Using Survey Tools
Free Web Based Survey Tools
Many free online survey tools create surveys that are not accessible to people with disabilities. These tools are often relying on JavaScript and mouse interactions, which may provide a barrier for people with disabilities.
SF State ACCESS recommends using the online survey tool SurveyGizmo or SurveyMonkey. Both products have made an effort to include accessiblity in their survey design. Even though the survey tool is the most important part in creating accessible surveys, the questionnaire author is responsible for choosing an accessible, clear, and logical layout.
Most common problems that people with disabilities encounter on web based surveys are:
- The user cannot navigate the page or fill out the form fields because they require the use of the mouse
- The screen reader user has problems finding important information and sections
- The screen reader user cannot fill out the form fields because they are not labeled and therefore will not be read by a screenreader
- The reading order of form fields in a layout table is confusing and incorrect for screen reader users
- Logical relationships between data is conveyed only by color and therefore not understood by screen reader users
Solutions:
- Use independent input device controls
- Use headings to identify sections
- Use labels to associate descriptive text with form elements. Use fieldsets and legends to group and identify related form elements
- Make sure that the reading order is logical if read row by row from left to right.
- Mark up tables with headers in matrix question types
