What is the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed.?
The SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. is a tool used to identify support needs. It involves an interview with an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) or Autism and at least two additional respondents (people who know the individual well, like a family member). The assessment helps to understand key areas in a person’s life that may require support, including Home Living Activities, Health and Safety Activities, Community Living Activities, Social Activities, Lifelong Learning Activities, Work Activities, Advocacy Activities, as well as Exceptional Medical and Behavioral needs.
Why is DDS using the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. now?
Everyone has had discussions with DDS about services needs and budget development; some have also taken other assessments before. While these were valuable, DDS determined a modern, person-centered assessment tool like the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. better focuses on what supports an individual may need to engage in everyday adult activities at home and enhance participation in the community.
Who developed SIS-A®, 2nd Ed.?
The assessment, developed and maintained by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), is widely used across other states. AAIDD first launched the SIS tool in 2004; the second edition was introduced in 2023.
Who is being asked to take the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. now?
To fully implement SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. as the primary assessment tool, DDS requires data from over 500 individuals who have completed SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. in Massachusetts. DDS is currently contacting a random sample of service recipients for voluntary participation, which is essential for this initiative. DDS will work with their research partners to use this data to inform the framework for DDS’ budget allocations and to improve consistency, transparency, and equity for those using self-directed services.
Can others who are not part of the sample participate?
If you have not been contacted by DDS to participate, you can still support this effort by filling out this preference survey. The information will be shared with DDS, and if you are eligible, a DDS scheduler will reach out to schedule a SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. assessment.
How does the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. work?
The SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. is a meeting between a trained assessor, the individual, and at least two people (called respondents) who are familiar with the individual’s daily support needs and understand what the individual may need at home, in the community, or in terms of learning. The individual being assessed is encouraged to participate as best they can and must be present at the start of the assessment (they may leave early). During the meeting, the assessor walks through key areas and “life activities” to determine the type and frequency of supports needed so a person can live well. A scale is used to rank each life activity.
How does the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. get scheduled?
A DDS scheduler will contact the individual by email or phone and work with human service coordinators and assessors to assist in the process. To ensure a smooth experience, they will discuss the time, location, and attendees, with the option to hold the assessment at home, a DDS office, or the individual’s preferred location.
How can participants prepare and how long does it take?
The scheduler will provide details, but no pre-work is required. The assessment takes about 3 hours and must be completed in one session. Participants are welcome to bring snacks and drinks, and a short break will be provided halfway through the assessment.
What do participants get after the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed.?
Participants will receive a SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. Summary Report in the mail that provides information from the assessment that can be useful to refer to during supports planning meetings. The individual will receive a small gift in recognition of their participation. Participants who have completed SIS-A have shared that the meeting itself was a useful discussion and prompted considerations for existing support services. After SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. is fully integrated into DDS programs, participants will receive the Summary Report, education, and budget allocations for self-directed support services.
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The Path Forward project supports the Department of Developmental Services’ goal of fully integrating the SIS-A®, 2nd Ed. tool to provide a more consistent, transparent, and equitable way of assessing the support needs of individuals who use Self-Directed Services.
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For more information about The Path Forward and SIS-A®, 2nd Ed., visit mass.gov/PathForward.
