This year, it’s time to Be Counted as part of the US Census!
The Census Bureau will mail everyone a short Census questionnaire in March. The hope is that everyone immediately takes the time to respond to the questions and mails the form back as soon as possible after receiving it.
People with disabilities have a major stake in a complete census count. An accurate count impacts several important programs and services, such as MassHealth, Medicare, SSI, programs funded by the Rehabilitation Act, housing, Vocational Rehabilitation, accessible transit, and special education for children ages 3 through 5.
Census officials believe that people with disabilities have been under-reported in past Census counts and have taken steps to increase the count. The Disability Policy Consortium is prepared to help by providing information to people with disabilities. The DPC has information on our website (www.dpcma.org) on how to participate in the Census, with specific details for people who are Deaf, Blind, and Deaf-Blind.
It is important that this information is shared with all PCAs. Please make sure PCAs understand the importance of the Census and that they must list all family members!
Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will be available to assist those unable to read or understand the census form. For those with visual impairments, Language Assistance Guides will be available in large print and Braille. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons who do not have access to Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 1-866-783-2010 via FedRelay, a free and confidential federal government communications service. In addition to these options, Language Assistance Guides also will be available in 59 languages at all QAC locations.
The Census Bureau cannot share questionnaire responses with any other entity or government agency, including immigration status.
For more information, please contact Robyn Powell at rpowell@dpcma.org or 617-542-3522.
Information is also available at www.2010census.gov.
Please consider joining the DPC – for FREE - at www.dpcma.org (click “Join DPCMA”). Together, we can make a difference!
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