November 6, 2001

Ms. Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Dear Ms. Barnhart:

On behalf of the National Association of Disability Examiners (NADE), I would like to offer our congratulations to you for being appointed as the new Commissioner of Social Security. NADE is the professional association representing the employees in the state disability determination offices and we are the experts in the practical application of disability policy. We share SSA’s vision for what the disability program should be in the 21st century. Our members are dedicated to making SSA’s commitment to public service a reality.

Your appointment as Commissioner comes at an exciting time. There are many challenges that lie ahead and many of these will require almost immediate action on your part. NADE stands ready to provide any assistance you may require. We have enjoyed the many opportunities we have had in the past to work with SSA and the Commissioner to discover solutions to problems and to effectuate their implementation. We look forward to continuing this relationship.

NADE would welcome an opportunity for our executive officers to meet with you to discuss your plans for SSA’s future and how NADE can assist in these endeavors. Our Association’s Board of Directors will meet in Washington February 18-23, 2002. Perhaps it would be possible to arrange a meeting during that week. We firmly believe it is important that we work together to envision what the future may hold and to move SSA forward to make this vision a reality.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey H. Price, President
National Association of Disability Examiners