1. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SECURITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 2, 2002
FROM: President, NCSSMA
SUBJECT: Video Teleconferencing Request for Comments
TO: Associate Commissioner for Automation Support
We would like to take the opportunity to comment on the video teleconferencing workgroup
proposals. NCSSMA believes that SSA should explore all technologies that may improve our
service delivery. Video conferencing is another tool that we need to have as an option.
Although video conferencing should not be seen as the answer to all of our communication
needs, it certainly has a number of potentially useful applications.
COST
The success of video conferencing in the field will depend to a large extent on the agency's
commitment to securing sufficient space and hardware. Some field offices are already
experiencing contention problems with our IVT arrangements (e.g. CRT classes contending with
ongoing training). In many instances, video conferencing will require a separate conference
room. The better option in terms of flexibility and costs seems to be the development of video
conferencing capability at the desktop level.
TRAINING
The justification for training, unless it is brought down to the workstation level, carries with it
the same pluses and minuses as IVT. In the plus column: it saves in travel; it can reach a larger
audience giving economy of scale; and it could lend some consistency nation-wide where
regional/local training does not. In addition, we could conceivably roll out training faster and at
a lower cost (i.e., travel). On the minus side: the "unfunded" demands on local resources, such
as mentors and supplies, would continue to take their toll on the field offices; local control, over
training schedules as balanced against workload demands and coverage, would have to give way
to area, regional, or national preferences; if other than one-on-one training, it would be less
personal and affect true and complete interaction between trainer and trainee.
MEETINGS
This is an area that easily lends itself to video conferencing. The examples cited fit well into the
VTC medium and, savings in time, i.e., productivity reference, and money, are readily apparent.
The use of VTC to promote teamwork is, perhaps, overstated. No known technology today is as
effective as face to face meetings for promoting networking, idea generation, and a spirit of
common purpose and camaraderie among participants.

2. INTERVIEWS
"Interviews" pose differing images, depending on the type. Employment interviews and some
disability-related exchanges are and could be candidates for VTC. The type alluded to in the
paper (e.g., a client sitting in an FO and the facility coordinating a video conference with a DDS
examiner) minimizes the potential problems associated with making that happen, in order to
make the concept more saleable. Given that FO schedules and resources are stretched already,
this would not be as easy as it is packaged. In addition, not all clients would "benefit" from this
observation phase unless all offices were equally equipped, and this disparity might create issues
downstream as the paper suggests that all FO's will not get this equipment.
PUBLIC INFORMATION
The case for PR/PI over the VTC lines would have to be proved. So much in this arena is based
on personal contact that it would have to be tested and tried.
In summary, NCSSMA endorses the continuing testing of the concept of video teleconferencing
for the reasons stated but hopes you will also take note of the potential issues we have raised. If
you have any questions please contact me.
/s/
Anthony Pezza