Tables-2

 

Add In Reading Order, Then Tags Panel to Verify

 

Two Table Types

There are two types of tables that may be used in documents - data tables and layout tables. When authoring documents, particularly from word processing applications, it is not recommended to use layout tables to organize and visually arrange content. If there is a need to create rich, visual layouts, then the use of layout and design tools that support accessibility is necessary (e.g., Adobe InDesign). Data tables, on the other hand, are a functional method to organize and relate various pieces of information into a coherent display. Data tables may be used where appropriate and are an acceptable method to present content.

One challenge when applying accessibility to data tables is verifying how the information will be presented to the actual user if assistive computer technology is being utilized. For instance, it is fairly easy to determine the logical reading order of a document, but it is not as easy to determine if a data table contains all the relevant code to communicate the appropriate row and column information. Testing with assistive computer technology is one method, however, this assumes that the assistive computer technology supports the included tag information to accurately communicate the data table to the user.

With respect to PDF, the recommendation is to include the appropriate code information and test (when necessary) with the understanding that not all assistive computer technology will support the PDF data table content.

In order to specify row and column headers, as well as create a table summary, it is necessary to begin with a tagged PDF document with the data table marked as “Table”. If tags are added using the “Add Tags to Document” function, it is possible that tables may be marked as “Figure” or as other text content. Use the TouchUp Reading Order tool to zone and mark data table content as “Table” before proceeding below.

Step 1: Set Row and Column Headers

Row and column headers, as well as their “scope”,  can be specified using the Reading Order tool (formally known as the TouchUp Reading Order tool). This would potentially aid assistive computer technology applications in speaking the relevant row or column information to an individual navigating the data table.

Step 1

To add row and column header information, enable the Reading Order tool (Tools > Accessibility > Reading Order).

Step 2

Do you have an untagged or tagged document?

If the table is untagged; in Reading Order, draw a rectangle around the content then click on Table.

How to use Reading Order to tag a table.

 

If the table is tagged; in Reading Order, designate a header cell by selecting it. To select a cell, click it and the cell should turn blue.

Highlight a cell that needs to be designated as a TH.

 

Step 3

In the Reading Order tool, choose the Table Editor button.

Choose Table Editor to edit the cell type.

Step 4

If, on the table, you do not see TD or TH, right click on a cell > select Table Editor Options > Under Label Option, check Show cell type (TH or TD).

Choose Show cell type TH or TD to reveal cell types in your table. Show cell type to reveal which rows and/or columns are designated as TH.

 

Step 5

For each row header, right-click in the actual table cell and choose “Table Cell Properties”
Set the “Type” as Header Cell and the “Scope” property as Row.

Table Cell Properties can help in designating cell type.

Step 2: Double check table navigation and cell type via Tags Panel.

Verify that table headers and cell types are in the correct reading order using the Tags Panel. 

Use Reading Order to tag a table, then verify in Tags Panel.

 

 

How to Create Accessible Tables 

 

Tagging a Table Overview 

Note that the Reading Order tool was formally known as Touch-Up Reading Order. Despite the name change, the functionality of this tool and the tutorial are very much the same. 
Learn how to designate table header cells, leverage tools that make creating accessible tables easier, and learn the basics of the Table Editor. Take notes as this will help in the Table Activity in the last tab on this page. 
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Add a Table Summary

A table summary can be added that provides the user with a very brief overview of what information is to follow in the data table. It is not necessary to repeat the actual data in the table summary; rather, use the table summary to give the user a preview of what information the table communicates. The table summary is not viewable in the PDF document, it is designed to be spoken to an individual using assistive computer technology.

Step 1

To add a table summary, enable the Reading Order tool (Accessibility > Reading Order...)

Step 2

With the data table marked as a Table, right-click anywhere in the data table.

Step 3

Choose the option Edit Table Summary.

Select Edit Table Summary under Accessibility and Reading Order.

Step 4 

Add a summary for the table and press OK. Save the document to retain the changes. It is recommended that you break complex tables into simpler ones for readability and managing table accessibility.