FORUM ARCHIVE: Discussion Forum on the Definition of Disability

Social Security Advisory Board

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

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

10:30 a.m. Keynote Address:  Transforming SSA’s Disability Programs for 21st Century America, David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States

11:00 a.m. Presentation 3:  Definitions from disability programs in other countries, Marilyn Howard, Social Policy Analyst

11:30 a.m. Lunch/Discussion

12:00 p.m. Discussants: Robert Anfield, UnumProvident Corporation; Bobby Silverstein, National Center on Workforce & Disability; Peter Blanck, University of Iowa; Tony Young, NISH

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

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

2:30 p.m. Discussants: Eugene Steuerle, Urban Institute; Michael O’Brien, Washington Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, William Kiernan, Institute for Community Inclusion, Mark Dakos, BTE Technologies, Inc.

3:00 p.m. Group Discussion

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

4:30 p.m. Adjourn