Census 2000 ensures accurate data on persons with disabilities

Census 2000 is moving at a higher gear as it forged partnership with public and non-governmental organizations dealing with persons with disabilities, in fresh efforts to gather accurate data on the number of physically-challenged individuals in the Northern Marianas.

Census Area Manager Sohale Samari met with leaders of various government agencies and people’s organizations at the Aqua Resort Club yesterday to discuss ways that would ensure the collection of accurate data on persons with disabilities.

While Mr. Samari noted that specific information are not likely to be ready for release until the early part of 2001, he emphasized that population count will be out by year-end.

According to the CNMI census chief, the accuracy rate of the data that are now being collected throughout the Northern Marianas is far greater than in the mainland United States, pointing out the difference in land area and population count.

Mr. Samari also disclosed that the CNMI census is actually ahead of the schedule, adding that everything has been running smoothly.

At the same time, NGO leaders and government officials vowed to support Census 2000 enumerators in order to ensure that the information collected are accurate enough.

Thomas Camacho, executive director of the Governor’s Disabilities Council, pledged full participation from his office and among the persons with disabilities in the Northern Marianas.

Mr. Camacho acknowledged the importance of the accuracy of census data on the Commonwealth’s ability to secure federal funding for various programs and projects aimed at uplifting the plight of physically-challenged members of the CNMI community.

Information on disability is used by state and county agencies to plan for eligible recipients under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

The census information is also used for the Older Americans Act, Veterans Employment and Training Program, Provisions on Higher Education to Serve Adult Learners, Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, among others.

He also acknowledged the programs initiated by the Census 2000 management in soliciting the full participation of persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth.

“The accuracy of information that will be collected in this population count will be vital in identifying what and how much the Commonwealth needs in terms of implementing programs for persons with disabilities here,” said Mr. Camacho.

Also, Census 2000 is hoping to identify the extent of growth in the population of the elderly on the island, considering the fact that the U.S. average life expectancy has increased by more than 20 years since the 1990s.

In 1990, average life expectancy was recorded at 49 years old. This has grown to 75.9 years by 1996, which means that the population of the elderly have tremendously increased during the last few years. (AR Fajardo)