Senator Benavides addresses census gap for Puerto Rico's deaf population

During a recent meeting of the Comisión de Bienestar Social y Asuntos de la Vejez, significant concerns were raised regarding the lack of accurate data on the deaf population in Puerto Rico. A key issue highlighted was the absence of a census specifically counting individuals who are deaf, which complicates efforts to provide necessary services and support for this community.

The discussion revealed that the last census did not include data on the deaf population, and there are concerns that the next census in 2030 may also overlook this group. This gap in information is seen as a major barrier to understanding the needs of deaf individuals, including their employment status and access to services.

Participants emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, noting that without reliable data, it is challenging to allocate resources effectively. The lack of visibility for the deaf community was described as a "terrible situation," underscoring the need for immediate action to ensure that future censuses include comprehensive counts of all marginalized groups.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among agencies to improve data collection and service provision for the deaf population, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation in policy-making. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive environment where the needs of all citizens are recognized and addressed.