Census 2000 as a Source of Data on Disability

John Haaga, Population Reference Bureau

For the first time in recent decades, the Census sample questionnaire in 2000 included items on disability covering persons of all ages. The sample is large enough to support estimates of disability prevalence for geographic areas and racial and ethnic groups too small for valid estimates from national sample surveys. The number of items, mode of administration, and several other differences between Census 2000 and the surveys of disability in the household population have led to concern over the usefulness of Census data. This paper compares disability rates from the 2000 Census by age, sex, race, and geographic area with those from surveys. For the child population, which was not covered in the 1990 Census, state-level results will be compared to the new National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. The paper concludes with advice for analysts and planners on use of the Census data on disability.