Accessibility on the Internet: This is how everyone benefits from clear surveys!

Accessibility on the Internet: This is how everyone benefits from clear surveys!

A current study by Prof. Dr. Volker Gehrau from the University of Münster examines accessibility in online surveys. A main point of the investigation is compliance with European Directive 2102 (2016), which requires public bodies to design websites and mobile applications in a barrier-free manner. This policy aims to improve access to information and services for people with disabilities.

The term “accessibility” refers to various aspects such as screen reader accessibility, understandable language and appropriate font sizes and contrast. Nevertheless, it turns out that many scientists are not aware of the EU requirements and only implement them to a limited extent. Around 90 percent of those surveyed in the study said they tried to use understandable language, while only around 20 percent took technical aspects of accessibility into account.

Awareness and implementation of the policy

The study shows that an estimated 20 percent of the German population could be affected by barriers, for example illiteracy or hearing and visual impairments. Despite this fact, 65 percent of the 352 researchers surveyed consider accessible surveys to be important, but less than 10 percent know the specific requirements of the EU directive. The Policy obliges Member States to implement appropriate measures to ensure accessibility by September 23, 2018.

The accessibility requirements include perceivability, usability, understandability and robustness of websites. This specifically includes alternative texts for images, keyboard usability for all functions and the use of simple and clear language. The implementation process requires both technical and editorial adjustments to ensure that the content is accessible.

Recommendations for accessible surveys

Gehrau's research group sought advice from people with cognitive and motor impairments to develop specific recommendations for barrier-free surveys. These recommendations include:

• Schriftgröße von mindestens 14 Punkt.
• Verwendung von farbigen Smileys zur Darstellung von Zustimmung oder Ablehnung.
• Gut sichtbare Vorlesefunktion.
• Verwendung barrierefreier Schriften wie Atkinson Hyperlegible.

These measures are intended not only to ensure that online surveys comply with EU guidelines, but also to improve the survey experience for people without disabilities. An example of successful measures is provided by a survey with 500 students, which showed that simple language, reading function and dark mode increased willingness to participate and comprehensibility.

Implementing digital accessibility not only helps collect more accurate data about people with disabilities, but also reduces the general aversion to surveys. Gehrau underlines that accessibility ultimately benefits everyone and that access to digital content through the implementation of the Directive is a crucial step in the right direction.

For example, we provide support in implementing digital accessibility requirements Barrierfree.at Advice, training and technical support to meet legal requirements and improve user-friendliness for everyone.