Forms and interactive content refers to any content that has interactive elements beyond a hyperlink. This includes forms and surveys from platforms like Google, Qualtrics, FormStack, etc. We often rely on third party tools to provide interactive content, so we need to ensure the tools we use meet accessibility standards. All interactive content must be usable regardless of input type (voice, mouse, keyboard, etc.) or display type (mobile, braille display, screen reader, etc.).
The Five Principles
- Identify Content Types: Headings and paragraphs. Labels for inputs. Content types are displayed and labeled consistently.
- Provide Text Equivalents: Provide Alt text. Do not use images of text. Make sure linked audio/video have captions, transcripts, and visual description.
- Use Color Carefully: Contrast, Sensory Characteristics
- Provide Descriptive Hyperlinks: Link purpose and location
- Use Clear Language: Overview, Clear labels and instructions; input purpose
Additional Considerations
- Identify the Language: Set this for the document and any sections that are different from the primary language of the document
- Provide error identification, prevention and handling: Identify required fields, identify why a form or survey cannot be submitted, identify any specific requirements for input content to be acceptable
- Typography: Minimum font size 12pt or 16px; do not use all caps; left align text when possible; use space between paragraphs
- Verify Accessibility: Use a browser accessibility checker. Ideally, verify usability with a screen reader.
- Provide ways to navigate that work for all input types: Navigable by keyboards and AT, Interactive state changes are visible, Minimum Target size, interactions with animations can be disabled, minimize redundant input entry