Rethinking disability policy: the role of income, health care, rehabilitation, and related services in fostering independence.

The Disability Policy Panel of the National Academy of Social Insurance recently issued its Preliminary Status Report as a way to invite public comment on its work to date, and, in particular, to invite suggestions for specific policy proposals for the Panel's consideration in the remaining 14 months of its work. The Social Security Bulletin is publishing the "Overview" section from the report to help the Panel widen the audience of possible respondents. If you wish to comment, please use the address at the end of this note. The Panel was convened by the Academy in March 1993 in response to a request from Chairman Dan Rostenkowski of the House Committee on Ways and Means, and Chairman Andy Jacobs, Jr., of its Social Security Subcommittee. They asked the Academy to conduct a comprehensive review of disability income policy with a particular emphasis on ways to enable persons with disabilities to remain in or return to the work force as well as to better serve those who are denied benefits but do not find work. In its first year, the Panel engaged in fact finding and information gathering with regard to disability policy and the broad economic, social, and political environment in which that policy operates. The initial findings of that review are included in the Preliminary Status Report. The National Academy of Social Insurance is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to promote research and education concerning Social Security, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, the appropriate role of government in protecting individuals from the costs of personal health care services, and challenges and opportunities facing the world of social insurance. Panel members were selected for their recognized expertise and with consideration for the balance of disciplines appropriate for this project: their names are listed on the page to the right.