1. AAIDD SuPPort Intensity Scale Assessments
2015/2016

2. The context as part of building bridges of support in the community
To complete an independent, supports needs assessment of residents of a congregated campus based setting and day service users.
The client group had moderate, high and intensive support needs.
We completed an initiative on one site using SIS-A

3. The requirement
The information gathered was used in collaboration with the individual service users, their families and staff to plan and provide the most appropriate supports aligned to the service users needs;
It was to support the implementation of the strategic vision for the reform of the service; To move from an institutional model of care to a community-based model, enabling and supporting meaningful lives as chosen by users/clients, within the resources available and in line with existing policies.
2015 / 16 slow progress

4. Output
Individualised reports to account for the support needs index and profile under where appropriate, sections one, two and three of the SIS assessment (or equivalent) and consequently hours and staffing skill mix to support each individual;
Composite account of support needs required and staffing per unit and for the overall service;
Plain English report summary of both.

5. Beneficiaries
The outcome was of benefit to the service users in enhancing their services and quality of lives.
It also benefits the provider in planning services and transitioning to more appropriate service structures in line with Government policy and HIQA standards and regulations.

6. Key Premise
At their heart, all models for equitable resource allocation are based on the premises that (a) available resources are finite and understood, (b) the number of those to whom the resources will be distributed to are known and any changes to their number are predictable, and (c) a formula (or algorithm) can be devised to assign those resources in a justifiable manner using a set of identified variables.

7. The Process AAIDD conducted the assessments and
Worked with the actuarial staff who converted support needs into staffing hours by grade for the required supports.
AAIDD provided extensive technical assistance on the interpretation of the SIS-A assessment data to actuarial designees.
In particular, over the course of the project, AAIDD provided technical assistance to designated personnel in order to assure their understanding of the description and comprehensive analysis of the findings

8. The Process …
Support Needs Index (SNI) score and support needs measures (Type, Frequency, and Daily Support Time). Critical to resource allocation decisions are the Frequency and Daily Support Time ratings, and the exceptional support needs based upon exceptional medical/behavioural issues identified during the assessment, and specific medical/behavioural risks identified by the Oregon Supplemental Questions.

9. The output
A production of individual reports that profiled the supports needs of each person assessed.
The reports provide crucial information on support needs measures (Type, Frequency, Daily Support Time) that will assist actuarial personnel to determine appropriate staffing hours and skill mix to meet the needs of identified individuals and include this information in the reports.

10. Final
Final composite centre based and overall site reports reflect the support needs as per Support Intensity Scale and account for staffing and skillmix requirement.