Contact Anu Prabhala at 202-387-1968, ext. 212 or annap@aamr.org

While person-centered processes engaging families and consumers in supports planning have found their way into every state, the challenge still remains to develop a system that is fair and equitable, and that allows for resources to be aligned with the true needs of an individual with a disability. The new Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) developed by the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) has caught the attention of many U.S. states as a tool that ensures that individual supports are planned, budgeted, and managed properly. This forward-thinking tool identifies practical supports—resources and strategies that may include other individuals, money or tangible assets, assistive devices, and/or environments—that best suit each person in 57 life areas through a unique, positive interview process. Professionals such as case managers can then help the individual meet life goals and aspirations.

John Ashbaugh, state systems consultant to AAMR, has been discussing SIS with several states and notes, “The Supports Intensity Scale has received enormous interest because wherever a state is going in the regard of resource allocation, individual planning and budgeting systems, the SIS can only help.” Explaining the utility of SIS, Ashbaugh explains, “At the individual planning and budgeting level the Scale ensures that the full range of supports is considered and that resource requirements are adequately quantified. At the state and sub-state administrative levels the SIS provides a standardized, transparent, and well-tested tool required for a credible, equitable resource allocation and/or evidence-based payment systems.”

Currently available in a paper and pencil version, an electronic scoring program on CD is set for launch this Fall and a web-based application will be released early 2005. Ashbaugh says, “The SIS web-based application is tremendously useful for states since it provides a database on consumer needs and characteristics as well as any other information, such as funding levels, living arrangements, and jurisdiction. Administrators can track this key information for monitoring, evaluation, and broader management purposes.”

To learn more about the Supports Intensity Scale, visit http://www.siswebsite.org/page.ww?section=Product+Info&name=Product+Info

For questions on the Supports Intensity Scale or its potential application to a state or an organization, please contact Anna Prabhala at annap@aamr.org or 1800-424-3688, Ext. 212.

To order SIS, call 301-604-1340 or email aamr@pmds.com

Founded in 1876, the mission of AAMR is to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual disabilities.