Census 2020: why it matters for the disability community to be counted

With the start of the 2020 census coming up in a few weeks, it is more important than ever for members of the disability community to complete the census questionnaire but why is it so important? So many important programs and services receive funding based on data from the census.  This funding is generated from your tax dollars. Everything from emergency services to education programs and grants receive funds when you take the census.  When you get counted, you also help our community get the accurate amount of political representation we need and deserve. An accurate census helps federal agencies monitor and implement civil rights laws that protect voting rights and equal employment opportunities.  

It helps state and local leaders to identity and address emerging issues in our community such as homelessness, health care, housing, and educational opportunities.  Specific programs include: Special Education, Early Start and Free Lunch programs, Section 8 housing, SNAP (food assistance), Medi-Cal, and transportation funding.

The Independent Living Centers throughout Northern California are offering varying degrees of public awareness about this issue. For example, in Berkeley, at the Center for Independent Living (CIL), between March 17th and April 21st, they’re offering an Assistance Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. You can learn more about their program HERE.

The Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) in San Jose is offering a Census Orientation class from 11 a.m. to Noon on Wed., March 4th and then, on Mondays and Fridays throughout the month of April, you can drop in at their office and receive assistance with completing your census forms. You can contact them at (408) 894-9041.

Our good friend at the CIL, Melissa Crisp-Cooper, shared this handy FAQ which you can access HERE. But remember, the census occurs only one every 10 years and the results of it would have consequences for 10 years, so make sure you are counted. Look up your nearest ILC HERE.