For Immediate Release
04/01/2019
Contact: David Card
202.408.9514 x122
[email protected]
WASHINGTON – Every ten years the Constitution requires that the population of the United States be counted. Today, one year from Census Day 2020, the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and people across the country are demanding a fair and accurate count.
At its core the census represents the best of American democracy as it ensures proportionate voting representation and determines how more than $675 billion in federal funding will be allocated each year to our communities.
“It has never been more important to actively engage with the census,” said NDRN Executive Director Curt Decker. “The census determines a broad range of programs and the implications of not including everyone can greatly impact our nation for the next ten years.”
Although disability data is not collected in the census, it is important for people with disabilities, who are a part of every community, to actively engage with the census. Communities miss out on political power and funding that supports state, county and community programs that aid people with disabilities, such as housing, education, transportation, employment, and health care.
NDRN is working alongside Census Counts, a diverse, nationwide coalition, to ensure that the census is fair and accurate for everyone living in America. Civil rights groups like NDRN, health care providers, immigrant rights advocates, organizations that fight for children, groups that represent the Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Island communities are all committed to ensuring that everyone is counted in the 2020 census.
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The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
