Utah adopts SIS

March 28, 2006

Utah becomes the second state to adopt the Supports Intensity Scale to determine service and support needs of approximately 4,500 citizens with intellectual disabilities served by the state. Implementation of SIS in Utah started March 1, 2006. It is anticipated that all new people coming off the waiting list as well as those individuals who will go through an annual review in the coming year, will benefit from a SIS assessment. In addition, Utah is also looking into adopting SIS with 250 residents of its state developmental center.

“The SIS is a very good planning tool for Utah,” says Steve Wrigley, Statewide Systems and Crisis Coordinator for Utah’s Division of People with Disabilities. “The staff has really benefited from the SIS interview process. The interviews are truly helpful in learning about the support needs of the individuals we serve.” Wrigley further explains that in many cases, his staff of around 125 support coordinators have learned that the supports clients have been receiving so far had to be changed in keeping with results from the SIS interview process.

Like Georgia, Utah is currently using SISOnline, a web-based adaptation of SIS. SISOnline allows professionals to score the form electronically and obtain instantaneous reports in PDF and HTML formats. Click here to learn more about SISOnline.