Long Beach will launch a survey this week so the city’s disability community can share insight on how to enhance inclusivity and support for residents with disabilities.
The initiative 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, according to a press release.
The Disability Data and Community Survey will be available beginning Thursday, Jan. 15, and the city will also host a survey kickoff event on the same day.
The survey is from the city’s Office of Equity and Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Disabilities – which advises the mayor and City Council on issues affecting people with disabilities in Long Beach, advocating for an inclusive and accessible community.
The survey is a two-year project that is now entering its primary data collection phase, according to a press release. Following successful listening sessions and initial data gathering from October 2024 to July 2025, which helped develop the survey, the project team is now rolling out the survey and identifying people for in-depth interviews.
The project is supported by a one-time allocation of $60,000 as part of the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget, officials said.
Key objectives of the survey, co-created with the commission 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; and informing city leaders 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, officials said. The report is anticipated 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 through May 1.
“Feedback will be vital to informing this initiative,” the press release said, “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, residents can email ada@longbeach.gov or call 562-570-6257. Those with limited access to a computer or smartphone 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 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Long Beach Forward, 2217 E. Sixth 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 at bit.ly/DDCSJan15.