Many of us who create and manage forms probably have some experience with fillable PDF forms. While there are tools for automatically converting PDFs into fillable forms, too often, the end results are inaccessible to keyboard-only and screen reader-user.
HTML Forms Recommended
Whenever possible, provide forms in HTML format rather than PDF. HTML forms tend to be more accessible and easier to update and edit than PDF forms.
Recommended:
- Qualtrics (easy)
- Google Forms (easy)
Success Criteria Forms and Labels
- 1.3.1 Information and Relationships (A)
- 2.1.1. Keyboard (A)
- 2.4.6. Describe Headings and Labels (AA)
- 2.5.3. Label In Name (A)
- 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (AA)
- 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (A)
Forms and Labels
If you decide to create your own forms in HTML, be aware that...
Techniques for Forms and Labels
- Using label elements to associate text labels with form controls
- Using HTML form controls and links
- Providing descriptive labels
- Including the text of the visible label as part of the accessible name
- Matching the accessible name to the visible label
- Using labels, names, and text alternatives consistently for content that has the same functionality
- Providing text instructions at the beginning of a form or set of fields that describes the necessary input
Resources
W3C, Form Concepts (article)
WebAIM Form Accessibility (article)
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