On April 14, 2004, the SSAB convened a forum of experts in the disability field to discuss the definition of disability within the context of Social Security. The forum addressed many of the issues put forth in SSAB's October 2003 report, “The Social Security Definition of Disability: Is It Consistent with a National Goal of Supporting Maximum Self-Sufficiency?” including whether the current Social Security disability program allows for a modern vision of disability policy, as well as possibilities for reform within the national disability support system.
Virginia Reno was asked to present the view that the current Social Security disability program framework can be maintained (with modest changes) and be consistent with an integrated national disability policy. This testimony is based on large part on the findings of the Academy's Disability Policy Panel.