Program Contents

Your disability advocate basic training program contains:

a) The Disability Consultant Training CD-ROM,
b) The Disability Consultants Study Guide On-line.
b) The Disability Consultant Business Guide On-line.
c) The Diagnostic Restrictions Guide On-line.
d) The Disability Consultant Marketing Manual On-line.
 

The above materials will be referred to in the training CD-ROM.

The Study Guide:

This text is your main study guide. It contains the basic elements used in the evaluation of most SSA disability cases. You should begin your studies with lesson one of either the CD-ROM or the Study Guide on-line text. To avoid confusion, keep in mind that there is no one way to evaluate a disability case. All SSA disability cases will differ in one or more of the following ways listed below:

1. Age of the applicant.
2. Educational level of the applicant.
3. The applicant's work history.
4. The disease states suffered by the applicant.
5. The specific medical findings of a given case.
6. The applicant's perception of his/her impairment.

Since each of the above elements can have a profound effect on the outcome of a disability case, you must learn to place your emphasis on these six critical factors in every case you evaluate. These six elements will be discussed in detail throughout your training. As you begin working through your course, keep the above six factors in mind as the center of your focus. All of the information given in this course is designed to help you exploit these six factors for the purpose of creating a sound argument on behalf of your clients.


The Business Guide
:

Next, review the Business Guide. This text will instruct you in the mechanics of disability consulting and will bring together much of the information learned in your Study Guide segment. The business guide also discusses many of the rules and regulations associated with the practice of disability consulting.


Diagnostic Restrictions Guide (DRG)
:

Upon completion of the course, read the introduction to the DRG (Diagnostic Restrictions Guide), white text. This text is designed to help you evaluate common medical conditions seen in disability cases. Many new disability consultants do not have a medical background. This is not a significant disadvantage! The DRG is designed to give you basic medical information about disorders commonly seen by disability consultants. It should be used in conjunction with a Merck Manual or other medical texts that explain medical disorders in common language. Finding data about medical disorders is not difficult and should not be a source of discomfort for you. Take the time to read a little about each disorder suffered by your clients. This simple preparation will greatly enhance your ability to win disability cases.

No matter what medical condition a person may suffer from, that disorder will cause some type of physical or mental restriction. Learn to use the DRG and other medical text as a means of identifying common physical or mental restrictions. You will quickly discover that common sense is your most valuable tool in evaluating the restrictions caused by any particular medical disorder.

Do not allow yourself to become intimidated by the DRG or any other medical text. Use these sources as a means of increasing your knowledge about a specific disorder and as a way of fine tuning your argument on behalf of a client. Briefly scan the DRG to become familiar with its format. Note the introduction of the DRG which contains valuable points considered important by SSA. These points can also be used to fine-tune your argument. The DRG will be used primarily as a reference source.


The Marketing Manual
:

The Marketing Manual is designed as an introduction to the marketing of the Disability Consultant concept. It is a complete text covering issues ranging from the placement of small print ads, all the way to radio and television advertising if you are so inclined. The Marketing Manual also contains advice on a multitude of marketing situations. Familiarize yourself with the practical applications of disability consulting before diving into the marketplace.

List benefits in your advertising:   The most important point to remember in marketing this service is to "show the benefits" of the service in your ads. The most important benefits to mention are speed and convenience. The faster a case is completed, the lower is the cost of representation. With representation, a case can be completed from 50% to 75% faster than depending upon an attorney or SSA alone. A representative can also help a client avoid common errors that result in case denials.

The consultant handles most aspects of a case, making sure that SSA considers all relevant issues, while the client sits back and relaxes. We refer to this as "hassle free" service. The consultant will also assure that the client receives benefits from the most favorable onset date which will ensure that the client receives every dime he deserves. We refer to this advantage as the "maximum benefit." The above are just a few of the advantages to the customer when a non-attorney representative handles the case. Highlight these benefits in your ads and you will receive a positive response from the public! For additional information, see our optional "Business Plan Kit" in your training package.

DA Pro training software:

Our DA Pro CD training program will walk you through the course for maximum comprehension.  The CD-ROM also contains additional information not found in the textbooks.  You will find most of this additional information under the "Special Subjects" segment of your CD-ROM.  Warning:  Any attempt to copy our CD-ROM materials to your hard drive and then return the program for refund will be met with stiff opposition. You are expected to test your basic training program per our refund policy. There are no exceptions to this rule!

        

 

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