Why do tables need to be accessible?
Tables in documents help organize information, like showing numbers or comparing ideas. If they’re not set up well, they can be hard to understand—especially for people who use tools like screen readers to read the document aloud. Accessible tables make sure everyone can understand the information, no matter how they’re reading it.
What makes a table accessible?
- Clear headers: Labels like “Name” or “Date” explain what each row or column means, helping readers and screen readers understand the data.
- Simple layout: A neat grid without merged or missing cells makes the table easier to follow.
- Clear title: Titles like “Table 1: Favorite Ice Cream Flavors” give context right away.
- Logical order: Tables should flow left to right, top to bottom, like reading a book.
- Meaningful content: Every cell should have useful information—empty cells can confuse readers and tools.
- Alt text for the table: A short summary of the table in the description helps people who can’t see it, like “The table lists students’ favorite ice cream flavors in 2025.”
- Tables are for data only: Use tables for organizing information, not decoration, to avoid confusing assistive tools.
Imagine this:
Think about a sports scoreboard that doesn’t have clear labels—just rows of numbers. You wouldn’t know which number is the score or what team it belongs to. Tables work the same way. If they’re not labeled and organized, they’re hard to understand, especially for someone who can’t see them and relies on a description.