OSCQR – Standard #24
When possible, information is displayed in a linear format instead of as a table.
Review These Explanations
The code that is used to generate tables on online pages does not work well with screen readers that are used by learners with visual disabilities. Tables tend to distort the information, making it hard to process smoothly, and reading in these situations becomes choppy and distorted.
In order for screen readers to scan code properly, the table needs to be structured properly so that a learner who is blind, low-vision and/or using a screen reader can process the auditory output that is generated.
The Web Accessibility Guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) refer to these issues with table programming and display as information relationship and meaningful sequence issues that need to be addressed.
To avoid these issues, present information as text in paragraphs, bulleted lists, etc.
Refresh Your Course with These Ideas
Avoid using tables, but if you do need to display data tables:
- Follow the guidelines for creating an accessible table (see entry #26).
- Write a narrative description of the table and include a link to a downloadable version of the table.
- Listen to how your table appears in a screen reader. You can download free versions of Jaws at https://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS
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