Networks of support: Microboards for children with intellectual disability

ABSTRACT

Friendships are an important aspect of social inclusion and can have a positive influence on a child’s social and emotional wellbeing beyond childhood. A Microboard is a formal approach to building supportive relationships for people with intellectual disability. Establishing a Microboard during childhood may facilitate a peer support network that endures into adulthood. However, there is limited empirical research exploring the role and design of Microboards in the lives of children with intellectual disability and therefore further research is needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Microboards
• person-centred planning
• intellectual disability
• family centred practice
• circles of support
• supported decision-making

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the funding of Microboards Australia to evaluate the Microboards for Children project. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funder.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Microboards Australia.