Tables in Canvas

 

Creating Accessible Tables in Canvas

 

Tables are a great way to organize and share data. However, without proper headings, a person using a screen reader can lose track of where they are in a table. Adding table headers can help those using screen readers know where they are.

Reminders: 

  • Use tables for data only – never use tables for page layout.
  • Try to avoid spanning or merging table cells.
  • Don’t leave blank cells.
  • Be aware of contrast when shading cell backgrounds.

How to add Table Headers

You can quickly and easily add headers to your table using the Canvas accessibility checker (see Canvas Accessibility Checker).

Screenshot showing the table header remediation options in the Canvas Accessibility checker tool.

You can also add row (and/or column) headers manually:

  1. Highlight your header row
  2. Select the the table pull-down icon from the rich text editor
  3. Select row (or column)
  4. Select Row (column) properties
  5. Select Header from the Row (column) Type pull down in the box that will appear over the page.
  6. Select save

Screenshot showing a table in Canvas with the header row highlighted, and Row and Row Properties selected from the rich text table icon pull down.

 

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