Census 2026: Accessibility Barriers and What You Can Do

AUDIO VERSION

As the 2026 census begins, it’s clear that for many blind and partially sighted Canadians, participation is not always easy.

Every five years, Canadians are required to complete the national census. The information collected is used to make important decisions about services, funding, and programs in communities across the country. For that reason, participation is obligatory, and penalties may apply for those who do not complete it.

However, as census packages begin arriving in the mail, many blind and partially sighted Canadians are once again encountering familiar barriers. In fact, for some, the challenge starts with identifying the envelope itself. Without accessible labeling, it can be difficult to know what has arrived. While tools such as smartphone apps, scanners, or services like Be My Eyes can help, not everyone currently has access to these tools or feels comfortable using them. In some cases, individuals have received Braille versions they cannot read. This emphasizes a persistent issue: accessible doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all.

Even after identifying the package, another barrier appears. Inside is a 16-digit access code required to complete the census online. If that code isn’t easily readable, the process can stall before it even begins.

It’s also worth noting that not everyone has the same level of access to technology or the support at home needed to navigate it independently. Completing online forms or setting up new tools can be a barrier in itself for certain people, especially those living alone.

Nonetheless, some people complete the process independently online. Others prefer to call and complete it with support, as they have done in previous years. But for many, these extra steps highlight a broader issue: accessibility is not always built in from the start.

Still, there are options available to complete the census. It can be completed online using the access code, or by phone with the help of a live agent. Support is available through a toll-free number (1-833-852-2026), and a TTY line (1-833-830-3109) is also listed on the census website. Alternative formats, such as American Sign Language (ASL), Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ), audio, DAISY, electronic braille and e-text, can also be requested.

The census is a reminder that accessibility must be considered from the start, not added as an afterthought. This is one of the reasons organizations like AEBC continue to advocate for change. We have contacted Statistics Canada regarding the issues our members are experiencing.

If you are completing your census this year, we encourage you to use the option that works best for you, whether that’s online, by phone, or with support.

If you’ve encountered challenges, you’re not alone. And if you’ve found solutions, those are worth sharing. Your experience matters—not only in ensuring your voice is counted in the census, but in helping shape the ongoing conversation about accessibility in Canada.

We invite you to share your experience with us. What worked? What didn’t?

Because accessibility starts with understanding what’s actually happening and making sure those experiences are heard.