Resources > Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) and PA Plus (PA+)
The SIS evaluates support needs throughout many life areas.
The Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) is an assessment tool that evaluates the practical support requirements of a person with a developmental disability. The SIS evaluates support needs throughout many life areas.
PA Plus (PA+)—Additional questions that may be created by Pennsylvania as an addendum to the SIS. These additional questions address areas that the SIS itself did not address fully. ODP uses the SIS and PA+ as the standardized needs assessment for the Pennsylvania intellectual disabilities/mental retardation system (for Consolidated and P/FDS Waiver participants ages 16-72).
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Frequently Asked Questions on the SIS
Frequently Asked Questions PDF
What is the Supports Intensity Scale and PA Plus (SIS and PA Plus)?
SIS Fact Sheet PDF
What the SIS and PA Plus are and are not PDF
Choosing a Respondent
One of the most important things for a good SIS and PA Plus interview is having the right people there. Choosing the best people as respondents to the interview is key.
Guide to picking good respondents PDF
SIS/ISP Crosswalk
The crosswalk is meant to help you and/or your Supports Coordinator know how to include information gathered through the SIS interview in your ISP.
SIS Summary Report
After the SIS and the PA Plus interview, you should receive a SIS Summary Report. The Summary Report is meant to help the ISP team address support needs.
Partnership Trainings about SIS and the PA Plus
The Partnership offers a workshops that help people understand SIS and the PA Plus, why ODP uses it and what to expect from the interview process.
SIS training for Self-Advocates
ODP Bulletins and Informational Packets on the SIS and the PA Plus
ODP's official policy communications on the SIS and PA Plus
Bulletin 00-07-02 Overview of the Supports Intensity Scale©(SIS) and the PA Plus PDF
PA Plus Form PDF
ODP SIS and PA Plus Users Manual PDF
ODP SIS and PA Plus Users Manual Bulletin 00-08-11 PDF
SIS™ and PA Plus Assessment (Including Process Changes) Informational Packet #006-09 PDF
Important Websites
AAIDD is the creator of the Supports Instensity Scale. Ascend is the company that does all of the assessments in Pennsylvania.
To find the full list of ODP Bulletins, please see the Publications section of our website.