Tables help organize specific kinds of information into an easily-digestible format for viewers. Use built-in table formatting in PowerPoint and Word to make your tables accessible to everyone.
Learn how to easily make accessible tables in PowerPoint and Word with MedTech’s five-minute tutorial and download the College of Medicine’s new accessible PowerPoint template.
Why are row and column headers important for making tables accessible?
Screen-reader users move through tables one cell at a time, both horizontally and vertically. When table headers are set up correctly, the screen reader automatically announces the related row and column headers as the user moves through the table.
Can I merge cells in my table?
Avoid merging cells. While merged cells may look cleaner visually, they interfere with how screen readers identify and announce headers, which can make tables confusing or unusable. Use simple, consistent rows and columns instead.
Digital Accessibility Resources
Digital accessibility is everyone’s responsibility. Visit the MedTech Digital Accessibility Basics page to get started and stay tuned as the team develops more resources. For additional information, visit the WSU Digital Accessibility hub.