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Written by Robert L. Santos, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau
On September 30, the U.S. Census Bureau had the privilege of convening with more than 100 disability community stakeholders in person and online in a meeting co-hosted with the Office of Management and Budget, the National Center for Health Statistics, the National Council on Disability, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, and the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities’ Health Task Force.
Through this gathering of federal agencies, data users, disability advocates, community representatives and stakeholders, we sought diverse perspectives of people in the disability community and heard about their lived experiences and how they relate to disability measurement. Together, we held a robust discussion on federal disability measures including strengths and limitations. This provided a genuine opportunity for mutual learning.
I’d like to say “thank you” again to everyone involved in bringing us together and to all who participated, sharing their perspectives. It was powerful to learn from the community and to consider the federal government’s role and responsibility in providing quality data about and for this diverse population. I am grateful for the passionate engagement that included personal stories and thoughtful, practical recommendations.
Several participants shared personal, firsthand experiences that underscored the importance of having accurate, representative data – especially against the backdrop of the impacts suffered by many in the disability community during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As the meeting’s panelists so eloquently said, accurate data help people access services that help them survive and thrive. Being reflected in federal statistical data is crucial for effective policy development. Continue reading...
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