Qualtrics is a tool available to all CU students, faculty, and staff, allowing users to create and share surveys. Qualtrics is managed by the Office of Information Technology (OIT).

Accessibility issues have been identified for a number of question types available in Qualtrics. Most commonly, these question types are not accessible to individuals using assistive technology, (e.g., individuals who use a screen reader). To ensure better access for survey respondents who may use assistive technologies, survey creators cannot use certain question types in Qualtrics that are deemed inaccessible. Survey creators can request access to use an inaccessible question type for a Qualtrics survey. This page reviews information about this exception request process.

Please visit the OIT Qualtrics Accessibility page to learn more detailed information about inaccessible question types and accessible workarounds. 

Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Requests

Exceptions may be granted if you have a business or research need to create a survey that uses an inaccessible question type(s). To request an exception, please submit the Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Request form. The Digital Accessibility Office will review your request and determine if an exception can be granted. Before submitting a request, please review the information on the Qualtrics: Inaccessible Question Types page and consider an accessible workaround. If an exception is needed for multiple students in a course, the request can be submitted by the instructor on behalf of the students.

Please note: The following question types are not available through CU Boulder’s Qualtrics License:

  • Screen Capture
  • Video Response
  • Unmoderated User Testing
  • Location Selector
  • Solicit Reviews

Access to these question types cannot be granted through the Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Request process.

Duration of Requests

When a Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Request is granted, the requester will have access to the inaccessible question type(s) for the requested time frame. Once the requested time frame is complete, access to the inaccessible question type(s) will be removed. 

Exception requests are only granted for one year at a time and can be renewed for up to five years. If access to the inaccessible question type(s) is still needed at the five-year mark, the requester should submit a new Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Request form.

Any Qualtrics surveys using inaccessible question types can continue to collect responses, even after the exception request timeframe is complete. If you do not plan to make edits to those questions, you do not need to request an extension or a new Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Request.

Scope of Requests

Each Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Request submitted should be specific to a single survey or group of related surveys. If you have multiple surveys that are not related, please submit a request for each survey. Requests that are general in nature are not granted. 

If an exception request is granted for a specific target audience and you decide to expand your audience, please reach out through your ServiceNow request. We can determine if there is anything that needs to be considered to ensure your expanded audience can complete the survey. 

Workaround Responsibilities

If you are granted a Qualtrics Accessibility Exception Request and choose to use an inaccessible question type for a survey, then you are responsible for providing a workaround option for any respondent who may encounter an accessibility barrier to completing the survey. 

When a, exception request is granted, the requestor is asked to include the following statement at the beginning of their survey:

"This survey may be inaccessible to assistive technology users due to Qualtrics accessibility issues. If you experience problems with the survey, please contact XX@Colorado.EDU." [please replace the email address with that of a responsible party who will handle accommodation requests]

Recipient Considerations

If you can confirm that everyone receiving the survey will be able to complete the inaccessible question type(s), then please include that information with your request. Please be prepared to support respondents with workaround options if you learn someone cannot complete the survey due to an accessibility barrier.