The Deafblind DATA Act requires the Census Bureau to better track Americans who experience combined hearing and vision loss. Currently, the Census Bureau collects separate data on people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who are blind or have vision problems, but does not cross-reference this information to identify those with both disabilities simultaneously. This bill directs the Census Bureau to submit a feasibility report to Congress within 180 days of enactment and then beginning in 2026, to publish annual tables on its website showing the number of deafblind Americans along with information about their demographics, employment, education, and economic status. The legislation affects deafblind individuals and advocacy groups, as better data collection could help direct resources and services to this underserved population, which estimates suggest ranges from tens of thousands to over 2 million Americans depending on how the condition is defined. The bill requires no specific funding and involves primarily using existing Census survey data in new ways.
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