1. North Carolina and the Supports Intensity Scale

2. What is the Supports Intensity Scale?

3. It is……
A standardized assessment tool specifically designed to measure the pattern and the intensity of supports needed by an adult with developmental disabilities age 16 years and older (AAIDD 2004). There is a version of the Supports Intensity Scale for children (age 5-15) with developmental disabilities that is currently being normed and standardized.

4. It is…
An assessment that focuses on what supports are needed by an individual to lead an independent life.
to be used to help the team in developing the supports for a person to live successfully.

5. It is…
a component of the planning process, not the only assessment or replacement of the NC-SNAP. As with all planning, the information gathered is to be used along with other evaluations (e.g., Psychology, Speech, Nursing, PT, OT, etc.).

6. It is… NOT deficit based
Objective– it measures the frequency, amount, and types of support that are needed
part of the planning process for a person’s life, NOT an event

7. Why is North Carolina using the Supports Intensity Scale?
Because the SIS is:
positive and supports oriented
engaging (i.e., the interview includes the consumer, family, case manager, and others familiar with the consumer)
a reliable and valid instrument that is currently being used in 10 other states

8. Why is North Carolina using the Supports Intensity Scale?
Because the SIS is:
reported to enhance the PCP process
simple (has well defined items with descriptions)
comprehensive (i.e., 57 items in 7 life areas and 28 items in the medical and behavioral area)
quantifiable, it will be part of the data analyzed to help estimate financial allocations for those CAP MRDD consumers that choose to self-direct their services

9. SIS roll out
7 Local Management Entities will begin to roll out the use of the Supports Intensity Scale

10. SIS roll out
Approximately 1,000 assessments will be completed in the first year
The administration will be done by independent examiners (i.e., not agency or case management entities)

11. More on the SIS
The expectation is that the Supports Intensity Scale should be completed prior to the annual meeting and will be used as part of the Person Centered Planning process
It takes about 2 hours to complete the SIS
Consent and Release of information will be needed for the Child SIS

12. What is expected of the Case Manager?
The Case Manager will need to contact the consumer, family/guardian, and others familiar with the consumer to schedule a time to complete the SIS

13. Who are the examiners?
They will be licensed professionals in the field of Psychology (LP or LPA) or Social Work (LCSW) with at least 2 years of DD experience.
They will bill DMA under H0031- Mental Health Assessment
They will be independent of the support team and not working for any provider who currently is involved in the specific consumers life.

14. Examiners will…
be flexible in scheduling and available to meet where the consumer is comfortable
bill DMA directly for their work.
upload results to a secure, online site
share results with the case manager prior to the PCP meeting

15. What should be expected in the interview process?
The interview takes about 2 hours to complete.
The minimum number participating in an interview can be 2 in addition to the consumer. Maximum number of respondents should not be over 5 people, in addition to consumer. Those who know the consumer and who can provide helpful information should be on the invite list. It is preferable that representatives who know the consumer, such as workers from residential and day services be present.
The interviews are to be face to face and CANNOT be over the phone.
If there is disagreement in scoring between the team, the examiner will work with the team in making the best decision for the rating.

16. Training Opportunities
Lead trainer is Rod Realon from the Division who is also a co-author of the Child SIS
Training will occur based on the location of identified LME’s
There is no cost for training of examiners who will be administering the Supports Intensity Scale

17. More information…..
Power Point to be added to the designated LME’s websites.
LME’s are encouraged to share Supports Intensity Scale information with consumers, families and other stakeholders.
SIS Web Site:
Best Practice Conference in March 2008 will have several presentations on the SIS

18. Questions?