[Colorado-Talk] BE COUNTED! 2020 Census Mailings Start Arriving This Week

[Dan Burke]

Greetings -

Hey, the 2020 online Census survey is live right now!
https://my2020census.gov/

It happens every ten years as required by the Constitution of the
United States. It’s time for the 2020 Census! If you are legally
blind, we want to make sure you have all the information and tools you
need to easily complete the 2020 Census survey.

The Colorado Center for the Blind is working with the Colorado
Cross-Disability Coalition to promote participation in the 2020 Census
by Coloradans with disabilities.  No, there are no disability-related
questions on the Census, but access to the information and the forms
could present barriers to lots of Americans with disabilities. That
could throw the numbers off because there are lots of Americans who
have disabilities. Fortunately, the Census Bureau knows this and is
working to ensure that the word gets out, and that there are
accessible alternatives so that everyone can be counted.

Beginning on March 12, we’ll all receive information on completing the
2020 Census in the mail. That first mailing will give the online web
site for the Census survey, as well as a Census ID (a 12-digit number)
linked to your address. (More about that in a minute.)But if you live
in an area which has low Internet connectivity, you will likely
receive the full 2020 Census survey in print. It all depends on your
ZIP Code.

Being mail, of course, it will all be in print. So we’re committed to
help you get the info you need to complete the Census. For example,
though we cannot help you fill out your Census survey, the Colorado
Center for the Blind will provide a reader to read your Census mail to
you if you need one! And the Census Bureau is making sure that the
online Census survey is accessible to all users, including those who
use screen readers. Meantime, here’s a quick preview of your options.

What to Expect
The Census wants to know how many people permanently live at your
address on April 1, 2020 – no fooling! (People living in group
situations are counted differently. It can get complicated. Ask staff
at your group living facility, call the Census number at 800-852-6159,
or call us to be sure.) For an individual residence, there will be
three ways to respond:

1.	Online – This is the big push in 2020 for the Census, and it will
be accessible for screen readers and other assistive technology. The
March 12 mailing will include the web address and your Census ID. You
can still complete the online survey if you lose track of your Census
ID, but it can help. If you have the number handy, it will fill in
some of the basic information, like your name and address. Every
little bit helps, right?
2.	By phone – You might not have a computer anyway. So you can always
call 800-852-6159 and a Census worker will ask you the questions over
the phone.
3.	By mail –Of course, some of us will receive the Census form in the
mail. You can have someone help read and complete the paper form and
mail that back, if that works best for you.

And then, if the Census Bureau doesn’t get a response from your
address, expect that an official census taker will eventually knock on
your door to ask you the Census questions in person. This will take
place from May through July.

That’s because everybody must be counted. Remember, it’s required by
the Constitution!  The Census data that is collected is sent to
Congress to make sure that each state’s representation is fairly
considered. But the Census data is also used for federal
appropriations of all kinds, for drawing of state legislative district
boundaries, and is made available by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce to
businesses as they plan start-upps or expansion.

What You Will Be Asked
The Census will ask you your name, date of birth and age, sex and
race/ethnicity questions for each person living at your address on
April 1, 2020. So if you plan to call or complete the Census survey
online, be sure to gather all of this information in advance.

What the Census will NOT record is your Social Security Number or
banking information. If someone asks you that, they aren’t working for
the U.S. Census Bureau. Slam the door, hang up, whatever you have to
do to get rid of them, but don’t give that information out!

Confidentiality
When all the information is added up, your name and address won’t be
included. That part is kept separate and confidential, and cannot be
shared with any other department, agency or law enforcement.

If you want more information on the Census or need help completing the
Census survey, call the Regional Census Center at 800-852-6159.
Someone at that Census call center can help you fill out the form over
the phone.

Alternatively, you may have your census questions answered by texting
(303) 622-5881 (text and data rates apply.)  For website information
in English, please visit www.2020census.gov and for Spanish please use
www.2020census.gov/es.html.

For more information from the Colorado Center for the Blind on
completing the 2020 Census, please contact Anna Korbel or Martin
Becerra-Miranda at 303-778-1130 extension 223.


-- 
Dan Burke

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Legislative Coordinator

President, NFB of Denver

"Blindness is not what holds you back.  You can live the life you want!"

My Cell:  406.546.8546
Twitter:  @DallDonal