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Re: Help needed in making the Excel files accessible

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From: Jonathan Whiting
Date: Sep 27, 2016 10:06AM

You can also use this technique to identify a table that only has column
headers (ColumnTitle) or row headers (RowTitle). This process is also
outlined on the http://ncdae.org/resources/cheatsheets/excel.php

It feels like a bit of a hack, but headers are reliably read in JAWS and
NVDA. I am not sure about other screen readers.

Jonathan

Jonathan Whiting
WebAIM.org


On Tue, Sep 27, 2016 at 7:37 AM, Joy Relton < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:

> Kim, this is very clearly stated. Thank you. Since the Freedom Scientific
> page was quoted I assumed that these steps were already known. Is it good
> to be sure to state them clearly. However, if the settings are not correct
> for the screen reader this information will not be read.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: WebAIM-Forum [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On
> Behalf Of Wee, Kim (MNIT)
> Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 9:24 AM
> To: WebAIM Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Help needed in making the Excel files accessible
>
> 1. We need to know three things about our table:
> a. Is this the first (or only) table on this worksheet? (table#)
> b. What are the addresses of the top left and bottom right cells
> in the table? (upperleft, lowerright)
> c. Is this worksheet the first (or only) worksheet in this
> workbook? (worksheet#)
> Example: TitleRegion#.upperleft.lowerright.worksheet#
>
> 2. Put your cursor in the top-left cell in the table. Don't count the
> table titles, but you do count all row and column headers as part of the
> table 3. Go to the Formulas tab in the Ribbon, and choose Name Manager in
> the Defined Names group. Choose New in the top left corner. A new dialog
> box opens 4. Type TitleRegion then add the (table#), then a period.
> 5. Next add the range of cells in your table from top left to bottom
> right, like this - (upperleft) 'period- (lowerright) 'period-
> 6. Then the worksheet number (worksheet#). Your Title code should look
> like this:
> TitleRegion1.a2.g45.1
> 7. Select Ok and Close
>
> If you create these titles and then make a simple change, such as moving
> your worksheet tabs around or adding or deleting rows, you will have to
> recode the titles to match your spreadsheet. It is best to save this step
> for when you are ready to publish.
>
> Kim Wee
> Webmaster and Accessibility Coordinator | Operations Team
>
> Minnesota IT Services | Minnesota Department of Education
> 1500 Highway 36 West
> Roseville, MN 55113
> 651-582-8548
> Information Technology for Minnesota Government | mn.gov/mnit
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: WebAIM-Forum [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On
> Behalf Of Mohith BP
> Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 11:54 PM
> To: WebAIM Discussion List < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
> Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Help needed in making the Excel files accessible
>
> Hi Moore,
>
> Thank you for the response will look into the link.
> Few more clarifications:
> 1. Is it mandatory to insert a table or reference data range is fine?
> 2. Even after checking the checkbox, "table has header" and defining the
> Column and Row title in the name as mentioned in Freedomscientific resource
> page, neither JAWS nor NVDA reads the column and row title.
> Is there any method to set the row and column title where the user need
> not to set the column and row title manually?
>
>
> Thanks & Regards,
> Mohith B. P.
>
> On 9/26/16, Moore,Michael (Accessibility) (HHSC) <
> <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
> > Hi BP,
> >
> > A couple of quick answers and a resource.
> >
> > 1. Can I make the column title only 1 row. i.e., C1: Trial Balance
> > Debit and
> > D1 Trial Balance credit and so on.
> >
> > Yes, that method will work well
> >
> > 2. Is it advisable to fill the blank cells something like (NA)?
> >
> > No, That is not necessary. The real issue is using blank rows and
> > columns for formatting. A single blank data cells are fine. When you
> > have blank rows and columns it is very difficult to determine the
> > edges of a table in a worksheet.
> >
> > For more information I recommend looking at the tutorials available
> > from the Texas Governor's Office:
> > http://gov.texas.gov/disabilities/accessibledocs#excel
> >
> >
> > Mike Moore
> > Accessibility Coordinator
> > Texas Health and Human Services Commission Civil Rights Office
> > (512) 438-3431 (Office)
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: WebAIM-Forum [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On
> > Behalf Of Mohith BP
> > Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 6:03 AM
> > To: <EMAIL REMOVED>
> > Subject: [WebAIM] Help needed in making the Excel files accessible
> >
> > Hi List,
> >
> > I am in a project to make the Excel files compliant with the Section 508.
> > I am in confusion of the following:
> > 1.15: If there are tables, are blank cells avoided?
> > 2.1: Is the table free of merged cells? (If not, but the final format
> > will be PDF or HTML, then merged cells are okay)
> >
> > The sheets are accounting files where the column titles go for 2 rows.
> > i.e., C1 is Trial Balance, D1 is blank and E1 is adjustment. Then in
> > the next row C2 is debit and D2 is Credit, E2 is Debit and F2 is Credit.
> >
> > 1. In the above scenario what is the best method without merging C1 and
> D1?
> > 2. The entry will be either for Debit or Credit. How to avoid blank
> cells?
> > 3. Is there any specific tutorial to make the Excel files accessible?
> >
> > Few Thoughts:
> > 1. Can I make the column title only 1 row. i.e., C1: Trial Balance
> > Debit and
> > D1 Trial Balance credit and so on.
> > 2. Is it advisable to fill the blank cells something like (NA)?
> >
> > Note: As per the accounting rules I don't think the above things can
> > be encorporated.
> >
> > Thanks & Regards,
> > Mohith B. P.
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