A Complete Count The Importance of Census Data

A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data for People with Disabilities

2010 Census: A Snapshot • What: Count of everyone in the United States. • Who: Every person living in the United States must be counted — both citizens and noncitizens. • Why: – U. S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. – Census data are used to reapportion congressional seats to states and affect distribution of federal funding. • When: Census Day is April 1, 2010. • How: – Forms delivered or mailed in March 2010. – Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will be available for those unable to read, understand or complete the form. – Be Counted sites will be available in select community locations for those who did not receive a form or those who were without housing on April 1, 2010. Be Counted forms are also available at QACs. 2

2010 Census: Key Dates • Verifying 2010 Census address list: April – July 2009 • Delivery of 2010 Census forms: March 2010 • Census Day: April 1, 2010 • Final counts delivered to President: Dec. 31, 2010 • Redistricting counts delivered to states: February – March 2011 3

Complete and Accurate Count • Why is a complete and accurate count important? – Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to states and communities based on census data. – Community planners and local governments rely on census data to make the case for providing critical social services and funding community programs that affect your quality of life. – An accurate census count helps to determine: – Planning and construction of facilities for people with disabilities – Transportation services and needs – Community-based health care initiatives and programs – Census data determine how many seats each state will have in the U. S. House of Representatives. 4

2010 Census Form • Easy: One of the shortest census forms in history: – The 2010 Census form asks 10 questions. – It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. • Important: Census information helps determine funding for social services programs, job training, child-care and senior centers; and locations for schools, roads, hospitals and more. • Safe: By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250, 000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. 5

Resources and Assistance • Caregivers of people with disabilities can complete census forms for those unable to do so themselves. • Additional resources are available for those who need assistance completing the form. – Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will assist those unable to read or understand the form. – Language Assistance Guides will be available in large type and Braille. – Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons who do not have access to Video Relay Service (VRS), can call TDD number 1 -866 -783 -2010. – Contact your Regional Census Center for more details about the types of assistance available and for QAC locations. 6

Partnership Activities • <<Insert information about local events, planned partnership activities, local campaign information and other organization-specific information, including assistance your organization offers or other resources and services related to the census. >> 7

Questions? Contact <<name, title>> at <<phone number>> or <<e-mail>>. For information on the 2010 Census, visit 2010 census. gov. Thank you! 8