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COUNTING DISABILITIES
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Counting Disabilities |
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Overview of the Project
With the 2020 Census transitioning to online formats, the discussion around census accessibility is more vital than ever. People with Disabilities are one of the most undercounted populations and are frequently left out of conversations, which disproportionately negatively impacts federal funding opportunities that derive from census data.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, People with Disabilities are the world's largest minority population--making up roughly 15% of the population or 1 billion people. However, People with Disabilities continue to lack equal access to basic human rights such as quality of life, housing, healthcare, education, transportation, internet access, etc. due to a lack of institutional support.
What is the Census and American Community Survey?
The census is a once in a decade national population count mandated by the U.S. Constitution. In counting populations and households in the U.S., the census determines the reapportionment of representative seats in Congress, as well as the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds to assist states, counties, and community programs.
However, the census was not created to serve solely as a headcount. The U.S. Census Bureau will randomly select households who filled out the 2020 Census to fill out the American Community Survey (ACS): a "long-form" survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that asks more specific demographic questions. Questions the ACS may ask a person's difficulty with daily tasks to create statistics about disability. Only through the ACS can the bureau identify persons with disabilities.
"Local, state, tribal, and federal agencies use disability data to plan and fund programs for people with disabilities. Disability data are also used to evaluate other government programs and policies to ensure that they fairly and equitably serve the needs of all groups, as well as enforce laws, regulations, and policies against discrimination." (U.S. Census Bureau)
For more information how census data impacts people with disabilities or informs federal funding allocation, visit our "Counting Disabilities" page.
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