The Deafblind Disabled Americans Table Approximation Act requires the U.S. Census Bureau to better track and report on Americans who are deafblind—people experiencing combined hearing and vision loss. Currently, the Census Bureau collects data on deafness and blindness separately through the American Community Survey but does not cross-reference this data to identify people with both conditions simultaneously. Estimates of the deafblind population vary wildly, ranging from 10,000 to 2.47 million people, making it difficult for policymakers to allocate appropriate resources and services. The bill directs the Census Bureau to submit a feasibility report within 180 days and then, beginning in 2026, to annually publish a table showing deafblind survey respondents broken down by state, along with their demographic and economic characteristics—while protecting individual privacy. This legislation aims to create a comprehensive national picture of the deafblind population to better support their unique needs related to communication, employment, and social well-being.
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