Independent Perspective #1611

Guest:  Todd Vaarwerk

Topic:  Importance of US Census participation to programs for persons with disabilities.

Duration:  05:53

Published:  August 27, 2020

Host:  Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Todd Vaarwerk, Chief Policy Officer of WNYIL, and your host is yours truly, Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Todd.

Guest:  Always good to be here.

Host:  We're glad to have you. And you're here because you're our expert on all things of political import to the greater community in particular individuals with disabilities. And you're here to address concerns about participation in the US Census, and what it will mean for all citizens in our community, especially those with disabilities. Why is it so important that people get into be polled before the deadline?

Guest:  Well, remember that the census is actually required by the US Constitution so quite often we say that, you know, the only two citizen ship requirements are taxes and jury duty. But the census is also in the Constitution, and it's important to remember that everything the federal government does that's tied to population is tied to the census. So, and for people with disabilities. It's not just how many House members, members of the House of Representatives that a region gets or where the lines for those representatives are. For us, it's about application for funding, things that the federal government does for us that they pay for are tied into formulas that are all based on population and population is counted by the census. Okay. For example, 78 million dollars go to the state councils for Developmental Disabilities, all on basis of population. 56 million for the protection FC program. 29 million dollars for assistive technology. 116 million dollars for Centers for Independent Living like WNYIL. All of these things are based on population so the more accurate the population count is, the stronger support we get for services that help us, help keep us independent and integrated.

Host:  All of these things that are dependent on the census would be severely impacted in the event of an undercount either because of say people have personal reasons not to want to come forward or they've been discouraged from coming forward by certain actions.

Guest:  Absolutely. And remember, you can be counted in the census. Okay. There are many ways to be counted in the census and disability is not a barrier to being counted in the census. You can do it online, go to www.census.gov and there's a link that you can absolutely go to. You can do it over the phone. The English support for the 50 states is provided at a toll-free number 844-330-2020. That's 330-2020 for those people paying attention, and even for those folks that need a telecommunication device for the Deaf. They also have a number, 844-467-2020. So, you can do it online, you can do it on the phone, you can fill out the postcard that was sent to your residence. Okay, and send it right back. It is simple to do. Absolutely simple, and everybody within the range of my voice should be doing it, without a doubt.

Host:  And isn't there a deadline that people should be keeping in mind?

Guest:  Absolutely, September 30 is the deadline for the census.

Host:  There have been various things that have been delayed by COVID-19 coronavirus, but it looks like this one is finally coming to a conclusion.

Guest:   Well, it has to, remember it's a constitutional requirement. So, you know, it's the thing about getting you into the count before the census expires. As always of course, Western New York Independent Living is here to help you if you need navigation to make sure that your name is into the census, we absolutely can help you with that all you have to do is give us a call here.

Host:  Todd, we're out of time. How can people get more information from you?

Guest:  You can always call me 716-836-0822 extension 101. Email me at tvaarwerk@wnyil.org. Or look for stuff we post on our Facebook page, WNY Independent Living Inc.

Host:  Thanks so much for being with us, Todd.

Guest:  Always a pleasure.

Host:  You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a Public Affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Todd Vaarwerk, Chief Policy Officer with WNYIL, and your host was yours truly, Ernie Churchwell.