Research Evidence
Microboards, Social Capital and Quality of Life, Final Report of a Two Year Inquiry (Stainton,T, Morris, M & Borja, C) 2020, Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, University of British Columbia
This study found that Microboards have significant potential for contributing to improved Quality of Life. Their use of social capital as a tool and the integration of multiple support roles within the Microboard suggest that they offer an alternative to more traditional models of support and are better able to leverage social capital than service structures that rely primarily on paid professional interventions. While Microboards are as diverse as their members, the shared values, principles and approach enhances the likelihood that the outcomes identified in this study can be realised. The core characteristics identified in this study—autonomous, person-centered, empowering, and interconnected—contribute directly to both social capital outcomes of friendships and relationships, and community inclusion as well as the Quality of Life outcomes of safety, stability and self-determination.
Review of the Quality Achievments by Five Microboard Organisations in Australia (Cocks, E), 2018, Report for the National Resource Centre for Circles Of Support And Microboards (COSAM) at Inclusion Melbourne.
This evaluation of 5 Microboards developed by Microboards Australia reported outcomes of having a Microboard as including paid employment, increased friendships, home ownership, enhanced communication support for the person with disability, establishment of a social enterprise and improved quality of paid supports.
Microboards for Children Project Evaluation Report (Taylor, S., Watson, J, Dew, A. Manning, P.), 2022, Deakin University
This evaluation of Microboards Australia's Microboards for Children program which supports families to embed Microboard principles of Vision, Person-Centred Thinking, Self-Determination and Reciprocal Relationships during the childhood years provides evidence of the positive impact of this approach. The global theme of the report is that the Microboards for Children Program provides a reliable framework of support that helps families to strive for an independent, safe, and inclusive adult life for their child with disability.