Feedback on SIS training

Since SIS was published in 2004, AAMR has trained states, providers, and agencies in the United States and abroad in the proper use of the Scale. Topics covered during a SIS training program include how to administer the instrument, obtain reliable results, learn effective interview techniques, record scores accurately, and use the Scale in the service planning process. At the heart of the SIS training efforts is a concern to ensure the integrity of the assessment data obtained so that persons with intellectual disabilities receive fair and equitable supports and services to lead a quality life. We will recap our major training efforts in the forthcoming issue of the SIS Vantage. In the meanwhile, here’s what some professionals had to say about the training workshops they attended.

“Before and after a Supports Intensity Scale training session was a night and day difference for me. The SIS training helped solidify the mentality of SIS, which is to not gauge skills and lacks, but support needs of a person. I would say this to anyone considering using SIS—without a proper understanding of the Scale and its mindset, scores will be skewed and at the end of the day, SIS will profit you very little.”
Johnathon Crumley, Regional Supervisor, Middle Georgia Behavioral Services

“The Supports Intensity Scale training provided by AAMR was very productive for Delta staff and county Supports Coordinators who joined us for the training. Our trainer was very effective in explaining the instrument and demonstrating its administration. SIS is a tremendous tool for identifying how to support an individual in very practical ways. The Scale will certainly enable us to improve the quality of our individual support plans, leading to better allocation of resources and ultimately, better results for the people we support.”
Dave Wyher, President and Founder, Delta Community Supports Inc., Pennsylvania

“The training was essential to the use of the Supports Intensity Scale. It really clarified how to use it and answered lots of questions the staff had. Our trainer was very knowledgeable about the different areas of the SIS tool. We found it very helpful to role play and go through different scenarios we may come across. Overall, the training was very helpful and much appreciated!”
Connie Miller, Community Living Manager, Milwaukee Center for Independence, MI

“The SIS training provided an in-depth understanding of the tool, i.e., how it was developed, why, the basis and uses. Further, it provided me personally with a firmly established “changed philosophy” of how to use the concept of helping/supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. It taught me how to view success for individuals with disabilities as compared to non-disabled persons and to think of intensity of help/support needed for success.”
Willie Ingram, Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Services Director, Georgia Regional Hospital, Atlanta

“The most valuable part of the training was trying out the interviews and getting feedback from the instructor on the scoring and which questions worked. Because of the need to have the instructor give feedback on interviews you conduct, the advanced training is essential to ensure proper administration of SIS.”
Steve Mason, Chief Operating Office, Hillsborough ARC (HARC), Tampa, Florida

“We are very pleased with the SIS trainers in Georgia. They did a great job training on how to use the SIS to develop goals. I also like the inter-rater reliability process that they used.”
Christine Hammond, Georgia Office of Developmental Disabilities