The Validity of the Supports Intensity Scale for Adults With Motor Disability

We argue that the construct of support needs as used in the field of intellectual disability (ID) offers applicability for persons with motor disabilities. To explore the validity of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) in groups other than ID, we studied the criterion validity for persons with motor disability in a population sample. The SIS showed excellent criterion validity, explaining 62-69% of the variance depending on different combinations of variables suggested by the literature. A distinctive pattern of support needs specific to motor disability was evident, supporting the sensitivity of the SIS for this population. In conclusion, the SIS is found to be an appropriate and valid instrument for assessing support needs in persons with motor disabilities.