The U.S. Census Bureau's disability questioning changes concern some advocates. Recently, the U.S. Federal Statistical System's principal agency said that it wants to change its most comprehensive survey of American life.
The Bureau of Census added that these adjustments will align the United States with international standards, making the disability questions comparable to those in other countries.
A participant and wheelchair-bound person are silhouetted while taking part in a 'Disability Pride Parade' by people from Italian disability organisations, on July 14, 2019 in central Rome. - July is designated as "Disability Pride Month" in honor of the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
However, disability experts and advocates are worried that it could negatively affect the U.S. Here's what they explained.
US Census Bureau's Disability Questioning Changes
According to Fox News' latest report, the disability question changes are expected to better capture how disabilities happen in the real world, as explained by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The agency explained that the current question system for disabled people-with just yes-or-no boxes-doesn't account for variations or nuance.
Fortune reported that the U.S. Census Bureau could start implementing its proposed changes on the American Comprehensive Survey question as early as 2025; if given the final approval.
As of writing, the ACS is considered to be the most comprehensive survey of American life. Aside from disabilities, this survey also covers income, family life, education levels, internet access, commuting time, and military service.
The U.S. Census Bureau said that it was the National Center for Health Statistics that specifically asked it to adjust the ACS. Right now, the statistical agency is accepting public comments on the proposal until Dec. 19.
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ACS Adjustments Lead to Concerns
An unhoused person sits in their wheelchair along Alvarado Street in Los Angeles, California, December 19, 2022. - A state of emergency over spiraling levels of homelessness was declared in Los Angeles on Monday as the new mayor pledged a "seismic shift" for one of the most intractable problems in America's second biggest city.
After hearing that the ACS survey could be adjustments, many advocates and experts shared their concerns. They explained that these changes could lead to inaccurate disability records among Americans.
"The bureau has spent time, money, and energy trying to improve counts of racial and ethnic minorities who have been historically undercounted," said Prof. Scott Landes of Syracuse University.
"But the statistical agency seems willing to adapt questions that will shortchange the numbers of people with disabilities," he added.
Landes (who is visually impaired) said that the disability questioning changes are illogical since they seemingly offend those who are disabled but might not be considered as one because of the ACS survey adjustments.
To learn more about the backlash that the Census Bureau faces because of the ACS changes, you can click here.
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