RespectAbility and the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) have commented on proposed changes to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. These changes could under-count people with disabilities, affecting funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation. CCD urges a pause to maintain data accuracy.
An accurate census process
It is important to ensure that research and data collection accurately reflect the number of Americans with disabilities. Misleading information could result in policymakers underestimating the true number of people affected, which could lead to insufficient funding for critical programs such as Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance.
Meaningful engagement with the disability community
There needs to be a transparent process that includes the input of people with disabilities and allies partnering with Census researchers.
We urge the U.S. Census Bureau to pause and rethink the disability questions on the American Community Survey, involve people with disabilities in the process, and seek a more accurate count of Americans with disabilities.
