History of the SIS
The Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) lets us reliably determine what kinds of support a person needs so that we can find ways to help them. A person’s needs can also be monitored as part of a regular review of their support plan, and services and supports can then be developed to respond to these needs in a transparent and sustainable way.
Instead of trying to “measure” how independent a person is, the SIS was developed to identify the kind of support they need to participate in everyday activities. This is important because
- people with developmental disabilities are participating in community life more and more;
- we don’t need to label people to help them plan for success and get the right supports;
- services and supports are becoming more “consumer-driven” and made to “fit” the person; and,
- assisting people to create support networks will help them enjoy a positive life in their community.
The SIS was tested by over 2000 people with developmental disabilities across Ontario in 2007–2008. What was learned in this study will help us to improve the ways we use SIS information in the future.
June/2013