After receiving significant pushback on proposed changes to disability counting methods, the U.S. Census Bureau is taking steps to engage with the disability community in a landmark meeting. This development represents a crucial moment in how America counts and understands its disability population.
Brian Mittman, ESQ., a distinguished attorney with decades of experience in disability law. As the managing partner at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C., Brian has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals with disabilities and ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve.
“In my years of practice, I’ve observed that many disability cases stem from inadequate data collection and reporting systems,” notes Mittman. “The Census Bureau’s recent attempt to modify disability counting methods without proper community consultation is concerning. Such changes could have severely impacted benefit allocations and support services for millions of Americans. It’s crucial that we maintain accurate disability statistics to ensure proper resource distribution and policy development.”
Mittman’s insights highlight a critical intersection between data collection practices and real-world implications for disability rights. His extensive experience representing clients in disability cases provides valuable perspective on how administrative changes can affect individuals at a personal level.
The Controversy and Its Origins
Initial Proposed Changes
The Census Bureau had originally proposed substantial modifications to its American Community Survey (ACS) disability questions, including:
- Reordering and rewording the existing six disability questions
- Adding a new question about psychosocial and cognitive disability
- Including speech-related problems assessment
- Shifting from simple yes/no responses to difficulty ratings
The Problematic Impact
The proposed changes weren’t merely administrative – they posed significant risks:
- Potential 40% reduction in disability population counts
- Higher threshold for disability recognition (requiring “a lot of difficulty” or “cannot do at all” responses)
- Lack of initial consultation with disability stakeholders
The Response and Path Forward
Community Reaction
The disability community’s response was swift and substantial:
- Over 12,000 comments submitted
- Strong opposition from advocacy groups
- Concerns about reduced federal funding allocation
- Questions about the lack of community consultation
The Bureau’s Course Correction
In response to the outcry, the Census Bureau has:
- Suspended the proposed changes
- Scheduled a stakeholder meeting for September 30
- Invited federal representatives, data users, and disability advocates
- Partnered with key organizations including:
- Office of Management and Budget
- National Center for Health Statistics
- National Council on Disability
- The Leadership Conference Education Fund
- Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities’ Health Task Force
Why This Matters
Policy Implications
Accurate disability counting affects:
- Federal funding allocations
- Government program planning
- Resource distribution
- Policy development
- Service accessibility
Community Voice
As Zoe Gross from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network emphasized, “Nothing about us without us” remains a crucial principle in disability policy-making. The Census Bureau’s willingness to engage with the community represents a positive step toward inclusive data collection methods.
Looking Ahead
The September 30 meeting represents more than just a consultation – it’s an opportunity to establish a new paradigm for disability data collection that accurately reflects the community’s needs while maintaining statistical rigor.
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/08/15/census-rethinking-how-to-count-disability-population/31009/
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Markhoff & Mittman Disability Lawyers Yonkers, NY
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