Census Question for AAC Users

Posted by Allan Wilson on the 14th January, 2019

The Scottish Government's Assisted Communication Team is trying to find out how many people in Scotland use a communication aid, or could benefit from having such a device. They are hoping to include a question about this in the 2021 Census.

What is the Census?

The Census is carried out in the United Kingdom every 10 years. The Government sends a questionnaire to every household, with questions about the number of people in the house, ages, health issues, etc. This information is used to calculate the population and to help local authorities, health boards and other organisations work out how many schools, hospitals and other services might be needed in an area. The information is made anonymous so nobody knows the names or exact addresses of the people providing information.

The Consultation

The Assisted Communication Team and National Records of Scotland have drafted questions for possible inclusion in the Census about the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They would like to ask AAC users aged 16 or over and their carers about the wording of the question, before it is included in the Census.

If you are an AAC user, aged 16 + and living in Scotland, or care for an AAC user in this age group, and would like to have your say on the possible questions, please take the survey. It is open until February 4th.

NB This survey is only for AAC users and their carers living in Scotland.