Always ask yourself if a table is necessary to display information for learners.

Tables can negatively impact learners with visual, neurological, or cognitive disorders by contributing to cognitive overload, learner confusion, or navigation difficulty.

However, there are times when tables are essential and effective for learning. When a table is essential, meeting accessibility criteria will improve the navigation and understanding of the content.

• Tables read in a logical order
• Tables solely convey data or information
• Tables do not have merged or blank cells
• Tables have a specified header row
• Tables have meaningful and concise alternative text or captions
  • • Good alternative text for a table will provide “at a glance” information
• Tables are not scanned or images

Resources