Basics:
There are a variety of questionnaire form options people use, such as Microsoft Forms, Google Forms, Kauli Build, and Qualtrics. The three main aspects to accessible form questionnaires;
- content and phrasing of the questions,
- using question types that are accessible,
- and the visual design.
Content:
It is possible to use an accessible question type, but ask a question in a way that does not make sense. An example would be, "Rate your opinion on a scale of 1 to 5". The problem with this is that there are no instructions indicating which is best. Part of your question text should include "1 is bad and 5 is good", or whatever you intend the end of your scales to be.
Question types:
Optional form widgets are available for text, multiple-choice, and more. Some of these form widgets are more accessible than others. Below are links to some resources that explain which widgets have the potential to be accessible.
Microsoft forms:
- We do not recommend using Microsoft Office Forms because of potential native screen reader accessibility barriers.
Google Forms:
Many basic question types are accessible if the questions are phrased well, including:
- Short answer
- Paragraph
- Multiple choice
- Dropdown menu options.
- Linear scale – rating scale 1 to 5
- Multiple choice grid
- Checkbox grid
- Date
- Time
Qualtrics:
Many basic question types are accessible if the questions are phrased well, but there are some to avoid.
- List of accessible Qualitrics widgets.
- List of accessible alternative Qualtics widgets.
- How to check Qualtircs form for accessibility issues.
Kuali Build:
Many basic question types are accessible if the questions are phrased well, but there are a few to avoid.
Visual:
Most questionnaires provide the option of choosing theme colors. Choose a theme with easy to read text with a high contrast ratio.