Deafblind DATA Act

# Deafblind DATA Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Deafblind DATA Act would require the federal government to collect and maintain data about people who are deafblind (those who have significant vision and hearing loss). Currently, there is no comprehensive national system tracking the deafblind population, making it difficult for policymakers to understand their needs or allocate resources effectively. This bill would establish standardized data collection methods to better understand how many deafblind Americans exist, their demographics, and what services they access. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects deafblind individuals and the organizations that serve them, as well as federal agencies responsible for healthcare and social services.

By creating better data, the legislation could help guide future policy decisions about accessibility services, rehabilitation programs, and support resources tailored to this population's unique challenges (which differ significantly from those who are only deaf or only blind). **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It would need to pass through committee review, House debate and approval, then go through the same process in the Senate before reaching the President.