Tips for successfully implementing the Supports Intensity Scale
Successful adoption and implementation of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) requires time and strategic planning. Four years after the launch of the Scale and with 11 states and 2 Canadian provinces using SIS, AAIDD now works with states well ahead of the actual implementation of the Scale to plan an effective roll out of the Scale. Through this service, AAIDD walks officials through systemic planning efforts and helps them understand how best to make the Scale work for state systems, individuals served, service providers, and families. Here, we ask SIS Product Manager, Angela Rapp Kennedy to outline a few tips for anyone considering wide-scale adoption of the Supports Intensity Scale. Please note that the information below highlights a few key points to consider. For more comprehensive information or to schedule a consultation with AAIDD, please send an email to books@aaidd.org.
Understand this is a major system change effort
The Supports Intensity Scale is designed to identify supports necessary for a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be successful. This shifts the focus away from the traditional, deficits-based model upon which services and funding systems of most states and provinces are based. Therefore, this is a major systemic change, which involves a myriad of tasks from taking time to gather information and conducting outreach regarding the values shift, to identifying critical elements of change to the current system, identifying funding streams, and navigating the contracts process. All these and more have to be accounted for before proceeding with a thoughtful, effective, and efficient roll out of the newly-designed assessment and planning system.
Identify desired outcomes of implementing the Supports Intensity Scale
Service systems choose to implement the SIS for a variety of reasons. For a successful implementation, you need to be clear about your desired outcomes. Are you choosing SIS because: You want to make a values shift in your system? You want an assessment that more closely reflects the values your system already holds? You are being required by a funding/oversight entity to have a more standardized and credible means of showing the connection between identified needs and supports and services provided. There are other key questions to consider and AAIDD helps states think through major issues so that the implementation is closely aligned with the initial goals and keeps the efforts on focus.
Include stakeholders early and often
Experience has shown that including all stakeholders early and often is a critical element in a smooth and successful implementation of SIS. Stakeholders in this case need to include a broad spectrum of people beyond what is usually included in that word. While individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, and providers are of course essential stakeholders and partners, don't forget the funding/oversight entities, the state/regional/contracted staff who will be SIS interviewers, the IT staff and the contracting staff. Click here to read how Washington state handled its communications efforts to create a stronger stakeholder partnership.
Understand the critical importance of training
Training greatly enhances the reliability of the information gathered and reduces the time investment in the long run. Administering the Supports Intensity Scale is very different from other traditional assessments. Training for interviewers, trainers, and potential respondents is an essential up-front investment that requires time for thorough information sharing, extensive practice opportunities, and well-developed support and communication systems. Benefits of an investment in training before hand include more reliable information and data, shorter interview times, more buy in, from individuals with disabilities and other respondents to the interview, and reduced administrative hearing issues. To learn more about AAIDD SIS training, click here.
The AAIDD implementation consultation team consists of disability, training, and IT experts. To send a query to AAIDD, please email books@aaidd.org.
