Tables

Tables are used in documents to display data that reinforces textual content to readers. Word has tools for creating accessible simple tables and they should be used when creating tabular data in your document.

Tables should have a header row and should not be used for layouts.  Layout tables are not accessible.

Table Configuration

To create a table in Word, use the following directions.

1. Click the Insert tab
2. Click the Table button
3. Use your mouse cursor to measure the number of columns and rows for your data and the left click to insert the empty table into your document
4. Click the Table Design tab
5. Ensure that Header Row is checked in the Table Style Options

By having header row checked, the table will have headers that allow a screen reader user to easily understand the data association in your table. If your table is complex and has column and row headers, ensure you check First Column in Table Style Options.

Note that header rows have a unique styling compared to data cells.

How to Configure Tables that Break Across Multiple Pages

Occasionally, a data table will break across multiple pages and to maintain accessibility you must ensure that the headers break across the pages as well.

Instructions for Repeating Header Rows

1. Select your entire header row
2. Click the Layout tab next to the Table Design tab
3. Click Repeat Header Rows

This ensures that header rows break across pages and allows screen readers to continue to make the proper header associations with data cells in the table.

Things to Avoid when Formatting Tables

• Avoid merging data or header cells in your table.
• Avoid empty table cells.