Self-Directed Support
Corporations and Microboards
Jackie Golden
DB Consulting Group, Inc
Self Directed Support Corporation (SDSC)
and Microboards
• Are simply a provider agency but for only one
person
• Are customized to meet the needs of the person
needing supports
Self Directed Support Corporation (SDSC)
and Microboards (continued)
• Are run by a board of directors that care about the
person who needs the supports
• Are person centered and embraces the principles
and tools of self determination
Where Does the SDSC Come From?
Often used for individuals with developmental
disabilities, the SDSC and Microboard model works
well for individuals who living with a mental illness
Where Does the SDSC Come From? (continued)
• The SDSC concept is similar to the Microboards
concept that originated out of British Columbia
• SDSC and microboards follow many of the same
concepts, they are a legal, not for profits designed to
deliver customized supports to one person
Why Would This Work for Those Living with
Mental Illness?
• Supports are customized and can be totally flexible
• Hours of supports needed can be flexed and the type
of supports that are covered can be delivered within
the guidelines of State and Federal entities
Why Would This Work for Those Living with
Mental Illness? (continued)
• Creative supports can be utilized that embrace
formal and a blend of informal supports, including
employment options
SDSC Efforts in the United States
• Inclusion Research Institute completed a three year
rapid deployment grant that shared information on
the Self-directed Support Corporations.
(www.self-determined.org)
• To date: Tennessee, Maryland, Arizona,
Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Missouri,
California, Virginia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, North
Carolina, Nevada
The Funding Behind an SDSC
• Like any other provider of service, the SDSC
follows the same application process of becoming a
provider, including application to be a Medicaid
Provider
• Once approved the Medicaid dollars that support a
person goes directly to the newly formed agency.
This is the agency budget and does impact the
benefits of the person needing supports
The Funding Behind an SDSC (continued)
• In addition to Medicaid dollars, vocational
rehabilitation efforts can also be overseen by the
SDSC, as well as other support needs that incorporate
formal and informal support dollars
The Funding Behind an SDSC (continued)
• It is important to realize that this agency for one is
not tax exempt, even though it is a not for profit.
The reason that it isn’t tax exempt is because it serves
only one person.
• We are looking to see if this can be changed through
a Congressional effort so that such entities will be tax
exempt.
Funding
• We must explore ways that allow the person to
direct their supports where they can receive supports
rapidly, be close to the person and in ways that make
sense.
Blending Funding Dollars
• Funding resources can be blended in ways to assist
the person in using every available dollar
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Individual Development Accounts
• Employment Network through the Ticket to Work
effort
• All are just examples of how a SDSC agency can be
the central funding source, allowing the person to
blend their support dollars.
Blending Funding Dollars (continued)
• Even though the SDSC isn’t tax exempt, most of
the dollars are utilized as operational costs; what goes
in, like with Medicaid, goes directly out in supports.
Any dollars left over are taxable, but usually there
isn’t any dollars left, because all the supports are
delivered.
Personal Reflections
• My son has significant disabilities. Including
significant cognitive disabilities, where he needs
supports to assist him to design a life that embraces
his independence
• He needs flexible and responsive supports that
allows his needs to be met in a manner that delivers
supports in ways that are life enhancing.
• The SDSC allows him the control and delivers
quality supports.
In Addition to the SDSC and Microboard Model
• An association that can assist individuals establish
an SDSC or Microboard can be developed as an
umbrella organization that acts as a technical
assistance arm to help individuals and families
establish their unique SDSC or microboard.
Tennessee Microboard Association
• Mission of the Tennessee Microboard Associationis to promote the creation of microboards for
individuals with disabilities in keeping with the
principles of self-determination, freedom, authority,
and responsibility
• The Tennessee Microboard Association begins
assisting the person needing supports by conducting a
plan using PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows
with Hope http://www.tnmicroboards.org/
Common Sense!
• It is just common sense in creating a support
network that works for the person.
• It is just common sense to utilize the same basic
American principles and tools of self determination
• It is just common sense to use the SDSC and
Microboard approach for individuals that may have
complex support needs as well.
Resources:
•Self Directed Support Corporations:
www.self-determined.org
•Tennessee Microboard Association:
www.tnmiccroboards.org
•Vela Microboard Association: www.microboard.org
•Community Works (PATH Planning and
Microboards): www.communityworks.info