National Association of Disability Representatives

Educational conferences to enhance member ability to represent disabled individuals before the social security administration. Conference held seminars and sessions focusing on social security administration's guidelines for non-attorney Representatives. According to the guidelines, the sessions must include topics in ethics and professional conduct, matters related to entitlement or eligibility for benefits based on Disability, and a review/update on changes and new procedures in the areas of rulings, regulations, medical and vocational issues, and procedures in preparing and presenting cases.

Assisting in passage of legislation to benefit members and their clients. The Association contracts with a lobbying firm to monitor and review proposed legislation affecting programs of the social security administration. The firm informs the management of the Association of these proposals and the decision is made by the Association's management and members as to what course of action is to be taken. Once decided it is the responsibility of the lobbying firm to represent the Association before legislative persons who are associated with the proposed legistlation. It is also possible for the firm to be used in initiating interest among legislators regarding changes the Association would like to have made to existing rules and regulations.

Exchanging of information and ideas via talklist and website. An established web site is maintained for use by the general public with a secured area for members only. The general public is welcomed to browse to obtain general information about working with the social security administration with regard to making Disability claims. There are links to additional sites offering additional information. If desired, there is also an area to assist people in finding, a representative in a particular geographiocal area. Members have access to additional services and information. A talklist area is a bulletin board where members can post questions, experiences, or general information which can be shared with the entire membership, the purpose of which is to encourage others to respond.

See 4a-4c above