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Re: Table Accessibility

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From: England, Kristina
Date: Jun 9, 2020 6:15AM

Hi Khaleel,

I can't answer if it fails without it, but it is best practice to include a table summary. What version of PowerPoint are you using? When you say it's not showing, do you mean it's not being read off when using a screen reader? To your point, there are two ways of presenting the table summary, either visibly above the table or in the Table Properties Alt Text. Most higher ed institutions include how to add alt text to a table in their accessible document training. Microsoft includes it in their Accessible Tables training as well so I would definitely say it is best practice to include a table summary, whether above the table or as alt text. I definitely would like more information so I can recreate on my end as several higher ed institutions would benefit from knowing if the alt text is broken in the current version of PowerPoint.

Kristina

From: WebAIM-Forum < <EMAIL REMOVED> > on behalf of Khaleel Eksheir < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 4:21 PM
To: <EMAIL REMOVED> < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
Subject: [WebAIM] Table Accessibility

[External Sender]

Hello,

A quick question related to adding Alternative Text to Tables. Would a
table be inaccessible if it lacks Alt Text?

I'm asking because I noticed that the latest update for PowerPoint doesn't
show Alt Text for a table, and it's not showing as an accessibility error.
Also, I checked Google Docs and the HTML editor in Canvas and both don't
have the option of Alt Text.

Would it be reasonable to say that adding a caption above the table
replaces Alt Text?

Your feedback would help with understanding table accessibility.

Thank you,
Khaleel

Khaleel Eksheir, MSc.ESM | Assistive Technology Specialist
UNC Charlotte | Fretwell 230Q | Office of Disability Services
9201 University City Blvd. | Charlotte, NC 28223
Phone: (704) 687-0042 | Fax: (704) 687-1395
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