There are pressures from agencies to receive a level of funding sufficient to pay their staff a decent wage. There is the reluctance for many agencies to leave the program model that they are comfortable with. There is the need for technical assistance for agencies to be successful in changing. A positive balance between all of the competing pressures starts with the governing body. Good support brokerage will require an active, knowledgeable, and involved board of directors.
Training is essential.
All board members need training in their responsibilities and in what they should expect from the staff. Those members who have disabilities should have access to the training and support needed for them to fully meet their responsibilities. Systems that include coaching and mentoring should be considered. By having people with disabilities and their families in a strong majority position on the board there should be an on-going focus on the lives of the people who are receiving services. By including people with disabilities and family members who are waiting for services on the board there is an incentive to use community resources rather than public funds so that money is available to support those waiting.