Qualtrics: Accessibility Recommendations for Enabled Question Types

The question types listed on this page are enabled for use in Qualtrics surveys but have a number of known accessibility and usability issues. The issues listed for each question type primarily impact people using assistive technologies (for example, screen readers) and/or people using keyboard-only navigation. Recommended workarounds are provided for each question type. When implemented by survey creators, these recommendations can help improve the accessibility and usability of your survey. 

Please note: The Meta Info question type is enabled for use in Qualtrics but has not been tested for accessibility. The Timing question type is enabled for use in Qualtrics but has only been partially tested for accessibility.

Survey respondents who cannot complete a Qualtrics survey due to an accessibility issue should contact the survey creator or administrator. Respondents can also contact the Digital Accessibility Office for assistance by emailing DigitalAccessibility@Colorado.EDU.  

Multiple Choice

Qualtrics Information - Multiple Choice 

Identified Issues:

  • List Vertical format: The radio button is separate from the label. The radio button is read first and the label is read second.
  • Select Box subtype: With list box functions, respondents do not press enter or hear what they are selecting. Whatever they leave on with the arrow key is what gets highlighted and selected. This is standard practice for list boxes, but these are harder to navigate than a multiple choice, multi-select option.

Recommended Workarounds:

  • Use the List Vertical format, instead of the Select Box format. 
  • The write-in option for the List Vertical format can also be used.

Text Entry

Qualtrics Information - Text Entry

Identified Issues:

If there is a character limit, JAWS and VoiceOver users will not hear the characters remaining as they type. Respondents are not alerted when the character count is reached and may keep typing without realizing that the text is cut off. JAWS and VoiceOver users are able to access the characters remaining text after the essay box, but it is not clear while typing. If respondents return to the text entry field, they can learn where their text was cut off.

Recommended Workarounds:

  • Refrain from using a character limit.
  • Use the Multiple Lines and Single Line subtypes. Character count cannot be set and these subtypes have no character count issues.
  • If you have a character limit, include that information in the question text or instructions.

Text / Graphic

Qualtrics Information - Text / Graphic 

Identified Issues:

Graphics used in a survey that do not have alternative text will be inaccessible.

Recommended Workarounds:

Matrix Table

Qualtrics Information - Matrix Table

Identified Issues:

  • Likert subtype: The first row of the table is hidden, creating navigation issues.
    • Constant Sum subtype: 
      • All fields have a 0 input automatically because the total is tallied in the final column. Screenreader users will hear 0 even if the field has been edited to include a new value. 
      • JAWS users will hear the previous field’s number first when arrowing through the table.
  • Bipolar subtype: There are no column headers, creating navigation issues. 
  • MaxDiff subtype: This question subtype has hidden columns, creating navigation issues.

Recommended Workarounds:

  • Use the Matrix Table Rank Order or Text Entry subtypes. 
  • If the Matrix Table Rank Order or Text Entry subtypes will not meet your needs, workarounds include: using multiple choice questions or using a single multiple choice question with the “Select all that apply” setting.

Slider

Qualtrics Information - Slider

Identified Issues:

  • Sliders and Bars subtypes:
    • The written descriptors that explain what the numbers mean are only accessible visually. Screenreader users hear all the written descriptors first, then the numbers. 
    • One arrow key moves the slider or bar 1 point. Therefore, a large scale (10 points or higher) is tedious to navigate. It is not possible to type the number to adjust the slider or bar.

Recommended Workarounds:

  • Use the Slider Stars subtype with Discrete Star Interaction setting. This is the most accessible option because there is a text box component where the number can be typed in.
  • If there is a need to use the Sliders Sliders and Bars subtypes, the recommendations below will help make the questions more accessible:
    • Include what numbers are in which categories in the instructions or a text block prior to the question.
    • Use a smaller scale (no larger than 1-10).

Side by Side

Qualtrics Information - Side by Side

Identified Issues:

  • While table navigation is possible, there are empty columns users have to navigate through or try to make sense of. 
  • It’s not clear how to uncheck a radio button. 

Recommended Workarounds:

Issues with the Side by Side question type are caused by combining multiple questions into one condensed table. It is not recommended to combine questions with this question type.

Net Promoter Score  (NPS) ®

Qualtrics Information - Net Promoter Score  (NPS) ®

Identified Issues:

  • The horizontal text that explains what a slider means is only accessible visually. Screenreader users hear all the written descriptors first, then the numbers. 
  • Since the rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, there are technically 11 radio buttons. The user hears “0 radio button 1 of 11.”

Recommended Workarounds:

Use the Slider Stars subtype with Discrete Star Interaction setting. This is the most accessible option because there is a text box component where the number can be typed in.

Constant Sum

Qualtrics Information - Constant Sum

Identified Issues:

  • Bars subtype:
    • The horizontal text that explains what a slider means is only accessible visually. Screenreader users hear all the written descriptors first, then the numbers. 
    • One arrow key moves the slider or bar 1 point. Therefore, a large scale (10 points or higher) is tedious to navigate. It is not possible to type the number to adjust the slider or bar.
  • Choices subtype:
    • If a maximum sum is applied to the question, it can be exceeded.
    • When arrowing with NVDA, respondents hear the edit box prior to the label, so it’s possible for respondents to type in the wrong number.

Recommended Workarounds:

  • If using the Constant Sum Bars subtype, the recommendations below will help make the question more accessible:
    • Include what numbers are in which categories in the instructions or a text block prior to the question.
    • Use a smaller scale (no larger than 1-10).

File Upload

Qualtrics Information - File Upload

Identified Issues:

  • When using JAWS, once an upload is complete, the focus returns to the top of the page. Since there is no heading structure in Qualtrics, it’s tedious to navigate back to the question, especially if it’s near the end of a long page.
  • There is no clear way to delete a file. 
  • Only one file can be uploaded per question, but this information is not shared with respondents.

Recommended Workarounds:

  • Include this question type at the top of a page or survey, when possible.
  • Include language in the question to let users know they can only upload one file.
  • Consider using the Text Entry question type, for respondents to input information.

Captcha Verification

Qualtrics Information - Captcha Verification

Identified Issues:

The time limit to complete the Captcha is very short (roughly a minute) before it resets. When it resets, there is an alert.

Recommended Workarounds:

This question type should only be used as the last question in a survey or the last question on a page within a survey.