This year’s census was one for the record books. After years of design work and testing by experts and advocates, many are hailing the process as a triumph for digital accessibility, setting a new benchmark for organisations around the country.
Testers and advocates alike said the online form should be the new standard for all government content. The survey was offered in various ways, including Braille, large print formats, audio, Australian Sign Language (ASL) videos with closed captions and easy-to-read guides.
Change like this doesn’t happen overnight. It took a decade of campaigning by the disability community alongside work with partners and advocates to deliver a survey that meets global accessibility standards across multiple devices.
Despite these significant advances, there is still room for improvement. Regardless, the 2021 Census will go down in Australia’s digital history as an exemplary example of the government prioritising citizens’ needs.