Individual Instruction & Support Plan Seattle - $350

The Individual Instruction and Support Plan (IISP) is a person-centered planning tool required by Washington State DDA Policy 5.08 that guides skill development, promotes independence, and enhances quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities. According to the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, person-centered planning is essential for supporting self-determination and meaningful community participation.

What Is an Individual Instruction and Support Plan?

The Individual Instruction and Support Plan (IISP) is the supporting agency's person-centered plan that provides instructions and guidance for how to meet an individual's needs, dreams, and goals. Unlike behavior support plans that focus primarily on challenging behaviors, IISPs emphasize skill building, independence, and positive life outcomes.

Per DDA Policy 5.08, IISPs are developed collaboratively with the individual (to the maximum extent possible), family members, caregivers, and the support team. The plan translates the individual's preferences, goals, and assessed needs into specific, measurable objectives with clear teaching strategies.

Purpose and Benefits of IISPs

Person-Centered Focus: Plans are driven by individual preferences, goals, and dreams rather than system or provider convenience
Skill Development: Systematic approach to teaching new skills and increasing independence
Quality of Life: Focus on meaningful activities, relationships, and community participation
Self-Determination: Support for making choices and exercising control over one's life
Communication: Clear guidance for all support providers on how to assist effectively
Progress Tracking: Measurable objectives allow monitoring of skill acquisition and goal achievement

When IISPs Are Needed

IISPs are appropriate for individuals who:

Are transitioning from pediatric to adult services
Need systematic instruction in daily living skills
Are working toward increased independence
Have changing support needs or goals
Require coordination of multiple support services
Need updated plans reflecting current abilities and aspirations

Key Components of an IISP

Comprehensive IISPs address multiple life domains and include specific, actionable guidance:

Assessment of Current Status

Current skill levels in various domains
Strengths and abilities to build upon
Support needs across different settings
Communication methods and effectiveness
Social relationships and community connections
Health status and medical needs

Goals and Objectives

According to the CDC, effective intervention plans include measurable goals. IISPs specify:

Long-term goals reflecting individual aspirations
Short-term objectives that are specific and measurable
Timeline for achieving each objective
Criteria for determining success
Modifications needed based on individual learning style

Teaching Strategies

Step-by-step instructions for teaching each skill
Prompting strategies and fading procedures
Reinforcement systems and motivational approaches
Environmental supports and adaptations
Communication methods during instruction
Natural learning opportunities in daily routines

Support Requirements

Level of assistance needed for different activities
Adaptive equipment or assistive technology
Environmental modifications required
Scheduling and routine considerations
Coordination with other services or therapies

Life Domains Addressed in IISPs

Comprehensive planning across all areas of life

Daily Living Skills

Development of essential self-care and household management skills:

Personal Care: Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, menstrual care
Food Preparation: Meal planning, cooking, food safety, kitchen skills
Household Tasks: Cleaning, laundry, organization, basic maintenance
Money Management: Budgeting, shopping, using ATMs, understanding money
Time Management: Using schedules, calendars, alarms, planning routines
Health Management: Medication management, scheduling appointments, recognizing illness

Communication Skills

Enhancing ability to express needs, preferences, and build relationships:

Expressive communication (verbal, sign, AAC devices)
Receptive language and following instructions
Social communication and conversation skills
Advocacy and self-expression
Problem-solving and conflict resolution
Asking for help when needed

Social and Relationship Skills

Making and maintaining friendships
Understanding social norms and expectations
Participating in group activities
Respecting boundaries and personal space
Dating and relationship skills
Family relationship maintenance

Community Integration

Skills for safe, meaningful participation in community life:

Transportation: Using public transit, rideshare, pedestrian safety
Community Resources: Accessing library, recreation centers, community programs
Shopping: Grocery shopping, comparing prices, using community stores
Recreation: Developing hobbies, accessing leisure activities
Civic Participation: Voting, community involvement, self-advocacy
Safety Skills: Street safety, stranger danger, emergency response

Employment and Volunteer Skills

Job readiness and work behavior skills
Task completion and quality standards
Following supervisor instructions
Workplace social skills and interactions
Volunteer opportunities and skills
Career exploration and goal setting

Self-Determination and Advocacy

Making choices and expressing preferences
Problem-solving and decision-making
Understanding rights and responsibilities
Self-advocacy skills
Goal-setting and planning
Risk assessment and management

Health and Wellness

Nutrition and healthy eating choices
Physical activity and exercise
Sleep hygiene and routines
Stress management and coping strategies
Understanding sexuality and healthy relationships
Accessing healthcare services

Our IISP Development Process

Collaborative, person-centered approach that centers individual voice and choice

1️⃣

Getting to Know the Individual

Person-centered planning sessions with the individual (to maximum extent possible) to understand dreams, goals, preferences, interests, and priorities. Review of existing assessments, educational records, and support documentation.

2️⃣

Skills Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of current skills and abilities across life domains. Observation in natural settings. Input from family members, caregivers, and other support providers about strengths and areas for growth.

3️⃣

Goal Development

Collaborative identification of priority goals based on individual preferences and assessed needs. Development of measurable objectives with clear success criteria. Consideration of individual learning style and pace.

4️⃣

Strategy Planning

Creation of specific teaching strategies and support plans for each objective. Identification of environmental supports, adaptations, and assistive technology. Development of data collection methods for progress monitoring.

5️⃣

Plan Documentation

Writing of comprehensive IISP document meeting DDA Policy 5.08 requirements. Clear, practical guidance that caregivers and support staff can implement. Coordination with individualized service plan and other planning documents.

6️⃣

Training and Implementation

Training for caregivers and support staff on implementing teaching strategies. Guidance on data collection and progress monitoring. Consultation on adapting strategies as needed based on individual response and progress.

Person-Centered Planning Principles

Our IISP development follows person-centered planning principles that respect dignity, autonomy, and self-determination:

Individual Voice and Choice

The individual's voice is central to planning
Communication accommodations ensure meaningful participation
Preferences drive goal selection and priorities
Plans respect cultural values and family traditions
Self-determination is actively promoted

Building on Strengths

Focus on abilities, not just deficits
Recognition of talents and interests
Use of strengths to support learning in challenge areas
Positive, capability-focused language
Celebration of achievements and progress

Natural Supports and Inclusion

Integration of natural learning opportunities in daily life
Community-based skill instruction
Support for natural relationships and friendships
Focus on community participation and inclusion
Fading of artificial supports as skills develop

Progress Monitoring and Plan Updates

IISPs are living documents designed to evolve with the individual:

Data Collection

Simple, practical methods for tracking progress
Regular documentation of skill acquisition
Recording of successful teaching strategies
Identification of barriers or challenges
Celebration of milestones and achievements

Plan Amendments

Per DDA Policy 5.08, IISPs may be amended as necessary based on:

Achievement of objectives requiring new goals
Changes in residential service level or living situation
Changes in DDA eligibility or service authorization
Emergence of new priorities or interests
Ineffective strategies requiring modification
Life transitions or significant changes

Integration with Other Services

IISPs work in conjunction with other developmental disabilities and support services:

DDA Negotiated Care Plan for AFH care planning
Functional Assessment & PBSP for behavioral support
DDA case management and service coordination
Adult family home nurse delegation
Vocational rehabilitation services
Educational and therapeutic services
Change in Condition Assessment when needs change significantly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Individual Instruction and Support Plan?

An Individual Instruction and Support Plan (IISP) is a person-centered planning document required by DDA Policy 5.08 that guides how to meet an individual's needs, dreams, and goals. It focuses on skill development, independence, community integration, and quality of life, with measurable objectives and specific teaching strategies.

Who needs an IISP?

DDA clients requiring individualized instruction and support plans for skill development and independence. IISPs are appropriate for individuals transitioning to adult services, those working toward greater independence, individuals learning new daily living skills, and those whose service needs or goals have changed requiring plan updates.

How much does an IISP cost?

The Individual Instruction and Support Plan development service costs $350. This includes comprehensive assessment of current skills and support needs, person-centered planning sessions with the individual and support team, development of measurable goals and teaching strategies, caregiver training on plan implementation, and all DDA policy-compliant documentation.

What is included in an IISP?

IISPs include assessment of current skills and abilities, identification of individual preferences and goals, measurable objectives for skill development, specific teaching strategies and supports needed, methods for monitoring progress, schedule for plan review and updates, and person-centered approaches that respect individual choices and promote self-determination.

How long does IISP development take?

IISP development typically takes 2-4 hours of person-centered planning sessions, plus time for skill assessment, plan writing, and team coordination. The complete process from initial consultation to final plan delivery usually takes 1-2 weeks. Simple updates to existing plans may be completed more quickly.

Does the IISP comply with DDA Policy 5.08?

Yes. Our Individual Instruction and Support Plans are developed according to DDA Policy 5.08 requirements. Plans are person-centered, include measurable goals and objectives, specify teaching strategies and supports, outline progress monitoring methods, and can be amended as needed based on changes in service needs or individual goals.

Can the IISP be updated as goals are achieved?

Yes. IISPs are living documents designed to evolve as individuals achieve goals, develop new skills, or experience changes in needs or circumstances. DDA Policy 5.08 allows for plan amendments as necessary. We provide guidance on when updates are needed and can assist with plan revisions to reflect progress and new objectives.

Individual Instruction & Support Plan (IISP)