Maximus is the vendor selected by the State of Maine and OADS to conduct assessments using the SIS-A statewide. Maximus has partnered with the SIS authors (AAIDD) and conducted the SIS across various states for over 15 years.
We do also provide other clinical and assessment services in Maine and across the country. You can learn more about Maximus here: https://maximus.com/clinical-services.
For questions about the assessment process, go to the Maximus – Maine SIS Assessments Tools & Resources page, which has a growing list of content that will eventually include a broad range of helpful content, including contact information, recent announcements, and relevant state links.
The Supports Intensity Scale for Adults (SIS-A) is a valid and reliable tool used as a member needs assessment. Developed and maintained by the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), the SIS-A is a comprehensive planning tool that measures support needs in the areas of home living, community living, lifelong learning, employment, health and safety, and social activities.
The SIS-A typically takes 2-3 hours to gather the information needed and complete in full.
You can find more information about the SIS on the website for the developers of the SIS assessment, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).
One aspect of the project is a waiver being planned by OADS for 2025, which is intended to serve the member across the entire lifespan with services attuned to different needs. It will support self-direction, community inclusion and the implementation of innovations and innovative service options. The SIS-A will be required for participation in the Lifespan Waiver.
To learn more about it, you can go to the OADS website.
Participation is currently voluntary. The State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) plans to require the SIS Assessment at some future date, as part of a new waiver called the Lifespan Waiver. Individuals that participate in a SIS assessment now will contribute to the information gathered about what changes are needed to the current service system and will be helpful in creating the Lifespan Waiver. DHHS also encourages individuals to participate in a SIS assessment now, so that they understand the process for any future assessments.
The SIS assesses the support needs of people with IDD or autism. It has been in use since 2004. The “Adult SIS” (SIS-A) for individuals aged 16 and older.
The SIS focuses on what support a person needs to successfully live as independently as possible. Things like taking care of personal needs, working or volunteering, housekeeping, or maintaining relationships and connecting with their community. The SIS also asks about a person’s exceptional medical and/or behavioral support needs. The assessment is done as an interview. A trained interviewer does the interview with the person with IDD or autism and others who know them well.
The initial plan is that the SIS-A will be completed for each individual once every three years. If a significant life altering event occurs that may change the member’s support needs, a decision to potentially perform a new SIS-A will be made by OADS.
AAIDD requires 2 participants be present for each SIS. It is preferred to include the member, guardians, family, friends, direct support staff from residential, day or other providers. The member should also agree that everyone planning to attend are people they want to be there. All those participants should have known the person for at least 3 months.
It is also strongly recommended that the case manager participate in the assessment, provided they have known the person for at least 90 days.
AAIDD published an updated version of the SIS-A in January 2023, called the SIS-A 2nd edition. There are minimal changes from the original SIS-A version. Assessors will be trained and certified to complete the SIS-A 2nd edition.
