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Tips for Filling in Online Surveys & Forms

AEBC often sends out surveys to members to get feedback on our activities and future goals. There are also so many online forms these days and often, they are not accessible or easy to navigate with a screen reader. Here are some tips as well as links to our training sessions on working with online forms.



Here’s a list of user tips for filling in online surveys using screen readers (like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack) on both desktop and mobile platforms:

 

General Tips (for all devices):

 

  1. Use a Supported Browser

    Stick to browsers that work well with your screen reader.

    • For NVDA or JAWS: Firefox or Chrome

    • For VoiceOver (Mac/iOS): Safari

    • For TalkBack (Android): Chrome

  2. Read the Page First

    Skim through the page using heading navigation to get an overview of the survey before you start filling it out.

  3. Label Awareness

    Listen for labels and instructions that screen readers announce when you focus on form fields. If you don’t hear anything, it could be an accessibility issue.

  4. Watch for Required Fields

    Many required fields are marked with "*", "required", or an ARIA label.

    • NVDA/JAWS often read out "required" if it’s properly coded.

 

Desktop Tips:

 

JAWS / NVDA Users

1.    Use Forms Mode when interacting with edit fields (usually activated automatically or with Enter). If stuck, press Enter manually to activate Forms Mode.

2.    Use Tab and Shift+TabNavigate between fields using Tab and go back with Shift + Tab.

3.    Use Arrow Keys in FormsFor multiple-choice questions or radio buttons, use the arrow keys to navigate between options.

  1. Spell Check Open Answers

    Type answers in Notepad or Word first, check spelling, then paste them into the form.

  2. Move through the form by element: Use R for radio buttons, X for checkboxes, or E for edit fields to skip through content.

  3. Save Progress If Possible

    If the survey allows saving and continuing later, use it—especially for long surveys.

 

Mobile Tips:

 

VoiceOver (iOS)

  1. Use "Rotor" to Navigate by Form Elements

    Rotate with two fingers (like turning a dial) to "Form Controls" and swipe up/down to move through them.

  2. Double-Tap to Interact

    When you reach a field or button, double-tap anywhere on the screen to activate it.

  3. Explore by Touch or Swipe

    You can swipe left/right to navigate sequentially or explore the screen by touch.

 

TalkBack (Android)

  1. Swipe Right/Left to Move Forward/Backward

    Moves between items on the screen, including form fields.

  2. Use Two-Finger Scroll

    To scroll down the page without changing focus on the field.

  3. Use "Local Context Menu"

    Brings up navigation options like headings, controls, and links.

 

Privacy & Security Tips:

  • Don’t input personal data unless the site is secure (look for https).

  • Use browser autofill cautiously if you're not familiar with how accessible the form is.

 

If Something Isn't Accessible:

  • Try switching devices (e.g., from phone to desktop or vice versa).

  • Use browser extensions or add-ons that improve accessibility.

  • Contact the survey provider to let them know about accessibility issues—this helps improve the experience for everyone.

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