The Deafblind DATA Act mandates the Census Bureau to assess and report on the feasibility of collecting and publishing data on deafblind individuals in the American Community Survey, and to publish an annual table summarizing data on individuals who identify as deafblind beginning in 2026.
April McClain Delaney
Representative
MD-6
The Deafblind DATA Act requires the Director of the Bureau of the Census to submit a report to Congress on the feasibility of publishing a table and expanding data collection on individuals with combined hearing and vision loss in the American Community Survey. Starting in 2026, the Director must publish a table annually summarizing American Community Survey respondents who identify as both deaf and blind, including demographic and socioeconomic data, sorted by state. The Director must ensure that no personally identifiable information is published.
Deafblind DATA Act Directs Census Bureau to Report Annually on Deafblind Population Starting 2026
This bill, officially the "Deafblind Disabled Americans Table Approximation Act" or "Deafblind DATA Act," tackles a fundamental information gap: figuring out just how many people in the U.S. are living with combined significant hearing and vision loss, often referred to as deafblindness. Right now, estimates vary wildly – anywhere from 10,000 kids and 40,000 adults up to potentially 2.47 million people, depending on the source and definition. The Act directs the U.S. Census Bureau to look into how feasible it is to specifically track and report on this population using its existing American Community Survey (ACS) data, submitting a report to Congress on this within 180 days.
Getting the Numbers Straight
The core problem the bill highlights is that without a reliable count, it's tough to effectively plan and deliver the support services people who are deafblind might need for communication, information access, and overall well-being. While the Census Bureau's ACS currently asks about hearing and vision difficulties separately, it doesn't cross-reference that data to identify individuals experiencing both. This Act aims to change that by leveraging existing survey data to create a clearer picture.
What the Census Will Do
Beyond the initial feasibility study, the Deafblind DATA Act mandates a concrete action starting in 2026. The Census Bureau must begin publishing an annual table on its website. This table will summarize data from ACS respondents who identify as having both significant hearing and vision difficulties. It will break down this population by state and include key demographic details like sex, race, age, employment status, educational attainment, earnings, and poverty status. Crucially, the bill requires that absolutely no personally identifiable information is released, protecting individual privacy while providing valuable aggregate data.
Why This Data Matters
Having this consistent, official data source could make a real difference. Think about resource allocation – knowing the approximate size and demographic makeup of the deafblind community in each state can help government agencies and support organizations better target funding and services, whether it's for assistive technology, specialized education programs, or vocational training. It provides a factual basis for understanding the needs and circumstances of deafblind individuals across the country, moving beyond guesswork to informed planning.