Accessible forms are online forms or surveys that can be used, read, filled out, and submitted by everyone. They have accessible question design, good labels, and interactive elements that work with different technologies.
Forms can easily be made accessible when created with a platform for designing forms or surveys, such as Qualtrics or Google Forms. PDFs are not recommended for fillable forms or interactive content.
- Learn more in Form and Survey Accessibility (U-M Canvas).
Best Practices
The best practices below apply to forms in general. More information about how to achieve them is provided in training resources.
Language and Labels
- Provide plain language instructions for your form or survey at the beginning and in questions when necessary.
- Write simple, clear labels for questions and answers.
Question Types
- Use common question types
- Text input
- Multiple choice (checkboxes for multiple selections, radio buttons for single selection)
- Dropdown selection
- Avoid more complex question types that may not be usable
- Likert scale questions with multiple questions and answers in one
- Drag and drop questions
Required Questions
- Only make questions required when absolutely necessary
- Clearly indicate which questions are required with a label (not just color)
Design
Use good practices for digital design
- Legible font choice and size
- Good color contrast
- Headings to introduce major sections of subsections