VisionPK urges those with sensory impairments to complete the census
VisionPK are urging everyone with sensory loss to be sure to complete this year’s Scottish Census and to ask for help if they need it.
The Scottish Census has been delayed been a year due to COVID-19 and will this year take place on Sunday 20th March. While the date of the Census is the 20th, letters will be arriving to households in the weeks beforehand and you can complete the questionnaire before the 20th and any time until the end of April. The census is a once-a-decade count of the population of Scotland and the information gathered helps authorities to plan the appropriate services where they’re more needed.
That’s why it’s very important for those with sensory impairments to fill out the census when it drops through their doors. Gwenn McCreath, Chief Executive, says: “The census is key to how services and local infrastructure are funded and we need to ensure that the services are directed exactly where they’re needed. That’s why we want to urge those with sensory impairments to fill in the census and make sure they are counted and get the future services that they need.”
This year, the census has gone online, but there is help available for those with sensory impairments. Paper copies of the census are still being made available to those who would find it easier to complete it in that way and you can request them in large print, too. The guidance for completing the census is also available to request. You can also get a copy of the census on audio CD as well as in Braille.
Further information and details on how to order these and a range of other products can be found on the website at www.census.gov.scot/help/language-and-accessibility-help or by telephoning the Census free helpline on 0800 030 8308.
The dedicated website for completing the census (www.census.gov.scot) has also been created to be as accessible and usable as possible to older audiences and those with visual, hearing, cognitive or motor impairments. On the website you will find assistive technologies such as easier-to-read colours, larger fonts, the use of plain English and the option of keyboard-only navigation.
For users of British Sign Language (BSL), explanation videos are available for each question in the census or you can phone for assistance using Contact Scotland’s BSL service.
CPK Libraries also offer free PC access and can support people to fill out their questionnaires online if required.
VisionPK are keen to encourage everyone to take part in this year’s census and want to ensure that those with sensory loss has everything they need to have their voices heard.
We were featured in Charity Today! Read the story at: https://www.charitytoday.co.uk/charity-urges-those-with-sensory-impairments-to-complete-the-census/
