Government and industry leaders are improving data collection to better address the needs of people with disabilities.
As governments focus on accessibility, true inclusion must go beyond compliance, especially with the rise of AI. High-quality data collection is essential to ensure policies consider the needs of people with disabilities. By making data collection more inclusive, local governments can improve services for people with disabilities and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy recently submitted a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI aims to advance disability equity by gathering data to inform policy. However, groups like the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) warn that algorithmic bias can occur when data sets fail to represent people with disabilities. AI-powered hiring tools may unfairly exclude individuals based on traits like vocal cadence or eye contact. Current data often relies on narrow legal definitions of disability, missing broader medical, social, and identity perspectives.
From accessible government websites to ensuring that job hiring tools do not discriminate, there is much to gain by taking a closer look at how data is collected, used, and protected. Best practices for inclusive data emphasize the importance of designing systems from the start to prevent discrimination later. Key elements include transparency about how data will be used, strong privacy protections, and clear communication about the impact of responses.
An example of inclusive data collection is the city of Boston’s Disability Data Standard. The initiative is a collaboration of its Disabilities Commission and the Department of Innovation and Technology. From the article:
“It offers guidelines for officials to better understand when and how to collect information about constituents’ disabilities. The standard also highlights transparency about why data is being collected and how it will be used and kept private as best practices.”
According to the article from GovTech, inclusive data collection should involve transparency, privacy protection, and accessible formats like plain language and assistive technologies. Maryland is a leading example of best practices in inclusive measures for residents. As previously reported by MACo, Governor Moore issued an executive order launching the Maryland Plain Language Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance government communications. By continuing to adopt best practices and standards, counties can be more inclusive to all residents. It also fosters a sense of trust and cooperation between government entities and the public. Inclusivity can improve communication with local governments, benefiting from the clarity and efficiency that best practices can promote.
