Creating accessible Word forms

Follow the instructions on this page to create, or add, accessible Word forms suitable for publishing on our website

Before you start

First consider if there is another way to display the information to the user. Would a web page or form work better than a download? If you are unsure email the Digital team dcm@sussex.ac.uk.

It is advised that you create accessible Word documents using a Microsoft Windows computer. It is possible to create them using an Apple computer, however the functionality is limited to the legacy tools.

Creating accessible Word documents

If you are looking for more general advise on setting up a Word document, or are looking to insert a form into a Word document, then you may want to check the page on creating an accessible Word document first.

  • Text entry fields
    • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
    • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
    • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Plain Text Content Control. This will place a text box on your page.
    • Highlight the text box and click Properties in the Ribbon.
    • Write a Title for the text box. This will be read out by a screen reader so ensure to explain to the user what they need to include in the text box.
    • Select OK.
  • Check boxes
    • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
    • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
    • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Check Box Content Control. This will place a check box on your page.
    • Highlight the check box and click Properties in the Ribbon.
    • Write a Title for the check box. This will be read out by a screen reader so ensure to explain to the user what the check box relates to.
    • Select OK.
  • Drop-down selection boxes
    • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
    • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
    • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Drop Down List Content Control. This will place a drop down list on your page.
    • Highlight the drop-down-list and click Properties in the Ribbon.
    • Write a Title for the drop down list. This will be read out by a screen reader so ensure to explain to the user what the drop down options relate to.
    • To add items to the drop down list click Add. A pop up window will appear allowing you to enter a Display Name and/or value for each item.
    • Select OK when you have added all items to the list.
  • Date pickers
    • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
    • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
    • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Date Picker Content Control. This will place a date picker on your page.
    • Highlight the date picker and click Properties in the Ribbon.
    • Write a Title for the date picker. This will be read out by a screen reader so ensure to explain to the user what chosen date will relate to.
    • There are a series of other options in which you can pick the date style, calendar and location.
    • Select OK.