18 Accessible Tables

As discussed in the previous chapter, using heading levels appropriately conveys the structure of your text to readers, including users of screen readers. Similarly, defining headings within tables conveys their structure to readers.

Applying boldface type alone will not communicate the structure of a table to screen readers. Screen readers read the information in tables horizontally, one cell at a time. Defining the header cells for each column and, when applicable, each row, helps to show how the information in those cells relates to the overall structure of the table. In this chapter, you will learn how to define header cells in tables.

Defining Header Cells for Columns

Follow these steps to define the header cells for the columns in a table.

1. In the visual editor, select all the cells in the first row of the table.
2. In the toolbar, click on the Table icon, and in the drop-down menu under Cell select Table Cell Properties.
3. Make these two changes to the properties: in the Cell type drop-down, select Header Cell, and in the Scope drop-down, select Column.
4. Click OK.

Defining Header Cells for Rows

If your table has row headers, follow these steps to define those header cells. The steps are similar to those above.

1. In the visual editor, select all the cells that are row headers—all of the cells in the first column except for the cell in the top row, which has already been defined as a header cell for the column.
2. In the toolbar, click on the Table icon, and in the drop-down menu under Cell select Table Cell Properties.
3. Make these two changes to the properties: in the Cell type drop-down, select Header Cell, and in the Scope drop-down, select Row.
4. Click OK.

Other Concerns About the Accessibility of Tables

Keep tables as simple as the information allows. Do not include merged or split table cells.

If your table has a title, provide the title in the caption of the table. Do not provide the title in a boldface line above the table, which would not be structurally associated with the table. Follow these steps to create a caption.

1. In the visual editor, place your cursor in the table.
2. In the toolbar, click on the Table icon, and select Table properties in the drop-down menu.
3. Check the box next to Caption and click OK.
4. Type the title of your table within the box that appears above the table. Note that the title of the table might appear below the table in the public view of the book.

Defining a Header Row

You can also define a header row within a table. Doing so will not make your table accessible; for accessibility, defining header cells is what is needed. However, defining the header rows of tables will help readers of any PDF exports of your book, because the header row will be repeated on the second page of any table that is split into two pages.

Follow these steps to create a header row.

1. In the visual editor, place your cursor in the header row of the table.
2. In the toolbar, click on the Table icon, and select Table row properties in the drop-down menu.
3. In the Row type drop-down menu, select Header.
4. Click OK.