What is Vela Microboards Australia?

Established in 2007 under the auspices of Perth Home Care Services Inc (PHCS), Vela Microboards Australia (VMA)can be described as a self-organising community of learning and practice which provides support for the establishment of individual microboards. VMA is predominantly made up of people with disabilities, their families and microboard members who are working to establish individual microboards.

The heart of VMA is valuing and respectful relationships, through which we influence one another. Together we imagine, explore and dream. VMA people enact a principled and practical approach. Collectively, VMA members seek to build passion, commitment and energy, and to exert influence in positive ways. We push boundaries. We move beyond what we know and create links that really work. This is a collective work characterised by unity in difference and love.

Microboards are a unique way of supporting people with disabilities to achieve good lives in the community. Originally developed in Canada by the Vela Microboard Association, microboards involve small groups of people, typically committed family and friends, coming together on an ongoing basis to provide individualised and empowering support for a particular person. A microboard needs a minimum of six people and works best with 8-10 people.