Table accessibility is an important aspect of creating accessible PowerPoint files. Be sure to follow all basic table accessibility features. Unsure of what those are? Keep reading.
Accessible tables should include the following elements:
- Ensure the table has a header row or header column selected
- Apply a table style
- Avoid complex tables or merged cells
- Avoid layout tables
- Add alternate text
Did you know?
In MS Word you can make your tables even more accessible by applying alternate text, and repeating header rows within the properties menu! Each Microsoft product has different abilities when it comes to accessibility in general. Its all about the authoring program features. What you can do in word, is not the same as what you can do in PowerPoint, excel, or even PDF for that matter.
Table Accessibility Video Overview for PowerPoint
This video will walk users through how to create accessible tables in PowerPoint.
Text overview
The next section will provide a text-based method for making tables accessible in PowerPoint.
Add a heading row or column to the table
- Select the table
- Select Table Design
- Select the appropriate header row or first column selection based on the data
This will change the visual look of the table but not any of the data.
Apply a Style to the table
- Select the table
- Select Table Design
- Choose a Table Style
Add alternate text
- Select the Accessibility Tab
- Select Alt Text
- Enter the Alt Text
Avoid merged cells and complex tables
Merged cells and nested tables cause nothing but problems for screen readers and other forms of assistive technology. Keep your tables simple and direct. If you have nested tables, consider creating multiple tables instead.
Layout Options
Do not use tables to move content around on a page. There are accessible methods to format and lay out content on a slide. Keep tables for their designated purpose – which is to display data. You can edit the slide design theme as one example.
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