Senate committee urges inclusion of deaf community in 2030 Puerto Rico census
May 04, 2021 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico, International
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In a recent meeting of the Comisión de Bienestar Social y Asuntos de la Vejez, significant discussions emerged regarding the visibility and representation of the deaf community in Puerto Rico. The meeting, held on May 4, 2021, highlighted the urgent need for an official census to accurately account for the deaf population, which has not been conducted since 2010.
Participants emphasized that the lack of reliable data renders the deaf community largely invisible, complicating efforts to secure federal funding and resources necessary for providing essential services. The last census failed to include questions relevant to the deaf population, and without a formal count, the community's needs remain unaddressed.
One of the key points raised was the necessity of including the deaf community in the upcoming 2030 census. This inclusion requires a formal request from the Puerto Rican government to the federal authorities. The meeting underscored that without this official count, the community risks continued marginalization and inadequate support.
Additionally, the cost implications of adding questions to the census were discussed. It was noted that while including a question about the deaf population incurs expenses, the long-term costs of exclusion—such as the inability to access federal funds—are far greater.
The committee members expressed a collective commitment to advocating for the inclusion of the deaf community in future census efforts and called for immediate action to ensure that the necessary data is collected. This initiative is crucial not only for visibility but also for the allocation of resources that can significantly improve the quality of life for deaf individuals in Puerto Rico.
As the meeting concluded, the urgency of these discussions was clear. The committee plans to follow up on these recommendations, aiming to ensure that the deaf community is recognized and supported in future governmental planning and funding initiatives.
Participants emphasized that the lack of reliable data renders the deaf community largely invisible, complicating efforts to secure federal funding and resources necessary for providing essential services. The last census failed to include questions relevant to the deaf population, and without a formal count, the community's needs remain unaddressed.
One of the key points raised was the necessity of including the deaf community in the upcoming 2030 census. This inclusion requires a formal request from the Puerto Rican government to the federal authorities. The meeting underscored that without this official count, the community risks continued marginalization and inadequate support.
Additionally, the cost implications of adding questions to the census were discussed. It was noted that while including a question about the deaf population incurs expenses, the long-term costs of exclusion—such as the inability to access federal funds—are far greater.
The committee members expressed a collective commitment to advocating for the inclusion of the deaf community in future census efforts and called for immediate action to ensure that the necessary data is collected. This initiative is crucial not only for visibility but also for the allocation of resources that can significantly improve the quality of life for deaf individuals in Puerto Rico.
As the meeting concluded, the urgency of these discussions was clear. The committee plans to follow up on these recommendations, aiming to ensure that the deaf community is recognized and supported in future governmental planning and funding initiatives.
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