Concerns about Proposed Census Methodology Change and Funding Reductions for Disabled Communities

The proposed change in the U.S. Census Bureau's disability tracking methodology, which would decrease the estimated share of Americans with a disability from 13.9% to 8.1%, raises significant concerns. This shift could lead to substantial reductions in funding and resources for disabled communities, including those affected by Long Covid. It is crucial to recognize that the current questions are imperfect and do not fully capture the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental illnesses. Therefore, it is urged that the Census Bureau reconsiders this proposed change and improves its engagement with disabled people and scientists studying disability. A more accurate data collection method is needed to truly represent the disability community in the U.S. and ensure they receive the necessary support and resources.