by OIT Staff
January 11, 2022
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Tables and Digital Accessibility
Do you have relevant data to share with your audience? Tables can be a very effective way to display data clearly and concisely but should be used for data only. Tables should never be used as a replacement for more accessible layout and structuring tools like columns.
Why Tables are Important
When tables are used inappropriately as means of structuring or laying out content on a page, they can pose critical accessibility barriers to people who are blind or deafblind and use screen reading software. The same is true when tables are used correctly to display data or information, but there are no properly formatted header rows and/or columns. Tables are often used mistakenly as a replacement for design and layout tools such as built-in column structures. For example, content developers might use a table with invisible gridlines to organize content across a web page or document.
Best Practices for Accessible Tables
All data tables should include a header row and/or column. In many programs, header rows are automatically enabled on table creation, but it’s critical to verify proper table formatting, as this feature is necessary to create an equitable and accessible experience for all users.
Programs like Microsoft Word and Google Docs only allow for the identification of one header row/column. For this reason, merged cells and complex tables can pose significant accessibility barriers for people who use assistive technologies. We recommend splitting up complex tables into multiple simpler tables, as simple tables are more effective in conveying information for all users, particularly those with cognitive disabilities.
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