Information & Referral: Help People with Disabilities Count in the 2010 Census

The 2010 Census is coming and people with disabilities need to be counted! People with disabilities have historically been underrepresented in the Census.

Census data plays a role in guiding funding for essential community services and other important programs. In fact, the 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like:

• Hospitals
• Job training centers
• Schools
• Senior centers
• Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects
• Emergency services

The U.S. Census Bureau has created a Toolkit for Reaching People with Disabilities to help spread awareness of the need for people with disabilities to participate in the 2010 Census. Department of Commerce research shows that people with disabilities are motivated by knowing that completing their census form can improve special services and the quality of life in their communities.

In the Toolkit Overview, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the US Census Bureau states that, "Accurate representation and funding are especially important to people with disabilities because this population relies on many government, community and social service programs. However, without an accurate count, vital community services such as health care, transportation and other assistance programs may not be adequate."

The Toolkit contains fact sheets, posters, copy to use in newsletters and more, which can help UCP affiliates and other disability service providers disseminate information and conduct outreach activities about the importance of census participating for people with disabilities.

Help spread the word!