Create accessible tables in Word

In order for data tables to be accessible, it is important that they are created correctly, using table tools. Clear identification of column and row headers is crucial to make the information easy to understand and to allow users with screen readers to navigate the table.

1. Place your cursor in the table.
2. Go to the Table Design tab in the menu.
3. Check the Header Row. This makes all cells in the top row of the table header cells. The reader can easily see what the table is highlighting, and users with screen readers know for certain what the table is about.
4. Check the First Column. This makes all cells in the first column of the table header cells. The reader can easily see what the table is highlighting, and users with screen readers know for certain what the table is about.
5. Select the top row of the table.
6. Go to the Layout tab in the menu.
7. Click on Repeat Header Rows. This will repeat the top header row on each page if the table spans multiple pages. This means that the reader of the document can easily see the table's header row, even when the table is long.