For You For Your Supporters

Welcome to the National Resource Centre for Circles of Support and Microboards (NRCCOSAM)


Welcome to the NRCCOSAM web portal created for you, with input from people with a disability, families and Circles of Support and Microboards (COSAM) organisations across Australia. At this site there are tools to help you locate and connect with a COSAM organisation near you, read interesting stories about how circles and microboards work, download useful information and watch informative videos about COSAMs. The content and tools will help to decide if you would like to establish your own circle or microboard.

Find a COSAM organisation

  • About COSAMs

    This initiative acknowledges the value COS/Microboard provide to people with a disability and their families and the significant opportunity the NDIS presents to increase the profile and accessibility of COS/Microboard services through a channel such as the National Resource Centre portal.

    Read more about About COSAMs

  • Research and Evaluation

    Inclusion Designlab has collaborated with La Trobe University to conduct academic research into Circles of Support and Microboards. The Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University visited a number of Circle of Support and Microboard organisations to research what they do, how they do it and what outcomes people with a disability and their circle achieve.

    Read more about Research and Evaluation

Stories


Jamie-Lee is impressed with the outcomes from her circle. Jamie-Lee said, “The circle was great, they helped with my jewellery business ideas. I loved all the friends who supported me with my vision. I also enjoyed the yummy afternoon teas.” Jamie-Lee’s circle provides a great opportunity for people to build relationships, have meaningful discussions about what is and isn’t happening now and plan for what her future might look like. Friendship is very important to everyone and opens the doors to so many opportunities in life.

Jamie-Lee , Circles of support


David is very social and has a busy weekly schedule of activities. He loves to socialise, drink cappuccinos, craft beer and practice photography. David’s Circle has no family involvement. His circle consists of his support network. A Leisure Buddy he has known for more than fifteen years, his art mentor, volunteer mentor and best friend, who lives around the corner. David’s Circle meets Saturday afternoons every 4-6 weeks at a pub over a beer. David and his Circle prefer a very informal format, and like to chat and progress goals at meetings. “We are the closest thing that David has to a family” – Circle Member

David , Circles of support


At a BBQ ten years ago, Paul’s parents talked about establishing a network of friends and family who could contribute to Paul’s life. From then on, a whole series of events occurred for Paul, his team and his Microboard. I hadn’t realised that meeting Paul would have such an amazing reciprocal effect on my own life and my career. A personal highlight was travelling to Canada in 2015 with Paul, some of his team and some Microboard members to attend a global conference on citizenship. This work is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. It wouldn’t be so rich without my interaction with Paul.

Felicity , Microboard member

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