Tables

 

Step 1: Identify table headers, scope, & write caption

 

Accessible tables Includes:

  • Apply at least one row header or column header
  • Define the scope of each cell as "header cell" (for row header or column header)
  • Add a brief caption
  • Alt Text

Avoid leaving any cells empty as students who rely on screen readers will become confused as the cell will read aloud "Blank." Try adding content to make it clear to students and use cell color to help differentiate content for readability.  

 Table header examples

Tables are for data with identifiable headers. Table headers allow screen readers to easily navigate a table. Microsoft Word automatically bolds the headers, which helps us easily interpret table information. 

 Table with header column

Table Anatomy (This is the Table's Caption)
This is a table header   This cell is another table header, specifically a "table header" with a scope as "column"
This is a "cell". This is another "cell". 
This is a different "cell" in this column. You don't have to do anything special with these data cells. 

 Table with header row

 Accessibility Participant Information 
Name Jason Mamoa  Patrick Stewart
Position Faculty Chief Executive Officer 
Age 40 80

 Table with header column & header row

Plant Growth (cm) with Various Fertilizer Amounts
Fertilizer Trial 1 Trial 2
No Fertilizer 5 9
Fertilizer A 15 25
Fertilizer B 28 30.7

 

 

Step 2: Microsoft Word tutorial

 

 Watch tutorial

  • Duration
  • 2:18

 Read tutorial

 Add table header row 

  1. Select table.
  2. Select Table Design.
  3. Select Header Row.

 Add table header column

It's always a good habit to double-check your work as software updates may affect tools such as the Accessibility Checker from time to time. 

  1. Select table.
  2. Select Table Design.
  3. Select Header Column.

 Add table header row & column 

  1. Select table.
  2. Select Table Design.
  3. Select Header Row & First Column.


 The old way of adding header rows

 Alt text 

A table caption is a brief table description or summary. Students who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers want to know why your tables are important and what they are about. 

  1. Write in the Description field. 
  2. Select OK.