Vision Australia has continued to advocate on behalf of the blind and low vision community for the Marriage Equality survey to be fully accessible.
From Monday 25 September to 20 October people with a disability can request a secure access code for the Marriage Law Survey.
Since the announcement of the survey, Vision Australia has been in constant contact with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to ensure people who are blind or have low vision are given every opportunity to cast their vote in a secret and secure manner.
While the ABS has overall been very accommodating around accessibility by including the option to vote via telephone or the internet, Vision Australia has been made aware that a barrier remains.
"Please note that if you attempt to complete the ABS Marriage Equality online form there is a Captcha requirement. While this Captcha field offers an audio option, we are aware that some people may still be unable to complete it,” Karen Knight, Vision Australia General Manager Advocacy and Engagement, said.
“The most accessible option is to call the ABS Survey Information Line on 1800 572 113 and inform them that you wish to vote over the telephone. Vision Australia has informed the ABS of the Captcha accessibility issue,” Ms Knight said.
Anybody from the blind and low vision community who encounters an accessibility issue can find out more about exercising their rights here or can seek support from our Advocacy Team by email at advocacy@visionaustralia.org or by telephone on 1300 84 74 66.