Forms

Overview

Forms can be visually and cognitively complex and challenging to use. Accessible forms are easier to use for everyone, including people with disabilities. Understanding how to complete a form, how to correct errors, and navigating forms with screen readers and keyboards are requirements for ensuring forms are accessible.

There are many form building tools available in WordPress. Modern Tribe most commonly implements the Gravity Forms plugin, which this documentation addresses. If your web site is using another form building tool, the same principles should apply although managed by different methods. Although the Gravity Forms implementation and styling into your theme should meet accessibility requirements for forms from a technical perspective, content creators still have responsibilities for ensuring that the content of the forms are accessible.

Building Accessible Forms

  1. Ensure every form includes clear instructions that answers any questions users may have, including why they are being asked to complete the form.
  2. Ensure every form field includes a descriptive label that clearly tells the user what is expected of them.
  3. Use description text for individual fields to provide more information when necessary.
  4. Use placeholder text to provide example formats for fields that require a specific format, such as phone number or email address.
  5. Include a clear and concise confirmation message that tells users what to expect next.
  6. Use a Custom Validation Message for fields to override the default error message and provide users with a more understandable message related to the requirements of the specific field in the event that they receive an error message.

What to Avoid

  1. Only ask users to enter what is required to complete the transaction or process.
  2. If possible, forms should not be subject to a time limit to allow users to complete the form at their pace.