state policies and federal regulations. Requirements specific to providers of service regarding qualification, enrollment, documentation and billing can be found in ODP Agreements and Bulletins.

 Identifying members for the Microboard.  Getting formal commitments from members.  Informing the members of roles and responsibilities.  Deciding on frequency and places/times of meetings.  Deciding on how meetings will be recorded.  Naming the Microboard.  Creating a person-centered plan for the person and coordinating it with the Individual Support Plan (ISP).  Blending government and natural supports.  Deciding on how/who/when direct support professionals will be hired and trained.  Decide on how any income/expenses of the Microboard will be monitored.

Miniboards

A mini-board is a non-profit corporation that is based on the microboard model of support. A miniboard can exist for multiple people.

An example of a miniboard is HomeWorks which exists to support, consult and advise three gentlemen on important decisions. The HomeWorks mini-board is a non-profit corporation with an elected board who meets regularly. The board includes the gentlemen, one member from each family, an attorney who understands government funding and who specializes in wills, estates and special needs trusts, and other people who have experience with transportation, recreational opportunities, health care and other community supports.

 HomeWorks is a home for three men who have physical disabilities. The men own the house through a Tenancy-in-Common agreement, which incorporates features of a limited equity cooperative.  HomeWorks Model: A Tenancy-in-Common agreement with an incorporated mini-board that supports and advises the three owners

 /patf.us/wp- content/uploads/2013/12/homeworks_final. pdf There is a tremendous need for affordable, accessible housing. Three men were all entering periods of their lives when they were ready to live independently -- in their own homes and not in the homes of their parents.