Wednesday, April 19, 2000

WILMINGTON -- The Wilmington Social Security Administration and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are collaborating to provide "Social Security Symposium 2000" from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, at Dobo Hall, Room 103 on the campus of UNCW.

The public is invited to attend this free event, but registration is encouraged by May 1. To register, contact Terry Parker at 910/815-4629.

Welcoming the group at 8:30 a.m. will be UNC Wilmington provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Dr. John C. Cavanaugh, who holds a doctorate in psychology and specializes in gerontology, the study of aging. In his remarks, Dr. Cavanaugh will address how the university community and the government can work together to address and reform social security for coming generations.

Keynote speaker at 9 a.m. will be Ms. Judy Chesser, deputy social security commissioner for legislative and congressional affairs, of Baltimore, Md. She will lead a discussion of the latest social security issues.

Following the opening session, eight breakout sessions will be held. Each attendee may select four. Those sessions are designed to provide valuable information for the general public as well as agencies, businesses, and providers involved in the Social Security process and will address these topics:

Women and Social Security

Understanding the benefits

Congressional Update

The Role of Gerontology

Organizational Payee Responsibilities

Work Incentives for the Disabled

Attorney Fees and Representation

SSI and Temporary Institutionalization

Knowledgeable presenters include Dr. Eleanor Covan, director of UNCW's interdisciplinary gerontology program; congressional representatives; SSA Work Incentive Specialist Ida Campbell; SSA Public Affairs Specialist Carole Davis; and SSA Field Office staff.