PERSONAL STORIES

Patrick’s Microboard Story

Patrick is a 21year old who lives with his mother in the North East. Patrick does not receive any services at present as the most recent service he attended did not meet his needs. Patrick’s Microboard recently began the PCP process. Patrick has enrolled in the part-time Certificate in Leadership programme for people with a learning disability in Dundalk Institute of Technology; his Microboard applied for and received a small amount of funding from the HSE to enable him to attend the course. Patrick now attends a local service part-time and chooses the activities he will participate in. Patrick’s Microboard are considering incorporation in the future as they would like more choice and control in the services provided to Patrick.

Tom’s Microboard Story.

Tom was two months into his retirement from the Gardaí Siochána when he suffered a brain hemorrhage in 1995. With the help of his wife and six children Tom recovered his health over a two year period, however, he continues to have difficulty with his memory and concentration. Tom had completed a pre-retirement course with the Gardaí and had many plans for an active retirement. Prior to the brain hemorrhage Tom, a former member of Toastmasters was a very active and independent man, he enjoyed musicals, the theatre, fishing and was also a quiz enthusiast.

Now in his late sixties, Tom lives with his wife and mother in law in a Midlands town. He became interested in forming a Microboard after his wife Joan, attended an information evening on Microboards hosted by the Carers Association. With the support of his family, Tom set up his Microboard with the primary aim of developing social activities and improving his quality of life. Tom’s Microboard members include some of his immediate family, his son in law and two of his friends.

Following training provided through the project, Tom and his Microboard members - with support from the project staff – developed his PCP. His plan centred on his dream of writing a quiz book, and according to his wife without his Microboard “it would have remained a dream”. Tom’s other goals arising from his PCP were to attend the theatre and choral society recitals and resume his hobby of salmon fishing. Tom realised his dream on December 1st 2007 when his book was launched to great acclaim. “I never seemed to have the determination to put it (the book) into being, the Microboard changed all that”. Based on the successful sales to date Tom considers that he may need to publish a second edition.

Tom has also attended the National Concert Hall with his daughter and also the local theatre. His plans to go salmon fishing with a former colleague did not materialise as his colleague, unfortunately, has been taken ill. However Tom is undeterred and stated “When I start salmon fishing next year I will have one or two of my friends who are similarly interested so I’ll ask them on to my Microboard”.

Tom and his Microboard members have completed PCP training provided by the project and his PCP is currently being revised for the second time to reflect Tom’s changing needs and wants. Tom’s Microboard initially did not plan to incorporate but are now considering it as an option for the future. Tom has plans for another book - a collection of short stories written by his father - and finally he intends to design and patent an electronic board game with help from his son. Tom and Joan believe that his quality of life has improved with the formation of his Microboard and according to Joan, it has had an impact on all the family: “he feels that he is useful and can contribute again”. According to Tom “I’m a positive thinker and I’m very fortunate….the Microboard galvanised everything”

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