Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)

The Supports Intensity Scale-Adult Version® (SIS-A®) is a standardized assessment tool designed to measure the pattern and intensity of supports that an individual with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) requires to be successful in home and community settings. The focus is on supports to participate and inclusion.  Research has shown that the SIS-A® is a reliable and valid assessment tool.  It was first published in 2004 and was updated in 2015 as well as 2023 (2nd Edition).  The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) is the publisher, copyright holder, and sole owner of the suite of SIS tools.

The SIS-A® measures an individual’s support needs in the following areas:

• Exceptional Medical and Behavioral Support Needs
• Support Needs for Life Activities in Home Living, Community Living, Health and Safety, Lifelong Learning, Work, Social Activities, and Advocacy

SIS-A® Assessment Interview

This SIS-A® assessment is administered by an assessor who has been trained and certified by AAIDD.  An assessor may either be a Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) employee or an assessor employed by AAIDD.  The assessments are done face-to-face either in-person or virtually.  At least two respondents are required to be present for the duration of the assessment.  Respondents must have known the individual for at least 3 months and have observed the individual in one or more settings for substantial periods of time.  The individual is encouraged to be a part of the assessment process and must be present at least at the beginning.

What To Expect In A SIS-A® Assessment Interview

A SIS-A® assessment usually takes three hours to complete because it is very comprehensive. When discussing the individual’s Exceptional Medical and Behavioral Support Needs, it will be determined if no support, some support, or extensive support is needed for each item.  When discussing the individual’s Support Needs for Life Activities, Type of Support, Frequency of Support, and Daily Support Time will be determined for each item.  Respondents need to answer as honestly and thoroughly as possible.  The assessor’s role is to listen closely, request additional information when needed, and make the final decision on the most appropriate rating for each item.

SIS-A, 2nd Edition Respondent Resources

How DDD Is Using Information From The SIS-A® Assessment

Individuals who are 18 and older and who receive 1915© Medicaid Waiver Services need to be assessed initially and every three years thereafter.

DDD uses information from the SIS-A® assessment in two ways:

• Develop more effective person-centered service plans.
• To determine an individual’s supports budget using a 7-level framework.

Supports Intensity Scale Framework Long Description

Once an assessment has been completed, a copy and the results can be obtained by contacting the individual’s case manager.

A reassessment, an assessment done before a participant’s current assessment has expired, may occur if there is a documented changed in condition that is expected to last six months+ or a protocol error occurred in the administration of the assessment.  A reassessment cannot be requested because an individual’s level has changed.  In this situation, the case manager will help to identify options.