Tables
Setting tables up correctly will allow assistive technologies to read them aloud and in the right order. If a table is complex with nested or split cells, this can cause trouble for some technologies such as screen readers.
Avoid using tables
- when working with complex information,
- for layout purposes.
If you must use a table, then a text version that describes the information should also be included in the document.
Manually check the accessibility of your table
Manually check the accessibility of a table in two steps
- Try to navigate all the way through it using the Tab key
- If you can go through it cell by cell and row by row in the correct order, then a screen reader will have no problems.
Alt text for tables
Always add alt text to a table in case that an assistive technology cannot read it. Describe what your table shows with alt text.
To add alt text
- highlight and right click on table
- select ‘table properties’
- select the ‘alt text’ tab
- add title and description.
Headers for tables
It is essential to add a header to your table when creating one in word. This makes it easier for a screen reader to navigate your table. It will call out the name of the column or row of the table before reading the data out.
To give your table a header
- Highlight top row
- Right click and navigate to ‘table properties’
- Under the row tab ensure the ‘repeat as header row at the top of each page’ box is checked
- Ensure ‘allow row to break across pages’ box is checked too.
Video with instructions