What does Preamble of Deafblind DATA Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require the Bureau of the Census to collect information on deafblind individuals, and for other purposes,' aims to require the Bureau of the Census to collect information on deafblind individuals. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 17, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS. of Deafblind DATA Act do?

This Act, formally titled the "Deafblind Disabled Americans Table Approximation Act" or the "Deafblind DATA Act", aims to improve the accuracy of counting individuals who are deafblind in the United States. The Act acknowledges that individuals who are deafblind experience combined hearing and vision loss, which can impact their access to information, communication, and overall well-being. Current estimates of the deafblind population vary significantly, ranging from 10,000 children and 40,000 adults to 2.47 million Americans with combined hearing and vision loss. The Bureau of the Census does not currently count individuals who experience combined hearing and vision loss, despite collecting data on those with hearing or vision impairments separately. The Act proposes using existing data from the American Community Survey, cross-referenced to estimate the deafblind population. Congress finds that an accurate count is necessary to effectively serve the unique needs of the deafblind population.

What does REPORT AND PUBLICATION ON DEAFBLIND INDIVIDUALS. of Deafblind DATA Act do?

This section requires the Director of the Bureau of the Census to submit a report to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The report must assess the feasibility of publishing a table and expanding data collection on individuals experiencing combined hearing and vision loss in the American Community Survey. Beginning in 2026, the Bureau of the Census is directed to publish a table annually on its public website. The table will summarize American Community Survey respondents who identify as both deaf and blind, sorted by state. The table will include data on sex, race, age, employment status, educational attainment, earnings, and poverty status of these respondents. The Director must ensure that no personally identifiable information is published.

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Deafblind DATA Act

Last updated: 4/17/2025 · Introduced: 4/17/2025

Author: April McClain Delaney (D-MD)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill directs the Bureau of the Census to assess and publish annual data on deafblind individuals, using existing American Community Survey data.
The Census Bureau will create a publicly available table, sorted by state, detailing demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of deafblind respondents.
Within 180 days of enactment, the Census Bureau must submit a report to Congress evaluating the feasibility of expanding data collection on deafblindness.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title; findings., and 1 more.

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