Understanding Forms and Accessibility Jermaine Fields Mitchell Jones

Understanding Forms and Accessibility Jermaine Fields Mitchell Jones Katie Lane

Learning Outcomes • Forms best practices • The problems with PDF forms • Where to access Accessible Forms solutions at UC

Adapted from Medium. com, Andrew Coyle (2020) FORMS BEST-PRACTICES

Keep Labels Short!

Match Field Orientation to the Intended Input

Use the Appropriate Input Type and Tag

Make Buttons Task-Specific

THE PROBLEMS WITH PDF FORMS And why we don’t like them!

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The Problems with PDF Forms • Not a living document, updates aren’t dynamic. • Cannot redirect a document • URL of your form will be a document (. pdf) rather than a page within your site (. html) • Limits a user’s ability to find other information on your site.

The Problems with PDF Forms Continued • PDF’s not served high in Google results • Risk of out-of-date documents still being found • Requires additional steps for user to submit • No tracking or automation for the user processing the forms/requests.

WHERE TO ACCESSIBLE FORMS AT UC

Microsoft Forms • Microsoft Forms was included with the University purchase of Microsoft 365. Microsoft Forms doesn’t allow embedding images or videos and currently only the creator of the form can receive responses. If you have a UC secure login, you already have access to Microsoft Forms.

MS Forms Best Practices • Stick with basic fields such as textboxes, choice or dates • Ensure all form fields have meaningful labels • Add ALT text to all images used

Jot. Forms • Jotform is web-based form application that the University has purchased a enterprise license for. Recent accessibility updates made by Jot. Form allow us to continue using them as a form platform.

Request a Jot. Forms Account • Jot. Form includes a robust set of tools and an easy-to-use interface. Access for this form system is managed by the Marketing & Communication office. If your office doesn't already have an account with Jot. Form, you can request an account.

Jot. Forms Best Practices • Turn on the form accessibility checker • Ensure your template meets color contrast standards • Avoid widgets with accessibility warnings

Site. Finity Forms • Sitefinity forms were developed and are maintained by UCIT. Sitefinity is suited for both basic forms and also forms that require a high-level of customization. You can request access and training for Sitefinity Forms.

Site. Finity Forms Best Practices • Make sure to clear formatting when copying and pasting text into form fields. • Ensure headers are properly formatted and organized.

Presenter Contacts • Jermaine Fields: Fieldsj 4@ucmail. uc. edu • Katie Lane: Botsiske@ucmail. uc. edu • Mitchell Jones: jmc@ucmail. uc. edu