Support Intensity Scale

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What is the SIS?

The SIS – Supports Intensity Scale helps determine the type, amount, and intensity of support an individual needs to participate in society. The SIS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the support needs of people with intellectual disabilities. In 2006, the SIS was published in Dutch, and a new Dutch-language version appeared in 2010. The paper version of the SIS is distributed by BSL (Houten) for both the Netherlands and Flanders. The SIS is intended for adult clients (aged 18-70). There is also considerable international experience with the children’s version of the SIS.

Aligning with Quality of Life

The SIS is based on a validated model that aligns with the concept of Quality of Life. This approach is direct, rather than being based on intelligence levels or deficits in competencies, which is often the norm.

In practice, the SIS is used as a training tool and as the foundation for individual support plans. Additionally, the SIS can be used to create and compare profiles of support needs, both for individuals and groups (e.g., residential groups, organizational clusters, or regions). The SIS is built on an evidence-based approach to assessing support needs.

In collaboration with Stichting POS Nederland, QOL-zone offers the digital version of the SIS.