TOTAL INTERACTIONS AT
29,6
Taps, Views and Votes Cast in Chime
KEY ENGAGEMENT METRICS
AUDIENCE INTERACTIONS
236
125
Attendees Logged-On
1 , 3 16
Average Interaction Per Attendee
Live Stream Views
839
Biography Views
TOP CONTENT INTERACTIONS
Schedule
3, 479
Networking
2, 062
Agenda Views
342 EDPNA Requirements Over Breakfast: Course 2 & Course 3 200 "Get to the Point": Writing a Prehearing Memo that Gets the ALJ's Attention, Presented by Lindsay Osterhout
Session
1, 838
Speakers
1, 351
160 Representative Roundtables: Exploring a Wide Range of Relevant Topics, Virtually and In-Person 159 Keynote: Slow Your Roll: Mindfulness for Fast Times, presented by Greg Graber
Ask A Question
1, 141
Exh
Live Polling
1,
1, 116
134 Keynote: The Current State of Disability Representation 117 Ethics: What Would You Do? Presented by Professor Robert Rains Is Success at the Appeals Council 110 Possible? presented by Sarah Bohr and Linda Cosme
Live Stream Unique Vie
117
General S
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DISABILITY REPRESENTATIVES
THIRD QUARTER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE:
3
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
4
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
5
NADR PODCAST
6
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
10
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
12
PUERTO RICO
CONTENTS
NADR NEWSLETTER THIRD QUARTER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE 3
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
4
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
5
NADR PODCAST
6
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
10
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
11
PUERTO RICO
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, it is my hope that we will once again gather at our Annual Law Conference and Networking Weekends to rekindle the spirit that was first struck 21 years ago at the 1st Annual NADR Law Conference in St. Louis. The benefit gained by attending a conference is not only education, but also the relationships you build among your fellow NADRites. It is the sharing of ideas, the stories you tell, the friendships you make. Over my 11 years of being a member, I quickly learned that being a part of NADR you are not just a competitor, you are a respected colleague, a student, a mentor, a friend. We are all here to help and learn from each other. #NADRSTRONG
Greetings NADR ColleaguesIt seems like only yesterday that we were gathering for our Conferences in Baltimore, San Antonio, and Networking Event in Las Vegas. When NADR gets together, we continue to educate ourselves with new and changing information, sharpen our skills to advocate the best way possible for the clients we represent. The past 2 years have made this a significant challenge, but NADR has persevered in its mission. I want to acknowledge our Immediate Past President, Greg Cates for his outstanding job guiding us through these challenging times. His dedication and care for NADR was apparent in every meeting and discussion. It has been a pleasure serving on the board with him over the past 7 years and I am thankful he will continue his service with NADR on the Legislative Committee and throughout other roles.
NADR NEWS
Michael Wener, ADR NADR President
3
THIRD QUARTER 2021
CAROL BALDERREE & KARL OSTERHOUT INTRODUCTION TO OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS
NADR NEWS
4
THIRD QUARTER 2021
FEDERAL COURT PRACTICE
Disability Law Is All We Do! • NATIONWIDE APPEALS • FEDERAL COURT • APPEALS COUNCIL • LONG-TERM DISABILITY
CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB OR CALL US TODAY 1-888-WIN-SSDI | WWW.WINDISABILITY.COM 250 S CLINTON ST. STE 210 SYRACUSE, NY 13202
NADR NEWS
5
SECOND QUARTER 2021
REQUEST FOR PROPASAL
Request for Proposal
CLOSING ON NOVEMBER 5, 2021
NADR NEWS
Proposals accepted via email only at: eva@nadr.org
6
THIRD QUARTER 2021
REQUEST FOR PROPASAL (CONTINUED)
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Issued by: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DISABILITY REPRESENTATIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1305 W. 11TH STREET. #222 HOUSTON, TX 77008 T.202-822-2155
F.972-245-6701
1. Introduction 2. Submission Guidelines & Requirements 3. Project Description 4. Project Scope 6. Budget
1. Introduction The National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) is accepting proposals for a Social Media Consultant to assist our organization with our Social Media Campaign. Our Request for Proposal (this “RFP,” or this “Request for Proposal”) is for the purpose to find a qualified source to handle our Social Media Campaign and Messaging, utilizing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, our Email Database or any other platforms determined necessary for our success. Our goals are as follows: 1. Communicate on platform to our members about ongoing events 2. Proactively respond to current events in the Social Security Arena 3. Communicate our legislative agenda when appropriate The objective of this Request for Proposal is to locate a source that will provide the best overall value to the National Association of Disability Representatives. While price is a significant factor, other criteria will form the basis of our award decision, as more fully described in the Evaluation Factors section of this Request for Proposal below.
2. Submission Guidelines & Requirements The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal: 1. Bidders intent on submitting a proposal should do so by November 5, 2021 2. A proposal of 2 pages or less will be accepted
NADR NEWS
7
THIRD QUARTER 2021
REQUEST FOR PROPASAL (CONTINUED)
3. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company. 4. If you have a standard set of terms and conditions, please submit them with your proposal. All terms and conditions will be subject to negotiation. a. Proposals must be received prior to November 5, 2021 to be considered. b. Proposals must remain valid for a period of 30 (Thirty) days.
3. Project Description The purpose of this project is to enhance our Social Media Platform to effectively communicate our message to the NADR membership as well as public outreach concerning who we are, what we do and how we may be able to help new members, existing members and the general public seeking assistance.
4. Project Scope This project does not have an end date. However, contracts will be reevaluated every 6 months. The successful bidder will be required to perform the following work: Post to our Social Media Platforms in either a Standard or Enhanced Post: Standard Post Examples: NADR Activity, Information regarding our TRS Program, Upcoming Events, Phone to Action Program, Article link, etc Enhanced Post Example: Possibly providing commentary about a current event and provide link, detailed description of our events, updates on SSA Activity and possibly preparing NADR Response after collaboration with Board Liaison/Board of Directors.
WORK TO BE PERFORMED MONTHLY 1. Minimum of 1 Post/ Week-No more than 9 Posts per month
2. Enhanced Post 2x/Month
NADR NEWS
8
THIRD QUARTER 2021
REQUEST FOR PROPASAL (CONTINUED)
3. Be available for NADR Board/ Board Liaison to discuss issues and current events to
incorporate in to Social Media Posts 4. Execute monthly plan based on current events and NADR schedule for targeted Ad Spend 5. Prepare monthly summary for Board
6. Budget NADR’s budget for the project is approximately $1,200 to $1,400 per month. Additionally, we anticipate a monthly Ad Buy Spend amount of approximately $200. It is our hope that our project can be performed for less on a monthly basis.
7. Evaluation Factors NADR will rate proposals based on the following factors, with cost being the most important factor: 1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal 2. Relevant past performance/experience 3. Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership 4. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff NADR reserves the right to award to the bidder that presents the best value as determined solely by NADR in its absolute discretion.
NADR NEWS
9
THIRD QUARTER 2021
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Congressional Action As we go to press, the House is poised to approve a Senate amendment to legislation to increase the debt limit until early December, providing a few more weeks of cushion against the United States defaulting on its debt obligations. In addition, Congress has until December 3rd to enact a FY 2022 appropriations package before the current continuing resolution expires, or face the prospect of a federal government shutdown. Also on Congress’ agenda is approval of the bipartisan Infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act, a centerpiece of President Biden’s agenda that includes sizeable investments in child care and climate change and potentially make some long-overdue updates to SSI benefits and eligibility requirements. That package passed the House in September, and is expected to be taken up this month in the Senate under special budget reconciliation rules that require a simple majority rather than the 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster promised by Republicans who oppose the price tag of the package. All of this adds up to a very busy season for legislators between now and the end of the calendar year. NADR has been urging Congress to make needed improvements to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program as part of that reconciliation. Most of the SSI eligibility rules have not been updated since the program was signed into law by President Nixon over 40 years ago. The current program rules effectively require recipients to live below the poverty line, leading to homelessness, hunger, and illness among older adults and persons with disabilities. Potential updates include: • • • • •
Increasing the minimum benefit to at least the federal poverty level; Increasing and indexing resource limits for inflation; Eliminating marriage penalties; Eliminating rules about “in-kind” support from friends and family; and Updating outdated income disregards.
While it is unlikely that all of these essential reforms will be included in the reconciliation package, we are optimistic that some of them will make it into the final package, thanks in part to the advocacy of NADR members who responded to our Call to Action asking Congress to simplify the claims process and restore this program that plays such a pivotal role in the security of millions of Americans, including over a million children. Social Security Board of Trustees 2021 Annual Report The Social Security Board of Trustees recently released its Annual Report on the solvency of the Old Age & Survivors and Disability Trust Funds. The report estimates that the OAS Trust Fund will be able to pay full benefits on time until 2033 – one year earlier than the estimate in last year’s report. At that point without congressional action, income would be sufficient to pay 76 percent of scheduled benefits. The report finds that the DI Trust Fund will be able to pay scheduled benefits until 2057 – eight years earlier than the previous report. Unless Congress acts before then, the fund would only be able to timely pay out 91 percent of scheduled benefits going forward. Combined, the Trust Funds will be able to pay scheduled benefits until 2034, after which income will be sufficient to pay 78 percent of scheduled benefits. The expectation is that Congress will take action to increase revenues, reduce benefits, or some combination of the two, in order to prevent a reduction in scheduled benefits. Action sooner rather than later is essential to minimizing the impact of the adjustments. SSA Nominations The President removed Andrew Saul as Commissioner of Social Security on July 9th, appointing Kilolo Kijakazi as Acting Commissioner. Her service in an acting capacity is limited by law to 210 days from the date the vacancy occurred, unless the President submits a nominee to the office of the Senate. Names floated as possible nominees include Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works and chair of the Strengthen Social Security coalition, who also serves as a member of the Social Security Advisory Board; Seth Harris, former Obama Labor Department official and current advisor to President Biden on labor issues; Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi; Donna Shalala, former Member of the House of Representatives from Florida and former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services; and James Roosevelt, eldest son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and former Member of the House of Representatives from California. Other open positions requiring Senate confirmation include the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security (David Black resigned in July at the President’s request); and the two public trustees of the Social Security Board of Trustees – positions that have been vacant since 2008. NADR NEWS
10
THIRD QUARTER 2021
NADR NEWS
11
THIRD QUARTER 2021
NADR NEWS
12
THIRD QUARTER 2021
NADR NEWS
13
FORTH QUARTER 2020
Sarah Bohr’s Pocket Guide TE to Social Security Disability Law - 6th Edition
Sarah Bohr’s Pocket Guide to Key Social Security Rulings - 12th Edition
ONLY
105
$
DOWNLOADABLE VERSION
NEW 2020 EDITION!
• Provides an overview of key provisions of Social Security disability law, including the 2017 regulations abolishing the treating physician rule & expanding acceptable medical sources • Includes a discussion of the key Rulings through SSR 20-01p, including SSR 19-2p regarding obesity, SSR 19-4p regarding headaches, and SSR 20-01p regarding education • NEW sections on "Headaches" and "Fraud and Similar Fault Redeterminations" and updated sections on education, obesity and administrative procedural issues • Includes a detailed discussion of the "Lifetime Commitment to a Field of Work" exception to the Grids
T HAPPEALS CI R CUI WINNING I T Y CA COUNCILCUR ARGUMENTS 9TH016 EDITION UP D A
• Annotates 88 key Social Security Rulings used in Social Security disability cases through new SSR 20-01p addressing education • Provides a synopsis of key rulings dating back to 1968 • Includes, for the first time, a brief summary of all active Acquiescence Rulings by circuit • Includes helpful charts: Chart of Rulings by Subject Area, Chart of Acquiescence Rulings by Circuit and Child's SSI Charts by Domains • Highlights which rulings were repealed and date of repeal • A handy guide to take to hearings and use when writing arguments
ONLY ELEVENTH CIRCUIT L E VE NT H CI R CUI T SOCI AL $ E
ONLY
SOCIALSE SECURITY CUR I T Y CASES CASE S 2020 UPDATE 2016 UP D E
DOWNLOADABLE VERSION
2019 UPDATE!
• NEW section containing Appeals Council and federal court remand charts by topic, Agency Memoranda, Appeals Council Writing Tips, and more! • Includes over 200 PAGES of updated pattern arguments by topic • Addresses recent regulatory changes, key rulings & updates HALLEX cites • Updates AC letter briefs and adds 20 new AC memoranda or briefs. • Helpful tips in writing arguments to the AC as well as to ALJs and federal courts.
105
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NEW 2020 EDITION!
150
$
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ONLY
210
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NEW 2020 EDITION!
• Annotates over 150 new cases since the last Update! • NEW sections on EAJA fees and 406b fees • NEW! Includes key Supreme Court cases addressing Social Security and attorney fee issues • Annotates published & unpublished 11th Circuit cases and published district court cases over the past 30 years through 9-15-20 • Widely used by members of the federal judiciary in the Eleventh Circuit
NADR DISCOUNT: $10 off each book for online orders only: Use coupon code: NADR2021
Sarah Bohr’s
Pocket Gu
ide to Social Secu ty Disability Lri aw 6th Edition
’s
de to
Key So Security Rcuial lin 12TH EDIT
ION
by Sarah H. Bo hr
2337 SEMINOLE ROAD • ATLA TELEPHONE NTIC BEACH 904 246-7603 FL 32233 FACSIMILE
www.SarahBohrPub licati
Sarah Bohr
Pocket Gui
904 246-8884
ons.com
gs
WINNING AP PEALS COUNCIL AR GUMENTS 9T H EDIT IO N
ELEVENTH CI RCUIT SOCIAL SECU RITY CASES 2020 UPDATE
by Sarah H. Bohr
by Sarah H. Bohr
by Sarah H. Bo hr
2337 SEMINOL E ROAD • ATLANTIC TELEPHON E 904 246-7
603
BEACH FL
FACSIMILE
www.SarahBohrP ubli
32233
2337 SEMINOLE ROAD • ATLAN TELEPHONE TIC BEACH FL 904 246-7603 32233 FACSIM
904 239-3222
cations.com
ILE 904 239-322 2
www.SarahBohrP ublications.com
2337 SEMINOLE ROAD • ATLAN TELEPHONE TIC BEACH FL 904 246-7603 32233 FACSIM
www.SarahBohrP
ILE 904 239-322 2
ublications.com
www.SarahBohrPublications.com NADR NEWS
14
THIRD QUARTER 2021
nADr MentorInG GUIDe Automated Intake
(For Mento r
s and Ment
Contact & Matter Management
ees)
SSA Merge Forms Included Automatic SMS/Text Messaging Manage Tasks & Appointments Web-Based Intake Questionnaires New and Improved Calendar Options Integrates with Outlook Includes the SSD Claim Process
Board of Director s 2014-2015
Track Time, Fees, & Costs
President Robert McDowell Elizabethtown, KY
Medical Records Management
Vice President Steve Skinner Redding, CA
Multiple Law Types Included
Mentor Guide Sub-Committee, Earline
Secretary Philip Litteral Ashland, KY
QuickBooks Integration
Marchand, and the following folks on her
Treasurer Michael Wener Memphis, TN
Committee for their hard work on the production of the NADR Mentoring Guide.
Directors-at-Large Karen Starr Grand Rapids, MI Greg Cates Memphis, TN
Please consider signing uptio as a Mentor or a NADR Na
Patty Sexton Wauna, WA
Mentee after
Barbara Manna Pittsburgh, PA
Administrators Eva Sirman 202-822-2155 eva@nadr.org Julie Phelps 202-822-2155 admin@nadr.or g
NADR
NADR NEWS
nal Office PO Box 96503 #3 0550 Washithrough reading the guidelines. ngton, DC 2009 0-6503
We are hopeful that this will be another
NADR National Offi ce
Robin Ventura (866) 367-7919 | rventura@prevail.net
NADR would like to thank the chair of the
PO Box 96503 Washington, DC 20090-6503 Phone: (202) 822 -2155 Fax (972) 245-67 01 Web Site: www.n adr.org
16
invalualbe NADR member benefit. Mentor Guide Sub-Committee Earline D. Marchand Carol Balderee Sherrell Rodgers Steven Gragg Brandy Bowdry Dedra Wood THIRD QUARTER 2021
Ta
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KEY ENGAGEMENT METRICS
125
AUDIENCE INTERACTIONS
2021 - 2022
236
Attendees Logged-On
1 , 3 16
Average Interaction Per Attendee
Live Stream Views
TOP CONTENT INTERACTIONS
Schedule
President 3, 479 Michael Wener, ADR Agenda Memphis, TN Views
Session
Networking
1, 838 2,0Vice 62President Christopher Mazzulli, ADR Baltimore, MDSecretary
342 EDPNA Requirements Over Breakfast: Course 2 & Course 3 200 "Get to the Point": Writing a Prehearing Memo that Gets the ALJ's Attention, Presented by Lindsay Osterhout
Speakers
Ask A Question
Clifford ADR 1, 3 5Berkley, 1 1, 141 Fullerton, CA
160 Representative Roundtables: Exploring a Wide Range of Relevant Topics, Virtually and In-Person 159 Keynote: Slow Your Roll: Mindfulness for Fast Times, presented by Greg Graber
134 Keynote: The Current State of Disability Representation 117 Ethics: What Would You Do? Presented by Professor Robert R Is Success at the Appeals Coun 110 Possible? presented by Sarah B and Linda Cosme
Treasurer Carl Groves
Director At Large Kelly Blad, ADR Cook, MN
Director At Large Melissa Smith, ADR St. Louis, MO
Director At Large Karl Osterhout
Director At Large Sherrell Rodgers
Director At Large Carol Balderree
NADR News is published by NADR and is the property of the National Association of Disability Representatives. Copyright 2016, NADR. The articles appearing in the NADR News do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NADR. The accuracy and content of each article is the responsibility of the individual writer.
NADR NEWS
17
THIRD QUARTER 2021