This bill, known as the Deafblind DATA Act, aims to improve the understanding and support for individuals who are deafblind in the United States. Congress finds that current estimates of the deafblind population vary widely, making it difficult to effectively address their unique needs, which include challenges with communication, access to information, and social well-being. The Bureau of the Census currently collects data on hearing and vision impairments separately but does not cross-reference this information to identify individuals with both conditions. To address this, the Act requires the Director of the Bureau of the Census to submit a report to Congress within 180 days on the feasibility of publishing a specific table and expanding data collection on deafblind individuals. Beginning in 2026, the Bureau must annually publish a public table summarizing respondents to the American Community Survey who identify as both deaf and blind. This table will include demographic details such as sex, race, and age , along with economic characteristics like employment status, educational attainment, earnings, and poverty status, all sorted by state. The Director must ensure that no personally identifiable information is published.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Government Operations and Politics
Deafblind DATA Act
USA119th CongressHR-2947| House
| Updated: 4/17/2025
This bill, known as the Deafblind DATA Act, aims to improve the understanding and support for individuals who are deafblind in the United States. Congress finds that current estimates of the deafblind population vary widely, making it difficult to effectively address their unique needs, which include challenges with communication, access to information, and social well-being. The Bureau of the Census currently collects data on hearing and vision impairments separately but does not cross-reference this information to identify individuals with both conditions. To address this, the Act requires the Director of the Bureau of the Census to submit a report to Congress within 180 days on the feasibility of publishing a specific table and expanding data collection on deafblind individuals. Beginning in 2026, the Bureau must annually publish a public table summarizing respondents to the American Community Survey who identify as both deaf and blind. This table will include demographic details such as sex, race, and age , along with economic characteristics like employment status, educational attainment, earnings, and poverty status, all sorted by state. The Director must ensure that no personally identifiable information is published.