If you are looking for a disability attorney or have already found one, you may notice that the lawyers advertising Social Security disability representation claim to be members of certain organizations like NOSSCR, ACRD, or NADR. The fight for disability already has enough acronyms, so why should a disability claimant care about these ones? Well, each group is an important way for disability advocates to collectively fight for important changes within the Social Security Administration or the ongoing battle to ensure that funding is continued for this vital part of the United States’ safety net for disabled individuals.
NOSSCR – the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives. This organization was first formed in 1979 as a specialized bar association for attorneys and advocates to represent claimants applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In addition to providing continuing legal education, NOSSCR serves its members by advocating for the interests of disability claimants and their attorneys in Washington D.C. Keller & Keller’s attorneys have attended NOSSCR conferences to earn continuing legal education credits, presented lectures to other disability attorneys and advocates, and remain members of this organization that fights for the rights of our clients.
NADR – National Association of Disability Representatives. NADR started in 2000 and has a similar mission to NOSSCR. NADR is open to members and non-members with educational seminars to keep disability advocates updated on Social Security’s latest rulings and changes. NADR’s leaders are primarily non-attorneys, but this organization is open to attorneys, non-attorney disability advocates, licensed social workers or other mental health professionals, vocational experts, former SSA employees, or others with experience in adjudicating Social Security disability claims. Attorneys from Keller & Keller have attended NADR conferences and participated in the “Talklist” that lets experienced practitioners share knowledge to better prepare for disability hearings.
ACRD – Advocates, Counselors & Representatives For The Disabled. ACRD is the newest organization to meet on a regular basis and provide continuing legal education credits to disability attorneys and non-attorney representatives. ACRD recently hosted a conference in Orlando in April 2026, which four Keller & Keller attorneys attended. ACRD boasts a pledge for its members to uphold a higher ethical and professional standard for those it represents. Similar to NOSSCR and NADR, ACRD has influence with lawmakers to ensure that the rights and programs available to disabled claimants continues. Keller & Keller’s attorneys are members of ACRD, which also allows access to important vocational tools like SkillTRAN and OASYS. When a vocational expert testifies in your disability hearing, Keller & Keller’s attorneys use current vocational resources to allow for the most effective cross-examination.
If you are looking for a disability attorney, look to see whether they are involved in a professional organization that is tailored to the representation of disability claimants. If not, your disability attorney may not be experienced or up-to-date on the constantly changing world of Social Security disability law. To speak with a Keller & Keller disability attorney about your claim, please call us at 317-926-1111.
Written by Social Security attorney Nick Lavella
