Most frequently asked questions about SIS
From seeking sample interview forms to questions on conducting a pilot SIS program, here’s what your peers are asking about the Supports Intensity Scale.
Can I see a sample SIS interview form?
Yes, please visit http://www.siswebsite.org/site/pdf/SISInterform&casestudy.pdf to read a case study and a completed SIS interview form.
How much time does it take to administer SIS?
AAIDD (formerly AAMR) SIS Trainer, Natalie Ihli says, "It takes approximately one hour to administer SIS. However, if you take advantage of having an individual's team present and take notes on specifics stated in the conversation you could spend 2 1/2 - 3 hrs. You can get a lot of information useful for developing a plan. The SIS is a conversation catalyst! Time taken depends on a number of factors, including the individual's attention span, time scheduled, number of people in the group, and goal of using SIS."
Can I start administering SIS from any section in the interview form?
Yes, you can administer the SIS starting with any section, as long as all the sections are completed. The order in which the subscales (or domains) are completed will not affect the individual’s score. Some professionals have found it useful to start with Community Living Activities, a less personal area, and then proceeding to Home Living.
Can anyone administer SIS?
The SIS should be administered by a professional who has completed a 4-year degree program and is working in the field of human services (for example, case manager, psychologist, social worker). However, under exceptional circumstances, others who have experience conducting individual assessments and possess an extensive knowledge of behavior rating or psychological testing principles may be acceptable.
Is there an electronic version of SIS available?
Yes, SIS is available in two electronic formats. The SIS electronic scoring application on CD-ROM is a stand-alone application that can be completed on any computer running on a Windows operating system. SISOnline is a web-based application that can be accessed universally at www.siswebsite.org. SISOnline is available to large organizations as well as individual practitioners and small offices. To learn more about SIS electronic options, visit www.siswebsite.org. Individuals and small practices interested in SISOnline should send their queries to help@sis-online.org.
If I purchase the SIS electronic scoring program (ESP) on CD-ROM, do I still need printed forms?
Yes, you will need printed forms with the purchase of the SIS electronic scoring program on CD-ROM as well as with the SISOnline system. As a best practice, AAIDD recommends that the SIS electronic tools only be used to enter scores after conducting a face-to-face interview using printed SIS forms. The SIS Manual serves as a key "how to" guide on completing the Scale.
Can I print the SIS interview form and the Manual from the SIS ESP?
No, the SIS interview form and Manual have to be purchased separately.
How can I order SIS? Does AAIDD offer bulk discounts?
The SIS Manual and interview forms in paper version and the SIS Electronic Scoring Program on CD ROM can be ordered by calling 301-604-1340 or sending an email to aaidd@brightkey.net. If you are interested in using the web-based application, SISOnline, please send a query to books@aaidd.org. AAIDDdoes offer discounts on purchase of 50 test kits (Manual plus interview forms) or more. To enquire, contact books@aamr.org
Does AAIDD offer training on SIS?
Yes, AAIDD offers a cadre of professional trainers who will deliver customized workshops to your staff. Training ranges from a one-day comprehensive introduction to SIS and the administration process ($2,000 plus trainer expenses and cost of material) to conducting in-depth staff training. AAIDD can also train administrators of SIS for two days or more, depending on staff size, as well as conduct specialized train-the-trainer workshops for your staff (cost proposal can be provided upon contact). Click here to see a one-day SIS training agenda. AAIDD highly recommends offering additional training to your staff on reliability and conducting interviews. To set up a SIS training workshop, please email books@aaidd.org with the following details: Name of your organization, location, and preferred date for training. AAIDD recommends no more than 20 persons for a one-day workshop. If you are interested in a train-the-trainer workshop, please include the size of your organization and the number of trainers you wish to have trained.
Why should I consider in-depth SIS training for staff?
In an in-depth training workshop, AAIDD trainers will focus on testing the reliability of staff conducting SIS interviews. The SIS is as effective as the interview conducted with the client, and it is critical that staff understands the intent of the Scale and learn interview techniques to glean relevant information for service plans. In an in-depth training workshop, AAIDD trainers will observe staff conducting interviews, offer critiques, and also conduct mock interviews to enhance understanding of the SIS interview process. AAIDD highly recommends that staff undergo training on the interview process so that SIS interview results are reliable, i.e., consistent across all staff members administering the Scale.
Are there any national workshops on SIS/Train-the-Trainer workshops to be held in the future?
There are no planned workshops planned at this time, but AAIDD can conduct onsite training sessions upon request. Please contact books@aaidd.org and please refer to question above for information to include in your query.
Who is currently using SIS?
Since its publication since January 2004, SIS is being used across the U.S. and abroad by service providers and agencies. The states of Georgia and Utah have adopted SIS as its official planning tool for residents with intellectual disabilities and so has Durham County, North Carolina. AAIDD is in discussion with other states about adoption of SIS. Internationally, SIS has been translated into Dutch and complex Chinese, and is in use in the Netherlands and Belgium. More foreign language translations are forthcoming.
I am interested in conducting a pilot study on SIS. Can AAIDD provide any help?
AAIDD encourages pilot studies on SIS and has developed a protocol for pilot studies on SIS. AAIDD would like to be kept informed on results of pilot activities at books@aaidd.org. Due to staff and resources, however, AAIDD cannot provide any logistical help with pilot activities.
Is SIS specifically for use with people with intellectual disabilities?
Yes. The SIS has been normed on a population of over 1,200 persons with mental retardation and related intellectual disabilities in the U.S. and Canada.
How is SIS different from adaptive behavior scales?
The SIS is not an adaptive behavior instrument and should not be used as one. An adaptive behavior scale measures skills whereas SIS measures support needs in 85 life activities, and behavior and medical needs areas. For in-depth information on the relationship of SIS with measures of intelligence, please refer to pages 110 and 111 of the SIS User’s Manual.
I am a parent and I love SIS and would like it to be used with my child with a developmental disability. What should I do?
Please bring SIS to the attention of the agency or service provider that you currently work with, and encourage the organization to contact AAIDD at books@aaidd.org or call 1800-424-3688 and ask for Bruce Appelgren or Anna Prabhala.
Is AAIDD the sole publisher of SIS?
Yes, AAIDD is the sole publisher of SIS.
I would like to translate SIS into my native language. How can I go about it?
Please send AAIDD a query at books@aaidd.org
Download a SIS brochure here.
