LibGuides Accessibility

Data tables

Should be properly formatted to include headers. If you have data tables in your guides they need to be formatted so screen readers can identify them and read them in a way that’s helpful to the users.

Use the Rich Text Editor tool to format tables properly

• In the Table Properties window:
  • Designate a table Header (indicate whether the first row and/or first column of the table are headers).
  • Include a Caption for your table.
    • A caption functions like a heading for a table. It helps users to find a table and understand what it's about and decide if they want to read it.
    • This information will display above the table.
  • If the structure of the table is complex, include a Summary for your table.
    • The Summary field is conveys information about the organization of the data in the table and helps a user navigate it. This is helpful when a table has an unusual structure. A summary is usually only needed for complex tables.
    • If included, the Summary should not duplicate the caption.
    • This information is not displayed visually.

Table tips:

• Check how your tables look if you make the browser window narrower, not all tables are readable if using a smaller screen.
• Avoid using images or icons inside tables, words are best.
  • If you have images in a table, the images will need to have alt-text.

Tables are not used for layout

• Tables shouldn’t be used for layout, such as creating multiple text columns or image placement.
• Tables that are used for layout can be difficult for screen reader users and also behave unexpectedly on smaller screens.
• If you have a layout challenge, contact libguides@exchange.uci.edu and we’ll work with you to find a solution.