SIS for Children ready to be field tested!
The success of the adult version of the Supports Intensity Scale spurred the need for a similar supports-oriented tool for kids with intellectual disabilities. Dr. James R. Thompson, lead author of the adult SIS, led a committee of experts to develop a children’s version of SIS for ages 5-15 (upper age limit to be finalized). The Scale is now poised to be field tested and normed for use with children with developmental disabilities and AAIDD is looking to partner with states in this progressive endeavor!
Currently, AAIDD is calling upon states that are using the adult version of SIS, to conduct assessments of children within specific age groups and with varied IQ ranges, using the field test version of SIS for Children. In order to make the scores obtained from the Scale truly reflect the support needs of the individual and not a reflection of their age, it is imperative that the Scale have different norms for different ages, and AAIDD is seeking to conduct approximately 3,000 interviews in order to develop robust normative data.
There are many benefits to participating in the field testing of SIS for Children. First, professional staff will get—at no cost—training from a team of a SIS author and a senior SIS AAIDD trainer. Materials and pre-paid envelopes to return the interview forms will be provided by AAIDD. Further, field test participants will be acknowledged in the User’s Manual accompanying the Scale. Also, substantial discounts will be provided on the final pricing of the Scale.
Above all, participants will be contributing to the development of a unique assessment tool that truly enables professionals and families to understand children with intellectual disability by their support needs and not the deficits they may have due to the presence of a cognitive disability.
SIS for Children authors include: James R. Thompson and Michael Wehmeyer (Co-chairs); Susan Copeland; Todd Little; Jim Patton; ed Polloway; Rod Realon; Robert Schalock; Debbie Shelden; and Marc Tassé.
For information on participating on the field testing of SIS for Children, please send an email to books@aaidd.org. 
