Community Support Network, Inc.

The Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) was developed over a five year period under the auspices of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly AAMR). It is a nationally recognized, standardized tool for individuals ages 16-72 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The SIS measures supports a person needs to participate in 57 specific activities by rating:

Type of support (monitoring to full physical assistance)

How frequently the support is needed (none to hourly)

Daily support time (no time to more than 4 hours per day)

The SIS also measures support needed for 29 exceptional medical and behavioral areas. It is completed in an interview with a trained SIS interviewer, the individual in need of services and 2 other people who know the individual well. Interviews usually take 2-3 hours to complete. After an intensive training program conducted by trainers from AAIDD, NH currently has 7 SIS interviewers!

In January 2010, CSNI and the NH Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) began using the SIS to assess service needs for a random sample of 400 individuals who are currently receiving funded services. Area agencies will notify the individuals chosen for this sample. Interviews must be completed for each individual selected as a member of the sample group. Individuals and their response teams will be contacted to arrange a time and location for their interview. Results of the interviews will be provided to the Bureau of Developmental Services to be used to determine how the SIS could be used as part of service planning. Results will not impact a person's current program or funding. Click here to see frequently asked questions.

Respondent Survey

If you have participated in one of the SIS interviews and have not completed a survey about your experience, we would like to hear from you!

Please Click here to complete the survey online or contact you area agency for help with completing the survey

SIS Interviewer/Trainee Applicants

CSNI currently has 7 SIS interviewers and more in training . If you are interested in becoming an interviewer, please review and complete the

SIS Interviewer Training Application.

Volunteer Participants Needed for the Support Intensity Scale (SIS) Project

Community Supports Network, Inc. welcomes volunteer respondent teams to participate in interviews with SIS interviewers in training. The SIS is a nationally recognized, reliable tool for measuring the supports needs that a person (ages 16-72) with intellectual or developmental disabilities would need to be successful in the community. This is an opportunity for individuals and families to learn more about the SIS first hand! Results of the interviews will not be available or recorded in the person’s file since these interviews are for training purposes only and will not affect current program or funding.

Respondent teams should include the individual being assessed, as appropriate and at least 2 people who have known the individual for at least 3 months and have had recent opportunities to observe the person for at least several hours at a time. Respondents can be a parent, guardian, relative, direct support staff, teacher, work supervisor or anyone who lives or works with the person being evaluated and understands their specific support needs.

Individuals/families interested in volunteering as respondents should return the SIS Volunteer Respondent Form to:

Community Support Network ATT: Sue Rockwell

The Concord Center

10 Ferry St Suite 401

Concord NH 03301

Phone: 603 229-1982 ext.3

Fax: 603 223-2377

Email: srockwell@csni.org

You will be contacted to schedule a specific dates and time for your SIS interview. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 603 229-1982 ext 3 for more information.

Learn more and complete the respondent form!

For more details on the SIS assessment tool, visit the SIS website.