Randy and I went to an informational meeting last night about Microboards. Randy and I first heard about them last year right after Justin was born when we went to a seminar about estate planning. Microboards are non-profit companies whose purpose is to serve a person with diminished capacities, either physical or mental, and address the person's planning and support needs. It is a bit confusing, but it is an awesome concept!
The idea originated in Canada and they have been operating microboards for about 20 years now. Tennessee picked it up, and now about 13 states offer these boards. We have about 25 in Texas, and the number is growing every day. The board consists of people who feel like they have some way they can support or enrich the life of the person. Friends and family are obvious choices.
The board seeks out resources in the community that they can tap into to fulfill the wishes of the person being served. Some of the examples they used were if a person likes horses, they can search for a way for the person to become involved in that activity: volunteering in a stable, going to a camp, taking riding lessons, etc. The opportunities are limitless!
Justin is on several waiting lists (medicaid waiver programs) for services from the state, and he will eventually receive benefits from the government, but part of the major caveat is that he cannot own anything of value beyond a certain amount or it will disqualify him. Through this idea, the MICROBOARD can own things (cars, wheelchairs, houses) and the person can use them, but he will not be disqualified!
The second part of this concept is what is the most exciting: A microboard can apply to become a paid provider for one of the medicaid waiver programs, and then the board can choose who they want to hire to provide the service! The staff for a person can be hired to fit the person's needs exactly! For example, if the person with the disability hates to go swimming, loves dogs, and wants to go to the zoo every Friday, the board can hire someone who will agree never to force the person to go swimming, visit the pet store regularly, and visit the zoo every Friday. Not only that aspect of amazing, but for example if the state pays a provider $60/hr for nursing care, but the workers only make $40/hr, you can use the difference to hire a better quality of person. And, the board can bank the rest to save for something bigger, like for a service that the state doesn't provide, or a special car, a home, anything!! In the example that was provided, the microboard made a "profit" of $25,000/year!
Now since Justin is not up on the list yet, we cannot take advantage of this aspect of the microboards. But this is something that can carry itself beyond our (his parents) lifetimes to ensure that his needs are met and beyond. We aren't certain yet where to take this, but we know that eventually this is something we certainly need to pursue. I am telling everyone I think could benefit from this because it is so outstanding. And it's not just for people with disabilities from birth. It also works for older people with Alzheimer's or dementia, or someone injured in an accident. There is so much more involved so here's the link to the Arc of Texas who is organizing the effort in Texas.
I cannot tell you how much this eases my mind about the future. When Justin was born I immediately started worrying about what happens when we (his parents) are gone. I wondered if I would outlive him. It is a very scary thought. This is a great tool for helping Justin to live a happier and more fulfilled life. And it also takes some of the pressure and responsibility off of Travis (another one of our major concerns). I accept the fact that there is no guarantee, but I know that God provides for his children and this could be a way that he is going to provide for Justin. We are keeping our minds and hearts open to make the right decisions and plans. We are confident that God is showing us opportunities and opening doors for us to enter. I always come back to knowing that God loves Justin even more than I do. That gives me comfort when things get scary.
***One thing to note is that as of now, these Microboards are only state non-profit organizations, and not federal (not 501(C)3s) and thus donations do not qualify for tax deductions. This is one thing that is being considered currently. I know of at least one microboard in Texas that has applied for 501(C)3 status, but as of this date they have not received a response.
1 comment:
That's fascinating. Thanks for sharing that important information.
Post a Comment