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Discussion Forum on the Definition of Disability

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April 14, 2004

Agenda and Papers

October 2003 SSAB Report—The Social Security Definition of Disability: Is It Consistent with a National Goal of Supporting Maximum Self Sufficiency?

9:00 a.m. - Welcome 

Hal Daub, Chair;

Dorcas Hardy, Board Member

9:15 a.m.Introductions 

Gerben DeJong, University of Florida

Richard Burkhauser, Cornell University 

Panel I

Moderator – Gerben DeJong 

Is the current Social Security disability program consistent with a 21st century national vision of disability policy—integrating benefits, services, civil rights and employment for people with disabilities?

9:30 a.m. - Presentation 1    

The current Social Security disability program and definitions impede the development and operation of a consistent national disability policy

David Stapleton, Cornell University

Paper (.pdf file)Presentation (.ppt file)

Presentation 2    

The current disability program framework can be maintained (with modest changes) and remain consistent with an integrated national disability policy

Virginia Reno, National Academy of Social Insurance

Paper (.pdf file)Presentation (.ppt file)

10:30 a.m. - Keynote Address

Transforming SSA's Disability Programs for 21st Century America

David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States

Presentation (.ppt file)  (Note: this is a large file – 1.8 mb)

11:00 a.m. - Presentation 3    

Definitions from disability programs in other countries

Marilyn Howard, Social Policy Analyst

Paper (.pdf file)Presentation (.ppt file)

11:30 a.m. - Lunch/Discussion 

12:00 p.m. - Discussants

Robert Anfield, UnumProvident Corporation

Bobby Silverstein, National Center on Workforce & Disability

   Silverstein Talking Points (.pdf file)

Peter Blanck, University of Iowa

Tony Young, NISH 

12:30 p.m. - Group Discussion

Panel II

Moderator - Richard Burkhauser 

Visions of reform: What are the necessary features of a consistent national disability benefits/supports system? 

1:30 p.m. - Presentation 1    

Early intervention, multiple definitions, variable benefits/services, and a functional approach to benefits eligibility

Monroe Berkowitz, Rutgers University/Disability Research Institute

Paper (.pdf file)    

Presentation 2    

A national vision for disability policy with emphasis on integrating benefits, incentives to work and removal of barriers to work

Bruce Growick, Ohio State University/Disability Research Institute

Paper (.pdf file)Presentation (.ppt file) 

2:30 p.m. - Discussants        

Eugene Steuerle, Urban Institute

Steuerle comments (.ppt file)

Michael O’Brien, Washington Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation

O’Brien comments (.pdf file)

William Kiernan, Institute for Community Inclusion

Mark Dakos, BTE Technologies, Inc.

Dakos paper (.pdf file)

3:00 p.m. - Group Discussion 

4:00 p.m. - Moderators’ Wrap-up and Closing Discussion 

4:30 p.m. - Adjourn


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