Adobe Acrobat Reader Accessibility: Tables

Overview

Tagging a table correctly ensures that the data listed within the table is picked up correctly by a screen reader. Avoid complex tables, or tables where the data is not displayed in straight columns and rows. If you find yourself with a complex table, try to break it up into smaller, simpler tables.

Considerations

• Keep Consistent Structure: Avoid merged/split cells, consistent rows and column cells, no blank cells. These tend to confuse screen readers, by creating nonconformity within the table.
• Define Headers: Clearly mark header rows and columns to ensure that screen readers will announce context. 
• Add Table Summaries: Add a concise summary for tables so users can decide if they need to read the full table.
• Use Tables Only for Data: Never use tables for page layout, use them strictly for organizing data. 
• Section Headings: Headings that are not part of the data set should not live inside of the table. They should be place outside of the table.

Accessible Tables Video Demonstration

Table Tagging Structure 

Table tags are used to identify tables. Adobe automatically tags each table, but it is always best to check to make sure the tags are correct.  

1. <TR>
   1. Defines a table row. <TR> holds all header cells and data cells in the row. It is best to have the same number of rows in each column and have the same number of columns in each row. 
2. <TH>
   1. Making tables accessible includes having a designated header row or column. <TH> identifies cells in a table with header text or data that describes at least one row or column of the table. This helps screen readers identify the title or header of rows and columns within a table. 
3. <TD>
   1. Identifies cells that hold data. These tags are not used for cells with headers.