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.

We suggest reading this great resource from the Univeristy of California about accessible form content.

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.

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.