To help interviewers and respondents better understand SIS, AAMR has published a booklet containing expanded descriptions on items ranked by the Supports Intensity Scale. This new information supplements Tables 2.1-2.9 in the SIS Users Manual.

The descriptions are based largely on recommendations made by the Louisiana Program Committee, set up by the state’s Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to look into implementation of the Supports Intensity Scale in Louisiana.

“We put the tool out there for our private coordinators and state employees, listened to their feedback, and passed on our recommendations to AAMR. We appreciate how much AAMR has worked with us on clarifying SIS further for professionals” says Jim LeVelle, State Director of Psychological Services at the Louisiana Office of MR/DD and part of the Program Committee.

Members of the Louisiana Program Committee include, Jim LeVelle, Ph.D. , Chair ;
Brian Bruce; Theresa Frank; Marc Hendler, Ph.D.; Harold Katz, Ph.D.; Julia Kenny; and
Jay Sevin, Ph.D.

Robert L. Schalock, co-author of the Supports Intensity Scale led this initiative along with lead author Jim Thompson. Mark Eliason, Jim LeVelle, Colleen McLaughlin, and Alan Tribble participated as well.

Click here to read the expanded item descriptions.