The Census Bureau collects data on disability primarily through the American Community Survey (ACS) and the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). Both surveys use a standard set of six disability questions, initially developed for use within the ACS. Although the SIPP includes additional questions, and therefore collects more information on disability, it is primarily used for estimates at the national level.

The ACS, while containing fewer disability questions than the SIPP, can be used for national and subnational estimates (such as states, counties, places, etc.). Prior to the ACS, the decennial sample survey (otherwise known as the long-form survey) collected information on disability. The decennial long-form survey has been replaced by the ACS as one of the primary sources for estimates of disability and allows for more timely collection of data on an annual basis. In addition to these surveys, the Census Bureau also collects disability data within the American Housing Survey (AHS), and in the experimental Household Pulse Survey (HPS).

To access the data on disability, go to data.census.gov or for additional information on our surveys, go to Census Survey Explorer.

Disability is a complex process between an individual's physical, emotional, and mental health, and the environment in which they live, work, and play. Broadly speaking, individuals may experience disability if they have difficulty with certain daily tasks due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition. The Census Bureau collects disability data by asking questions about difficulty with daily activities and other functional limitations. In some cases, respondents are also asked about physical, mental, or emotional conditions

Disability as a concept has evolved overtime. Previously, disability was primarily viewed through the "medical model" lens, which regarded disability as something that needed to be fixed or corrected. More recently, a "social model" has been adopted, which views disability as the interaction between an individual's health and their environment, resulting in functional limitations and restrictions to full participation at school, work, home, or in the community. Support of those experiencing disability has shifted away from focusing on disability as something to be corrected, and more toward reducing physical and social barriers to participation and promoting more inclusive environments.

The Census Bureau and other federal agencies that collect data about individuals with disabilities face several challenges.

• Disability is complex, multi-dimensional, and heterogeneous; measuring this concept efficiently in a survey format can be challenging. As our understanding of disability as a concept evolves, so too may our survey measures.
• Disability can be measured a variety of ways; however federal data collection requires some amount of standardization across surveys. Identifying a measure that sufficiently meets the many needs of our federal agencies, local governments, and other data users across the country is challenging.

Go to Disability to see more related on the topic.