City Launches Disability Data & Community Survey to Enhance Inclusivity and Support for Residents with Disabilities

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA -The City of Long Beach, through its Citizens' Advisory Commission on Disabilities (CACoD) and the Office of Equity, will launch the Disability Data & Community Survey. This comprehensive initiative, supported by a one-time allocation of $60,000 as part of the City's Adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, will focus on bridging critical data gaps and informing policies, programs and services for the city's disability community, particularly as Long Beach prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Key objectives of the Disability Data & Community Survey, co-created with CACoD and community partners, include:

• Collecting person-centered data through participatory methods, including interviews, focus groups, testimonials and surveys.
• Identifying existing and emerging needs, barriers and opportunities for people with disabilities in Long Beach.
• Developing a comprehensive understanding of the community's demographics and geographic distribution.
• Informing City leadership in amending and creating policies, programs and procedures that ensure full participation and inclusive access.

The survey will also inform the development of a comprehensive demographic and information dashboard of the Long Beach disability community. This data will culminate in a Report on the State of Disability in Long Beach, providing invaluable insights to all City departments. The report is expected to be compiled and disseminated in late 2026.

People with disabilities, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, who live, work, attend school or visit Long Beach are encouraged to take the survey which will be available online in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog beginning Jan. 15 through Friday, May 1. Feedback will be vital to informing this initiative and shaping a future where all people can thrive through justice, equity, freedom, dignity, privacy, economic self-sufficiency and mental and physical health and wellbeing.

To ensure equitable access and participation, the survey will also be available in paper form and can be administered over the phone and in a person's preferred language. To access the paper version or make an appointment for a phone survey, contact [email protected] or 562.570.6257. Those with limited access to a computer or smart phone may also visit a public computer lab available at any open Long Beach Public Library location to access the survey.

To kick off the survey, the City will host a free celebration event on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at Long Beach Forward (2217 E. 6th St.). Community members are invited to attend, learn more about the survey and enjoy free food, presentations and opportunities to win prizes. RSVP is required to attend.

The Disability Data & Community Survey is a two-year project now entering its primary data collection phase. Following successful listening sessions and initial data gathering between October 2024 and July 2025, which helped inform the development of the survey, the project team is now rolling out the survey instrument and identifying people for in-depth interviews. The project is supported by an active Memorandum of Understanding with strategic partners, which commenced on Aug. 1, 2025, solidifying collaboration efforts in community engagement and data collection.

CACoD advises the Mayor and City Council on issues affecting people with disabilities in Long Beach, advocating for an inclusive and accessible community.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer Kumiyama, Citywide Accessibility Coordinator, Office of Equity, at [email protected] or 562.570.6257.

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