The Disability Academy

Are you a newer disability representative who needs some expert training to learn how to be more effective?  Leanne has created The Disability Academy to equip you for success!  Two comprehensive webinars are available through the National Association of Disability Representatives and have been peer-reviewed by other successful disability professionals.

The hearing-level training covers the following topics:

• Screening cases at the hearing level
• Case development
• Reviewing the exhibit file from A to F
• Theories of Disability
• Step 4 analysis
• Researching Occupations in the DOT
• Step 5 analysis including the grid rules
• How to review medical records
• The hearing players and their roles
• Hearing preparation for you and your client
• Addressing adverse evidence/circumstances
• How to cross-examine expert witnesses
• Legal principles
• Handling hearing nightmares
• Acquiescence rulings
• Pre- and post-hearing briefs
• Childhood disability hearings
• Mock hearings
• Decisions
• Payment problems and fee petitions
• Tools of the trade

The initial and reconsideration training includes the following:

• Social Security's definition of disability
• Types of disability benefits and requirements for each
• Sequential evaluation
• Qualifying for disability
• Special cases
• Representative rules of conduct
• Screening cases at initial and reconsideration
• How to file claims
• Reconsideration claims
• Case cycle at initial and reconsideration
• Effective case management practices
• Completing DDS forms effectively
• All about CEs
• Requesting medical records
• Address work issues
• Understanding the grid rules
• Legal principles
• SSA resources
• Problem-solving issues
• Going over decisions with claimants
• Payment problems
• Filing the request for hearing 

Please contact Leanne for additional information 

about these high-quality training materials.