[Athen] Advise for complex PDF form

[Monica Olsson via athen-list]

Hello,

I am requesting guidance on accessibility best practice for a specific complex fillable form.

Please see the attached form in PDF. There is a lot going on with tables, calculations, columns, etc.

The document owner is experimenting with using Excel for the form<https://sbctcedu-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/djilek_sbctc_edu/EexcANs86ktOrX1mE0dUUlcBtXej-d_wJ_rDOaiKk_ViIg?e=LfgNDX>, rather than PDF. In one sense, this may make editing the source document easier, and Excel may handle calculations better. On the other hand, I worry about the user experience in this format.

What is your advice on how best to remediate this form? My gut tells me to stick with PDF...

Do folks have insight on the accessibility of web-based form tools like Gravity Forms or Form Assembly?

Thank you!
Monica



Monica M. Olsson (she/her/hers)

Policy Associate – Accessible IT Coordinator

Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

•Email: molsson at sbctc.edu<mailto:molsson at sbctc.edu> • Phone: 360-704-3922



The power of the Web is in its universality.

Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.

Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web
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