Enhancing Survey Accessibility: Lessons from the NSF ATE RECITE Project

As evaluators of federally funded projects, we know that ensuring broad participation in research and evaluation is essential for capturing diverse perspectives and driving impactful change.

Accessible surveys are a powerful tool for achieving this goal, enabling us to collect high-quality data that reflects the experiences of all participants, including individuals with disabilities. Moreover, compliance with accessibility laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a legal obligation and a cornerstone of inclusive evaluation practices.

A recent example of applying accessibility principles is the REsource Collaborative for Immersive TEchnologies (RECITE) project. Funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program (Award Numbers: #2331451-2331455), RECITE leveraged its expertise in accessibility laws to develop universally accessible surveys across various contexts. This initiative gave evaluators and principal investigators (PIs) valuable insights into inclusive tool design while emphasizing collaboration and skill-building opportunities.

Strategies for Designing Accessible Surveys

The RECITE project highlighted several key strategies for improving survey accessibility:

• Understand Accessibility Laws: Familiarity with ADA requirements and Section 508 standards is essential. Additionally, WCAG guidelines offer a robust framework for ensuring digital content is accessible.
• Avoid Abbreviations: Assistive technologies such as screen readers can misinterpret abbreviations. Use full terms whenever possible to prevent confusion (e.g., spell out “extended reality” instead of writing “XR”).
• Simplify Questions: Break down complex or layered questions to enhance cognitive accessibility. Use clear, straightforward language aligned with federal plain language guidelines to ensure inclusivity.
• Limit Matrix Questions: While efficient for survey designers, matrix or grid formats can be challenging for individuals using assistive technologies like screen readers or keyboard navigation tools.
• Provide Clear Cues: Use explicit instructions like “select all that apply,” and clarify interactive tools such as sliders by providing context about available ranges or options.
• Collaborate with Experts: Engage accessibility experts or individuals with disabilities to gain firsthand insights into challenges faced by users of assistive technologies. Free resources like Designing for Accessibility (from the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials) and AccessATE offer practical guidance and case studies tailored to technological education fields.

The Impact of Accessible Surveys

Accessible surveys comply with legal requirements and improve data quality by capturing diverse perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. By applying these strategies and leveraging available resources, evaluators can create inclusive tools that support effective decision-making while fostering equity in federally funded projects.

By prioritizing accessibility in survey design, we can ensure that every voice is heard—and every perspective counts—in shaping impactful programs and policies.