Resume
ROBERT SILVERSTEIN
Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP)
1660 L Street, N.W., Suite 701
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 783-5111 (V/TTY)
(202) 783-8250 (FAX)
Email:
Career Summary
Nationally-recognized attorney with over 30 years experience negotiating and drafting bipartisan, consensus landmark legislation; directing action research and analysis (including Congressionally-mandated studies) of complex public policy issues; translating research into comprehensive, innovative, common-sense, flexible solutions that meet the divergent needs of multiple stakeholders; teaching leaders and others how to serve as effective policy change agents by reaching negotiated consensus; writing peer-reviewed journal articles that offer conceptual frameworks for public policy analysis and implementation; and presenting keynote speeches that make understandable complex public policy issues.
Selected References
"All of us in Congress who know you or work with you admire your extraordinary and lasting contributions... you have been an effective leader in building consensus and bipartisan support ..."
--Senator Edward M. Kennedy (Democrat, Massachusetts) (September 16, 1997)
"You were the quiet, steady hand at the tiller; never letting your own opinions overwhelm your professionalism... You are a great person..."
--Senator Orrin Hatch (Republican, Utah) (July 20, 1990)
"The great respect Bobby commands from those across the political spectrum is rare and is clearly a tribute to his abilities and tireless dedication to good research and sound analysis... In all my years in public service, I have not encountered a more dedicated, caring, and good hearted person... He is truly among the best and brightest individuals in the field of public policy."
--Senator Tom Harkin (Democrat, Iowa) (September 17, 1997)
"I want to thank you for the tremendous job you have done over the past twelve years... Thank you for your dedication and invaluable collaboration."
--Senator Bill Frist (Republican, Tennessee) (September 23, 1997)
"Your legacy... should be that through hard work, strong dedication, and a willingness to reach agreement, we can as public policymakers make a positive difference in people's lives...Your tireless efforts to reach an agreement that both Republicans and Democrats would support set the stage for future landmark... legislation..."
--Former Congressman Bill Goodling (Republican, Pennsylvania) (September 22, 1997)
"I commend you for your steadfast commitment to... principles based on reason, common sense, and fairness... You believe that the only solution to legislative impasse was a bipartisan solution... needed change would not come unless it was build on consensus... "
--Senator Jim Jeffords (Independent, Vermont) (September 15, 1997)
"Bob Silverstein may not be equal to Jefferson the myth or the monument. But certainly he has the quality of Jefferson the man. What a privilege to have known such a person."
--Justin Dart, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and appointed by President George H.W. Bush and William J. Clinton to serve numerous policymaking roles (1993)
"Bobby, you empowered us! You taught the Task Force how to develop and craft innovative policy options designed to ensure community-based services and supports for persons with significant disabilities. We are blessed to have you!"
--Nila Benito, Chair, Governor Jeb Bush's Blue Ribbon Task Force (December 2004)
"Awesome presenter...;" "personable and passionate...;" "inspiring...;" "extraordinary trainer...;" "excellent handouts...;" "able to make public policy and law understandable...;" "brilliant at reducing complex workings into logical and sensibly organized group of ideas...."
--Comments by participants attending presentations and training seminars (1997-2004)
Professional Experience
Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy
Director (July 1, 2000-Present)
Assists policymakers to draft public policy; directs action research and analysis of complex public policy issues affecting persons with disabilities; translates research into public policy; teaches various stakeholders how to serve as effective disability policy change agents; writes peer-reviewed journal articles; and presents keynote speeches.
- Achievements:
- Conducted action research on the relationship between disability policy and welfare reform (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and assisted staff members and federal policymakers in the Department of Health and Human Services to draft policy guidelines.
- Conducted action research on the application of the concept of universal access to One-stop job training centers under the Workforce Investment Act for persons with disabilities and assisted staff members and federal policymakers in the Department of Labor to draft policy guidelines.
- Served as a member of an advisory group to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and drafted the group's policy recommendations for improving the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency program, a major policy initiative designed to assist Social Security disabled beneficiaries return to work. SSA's response to the group's recommendations is pending (12/01/04).
- Wrote two peer-reviewed journal articles presenting conceptual frameworks for researching and analyzing public policy relating to persons with disabilities.
- Drafted more than 30 policy briefs and papers relating to employment, education, health care, cash benefits, and civil rights from a disability perspective.
- Developed training materials (including a CD-Rom) and conducted more than 150 public policy and advocacy training seminars relating to disability policy and how to be effective disability policy change agents.
- Presented more than 100 keynote speeches on public policy issues affecting persons with disabilities.
The George Washington University Medical Center (November 1997-June 2000)
Director, Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy
Associate Professor of Health Services Management and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Services
Associate Professor of Health Care Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Responsibilities related to the Center are the same as described above. In addition, responsible for teaching graduate courses.
- Achievements:
- Taught a course about issues related to health care and disability policy.
- Taught a course about how to present results from research and present policy options that enable policymakers to form positions.
- Guest Lecturer, how to develop and negotiate public policy.
U.S. Senate
Senior Counsel, Committee on Labor and Human Resources (1997)
Minority Staff Director, Subcommittee on Disability Policy (1995-1997)
Staff Director and Chief Counsel, Subcommittee on Disability Policy (1987-1995)
Responsibilities included conducting policy analysis and research, negotiating and drafting legislation and accompanying reports, writing policy memoranda and conducting briefings for Senators and staff, planning and executing public hearings, making keynote speeches, communicating with press, and supervising staff members and fellows.
- Achievements:
- Behind-the-scenes architect of more than 15 bills enacted into law on a bipartisan, consensus basis, including the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (often referred to as the "20th century Emancipation Proclamation" for people with disabilities), the Rehabilitation Act (1992 Amendments), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1991, 1997 Amendments).
- Drafted and negotiated numerous disability-related amendments enacted into law, including disability-related amendments to the Fair Housing Act.
- Planned and executed more than 40 public hearings on topics including civil rights, education, job training, health care, and technology.
U.S. House of Representatives
Counsel, Subcommittee on Select Education, Committee on Education and Labor (1985-1987)
Responsibilities included conducting policy analysis and research, negotiating and drafting legislation and accompanying reports, writing policy memoranda and conducting briefings for representatives and staff, and planning and executing public hearings.
- Achievements:
- A behind-the-scenes architect of numerous bills enacted into law, including the landmark early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities, which has been described as the "template for all future social policy legislation."
- Drafted and negotiated numerous disability-related amendments enacted into law concerning education, child abuse and neglect, and juvenile justice.
- Planned and executed numerous hearings related to early intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities, attorneys' fees for families of children with disabilities, and vocational rehabilitation.
Private Practice
Long and Silverstein, P.C. (1978-1985)
Co-founder
Responsibilities included conducting a multi-year Congressionally-mandated policy study, drafting suggested version of federal regulations, policy manuals, and policy briefs; and representing clients.
- Achievements:
- Directed Congressionally-mandated study of the Vocational Education Act.
- Drafted a suggested version of regulations implementing Title I of ESEA at the request of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
- Co-authored 300-page manual explaining the legal framework of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and regulations (civil rights policy for persons with disabilities).
- Prepared policy briefs relating to Section 504 and Title I for state and local agencies.
- Conducted extensive training sessions for federal agency staff, state and local agencies, persons with disabilities, parents, and other stakeholders regarding Section 504 and Title I of ESEA.
- Represented 200 children with disabilities and their parents seeking a free appropriate public education (settled all cases without going to hearing).
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Attorney-Advisor
(1978)
Responsibilities included drafting policy interpretations concerning three civil rights laws-Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race and national origin), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (gender).
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Director, Legal Standards Project
(1975-1978)
Responsibilities included serving as director and principal investigator of a Congressionally-mandated policy research study of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (multi-billion dollar program providing compensatory education to educationally disadvantaged children residing in low-income areas).
- Achievements
- Prepared six comprehensive policy papers analyzing the Title I legal framework (2000 pages).
- At the request of the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Education Subcommittees, drafted bills which were used by Congress to reauthorize the law.
- Served as expert witness at Subcommittee hearings regarding the findings and recommendations of the Study.
Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor
Staff Attorney
(1974-1975)
Responsibilities included drafting regulations implementing the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Education
J.D. Georgetown University Law Center, 1974
B.S. Economics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (cum laude), 1971
Awards
Recipient of more than a dozen awards, including the "Distinguished Service Award of the President of the United States" (1993), and induction into the "Public Interest Hall of Fame" (2004)