People with Disabilities: Be Counted! 

With the Census now live, it is important that people with mental and physical disabilities be counted with their families. Nearly 1 in 5 people with disabilities live in areas that are considered “hard-to-count" meaning they are at risk of being undercounted and in turn neglected. 

It's critical that people with disabilities complete the census because an undercount leads to less federal funding for resources. The Census determines how much funding out of billions of dollars goes into various communities, including communities of people with disabilities. This means, less funding to support special education programs, special education grants, healthcare programs like Medicaid, and more. In addition, census data helps bring attention to the disparities in housing, health care, employment, voting accessibility, and education, that often pose as barriers for our communities with disabilities.

Having accurate data and accurate census responses, helps advocates, community leaders and elected officials bring light to these disparities and bring positive change around those issues. Although disability-related questions will not be asked, the disability community must fill out the Census because they deserve to be recognized and deserve the funding dedicated to them. Be counted and get the equal political representation and funding that you have the right to! 

Must See Resources!

• What is the Census? — This 3-minute video will give a straightforward explanation of what the Census is, how to fill it out, what questions will be asked, what it will do and not do and what to watch out for. An English subtitled caption is included.
  
  Additionally, please check out disabilitycounts2020.org for videos explaining why the Census matters to disabled people. Videos in English, Spanish and ASL are available. 

• FAQs by the Disability Community About Census Operations — Will the 2020 Census be accessible? Need assistance with filling out the Census? Check out the link to learn more to better help with filling out the Census and to address whatever other concerns there may be.
  
  To also have a preview and find out what questions will be asked please click here to go to 2020census.gov.