Tables

What are accessible tables?

Accessible tables are simple structures that organize information into rows and columns in a way that makes it easier for screen readers to interpret. Accessible tables have an alternative description tag assigned to them and have repeating header rows for tables that appear on more than one page.

Why are accessible tables important?

Sighted students can view a table and visually determine which row and column they are currently looking at. When a screen reader application reads the table, it does so by reading each individual cell aloud from left to right and top to bottom. Using a simple table structure helps to organize the information from the table in a way that is easier for students with visual impairments to access.

How do I make a table accessible?

Use the following steps to create an accessible table for your course:

Column Headers:

- Make sure that the first row of the table clearly states what type of information is contained in each of the columns.


Assignment	Due Date	Point Value
Discussion Board 1	January 28	15
Discussion Board 2	February 10	15
Quiz 1	February 26	10
Quiz 2	March 3	10
Assignment 1	March 12	50
Assignment 2	March 24	50

Alternative Text Description for Tables:

Microsoft Tables:

1. Add an alternative description to the table by right clicking anywhere inside the table and selecting the “Table Properties” option from the listing.
2. Locate and select the “Alt Text” tag from the main ribbon.
3. Give the table a title in the “Title” field.
4. Provide a brief description about the table in the “Description” field, making sure the full context of the table is supplied.

Right click on the table and select Table Properties from the selectable options.

To add Alternative Text, select Alt Text, title the table, and fill in the description.

D2L Tables:

1. Click on the desired table and then the table icon in the nav bar.
2. Select "Table Properties" from the drop down menu.
3. Make sure the "Show caption" box is checked.
4. Type the alternative text directly into the caption text box of the table.

Select the table icon and table properties for the desired table. Make sure the caption box is selected. Type into the table's caption box with the appropriate content.

Repeat Table Headers:

You will want to make sure that you are repeating your table headers in the event that you have a table that spills from one page to the next. To do this:

1. Right click anywhere inside the table & select “Table Properties” from the list of options.
2. Locate and select the “Row” tab from the menu ribbon.
3. Under the “Options,” check the box to the left of “Repeat as header row at the top of each page.”

Right click on the table and select Table Properties from the selectable options.

Select "row" from the menu ribbon and check the box to the left of "repeat as header row at the top of each page."

Tips:

Avoid having cells without text if possible. Blank cells can often confuse students with visual impairments and suggest that there is no additional information pertaining to the table.
Do not use screen shots of tables. The screen reader will not be able to interpret the information in the table in an image format.