Visual elements such as images, charts, maps, tables, and graphs need a text-based explanation. These are provided using alternative (‘alt’) text or tags, transcripts, captions, etc.
If the information can be clearly delivered without the use of a table or image (as linear text or bullets), this is preferred.
Table header rows and/or columns must be assigned as such and should be set up to repeat.
Tables must have alternative text and should be given unique titles.
In tables, avoid split, empty, or merged cells and embedded tables. If information needs to be repeated to avoid these so be it.
Most screen readers will read all text from left to right, regardless of format as a table or otherwise. This means that, without the table being assigned headers (not to be confused with headings), and any empty/merged/split cells will be read from left to right, top to bottom. Making a table accessible can be very complicated, and it may be best to avoid using a table all together. Straightforward data tables are usually more accessible that layout tables, and you should always consider an alternative when it comes to layout tables.
If your table is there strictly for organization, and there would be no loss of meaning in another format, it is a layout table. One example of an alternative to a layout table is a series of bulleted lists. Consider the following.
| Person | Owes Work |
|---|---|
| Amy | Yes |
| Graham | No |
| Polly | Yes |
| Josh | Yes |
| Faline | No |
Alternatively, could be formatted as bulleted lists.
Students Who Owe Work:
Students Who Do Not Owe Work: