The 2016 online Census form has been certified accessible against global standards by Vision Australia to ensure an improved experience for people with disabilities when completing the Census.
Vision Australia conducted technical and user-based assessments of the online Census form, and commended the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the considerable effort they invested in creating a technically accessible website.
Vision Australia National Manager Digital Access, Neil King said by providing multiple ways to complete the Census, all Australians can be counted.
“The ABS displayed great commitment in making the 2016 Census accessible to Level AA, and their dedication is commendable. Vision Australia has been delighted to have been of assistance in helping the ABS achieve this goal,” Mr King said.
ABS General Manager, Samantha Palmer, says the AA Accessibility standard certification has reinforced the ABS’ commitment to make the 2016 Census the most accessible and inclusive in its 105-year history.
"The ABS is a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and the Diversity Council,” Ms Palmer said.
“The Census team has worked hard to achieve Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) accessibility requirements. The level of accessibility the online form provides now means people who are blind, deaf or have low vision will be able to complete the Census on their own – something that they should of course be able to do!
“Everyone in Australia on Census night, 9 August, needs to take part, and with the ABS’s digital-first approach to the Census this year, this certification demonstrates the efforts of the ABS to ensure everyone can participate online easily and fully,” Ms Palmer said.
The online Census form is compatible with screen reader programs such as Jaws or Window Eyes, or a person can have a friend or family member assist them with either the Online Census form or the paper form.
The ABS can also provide the Census form and other Census information in alternate formats such as braille, large print and audio.
Find out more about completing the 2016 Census.