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Scope attributes vs ID and Headers attributes

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From: Dona Patrick
Date: Jun 1, 2017 9:03AM

Dear Webaim List,

I was asked to research scope vs id and headers attributes for HTML tables.
I know what they are and I know how to use them, but I need backup
responses from experts like you to satisfy the client.

We have over 200 complex tables to remediate (for a US Government agency).
Some have two levels of column headers and one level of row headers
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx8AFXyl5hgRaWJQRXFRaFFlZG8/view?usp=sharing>,
some have 4 levels of column headers and one level of row headers
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx8AFXyl5hgRWHptd2VoR0VfMDA/view?usp=sharing>
and some have 5 levels of column headers and one level of row headers
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx8AFXyl5hgRZjE4Y2dKeGpSSzg/view>. (I
have linked each of the types to images of examples of the tables on Google
Drive because I am assuming I cannot attach files here).

When I first saw the tables I said that they all needed ID and headers
attributes, but now I wonder if only the tables with 4 and 5 levels of
column headers need ID and headers attributes and the tables with only two
levels of column headers (with merged cells in the first level).

This is for HHS if that matters. I suggested that the folks ask the HHS
Section 508 coordinator, but they wanted your opinion first.

I am also going to suggest that some of these tables are broken into
simpler tables.

Thanks,

Dona Patrick