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Thread: Question regarding objects in Microsoft Excel
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From: Wee, Kim (MNIT)
Date: Thu, May 19 2016 7:22AM
Subject: Question regarding objects in Microsoft Excel
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Hi all -
Looking for some input from the community regarding objects in Microsoft Excel.
Currently, our training has included adding alternative text to objects, such as images and charts, in a worksheet. After some additional research, and testing, I found that objects in Excel are not available to the keyboard only user or screen reader user - as the object is not in the "grid".
Therefore, what is the purpose of adding alternative text? Should we remove this part from our training and only include a section on adding alternative text within a cell so it is in the grid and hidden behind the object...but available via keyboard and to a screen reader?
Looking forward to your input.
KIM WEE | Webmaster and Accessibility Coordinator
MN.IT Services @ Education
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From: Jonathan Avila
Date: Thu, May 19 2016 7:25AM
Subject: Re: Question regarding objects in Microsoft Excel
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> Currently, our training has included adding alternative text to objects, such as images and charts, in a worksheet. After some additional research, and testing, I found that objects in Excel are not available to the keyboard only user or screen reader user - as the object is not in the "grid".
Objects are available to screen reader users. For example, JAWS users can press control+shift+o to access a list of objects. Keyboard only users can use home > find and select > selection pane to access a list of objects. Having said that -- knowing that these objects are there and accessing them is more difficult and not always apparent -- especially to screen reader users. Thus, an alternative method of access or instructions telling the user about the accessible objects would likely be needed to inform the user.
Best Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan Avila
Chief Accessibility Officer
SSB BART Group
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From: Wee, Kim (MNIT)
Date: Thu, May 19 2016 7:34AM
Subject: Re: Question regarding objects in Microsoft Excel
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Jonathan -
Thank you for your response. Quick question - once I access the image from the list of objects, I am not able to access the alternative text. Is there a way to get this information?
KIM WEE | Webmaster and Accessibility Coordinator
MN.IT Services @ Education
651-582-8548 (w) | = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
Information Technology for Minnesota Government | mn.gov/mnit
From: Moore,Michael (Accessibility) (HHSC)
Date: Thu, May 19 2016 7:35AM
Subject: Re: Question regarding objects in Microsoft Excel
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A solution for one kind of object, a graph, you can insert it as a separate tab and it is directly accessible. The graphs actually work quite well with a screen reader because the underlying data is revealed through the graph. I was totally surprised the first time that I discovered this.
Mike Moore
Accessibility Coordinator
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Civil Rights Office
(512) 438-3431 (Office)
From: Moore,Michael (Accessibility) (HHSC)
Date: Thu, May 19 2016 7:36AM
Subject: Re: Question regarding objects in Microsoft Excel
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Ah there is the rub, you have to use the options menu, go to the properties and find the alt text...Technically accessible yes but it is also a major pain in the ...
Mike Moore
Accessibility Coordinator
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Civil Rights Office
(512) 438-3431 (Office)
From: Jonathan Avila
Date: Thu, May 19 2016 7:40AM
Subject: Re: Question regarding objects in Microsoft Excel
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> Thank you for your response. Quick question - once I access the image from the list of objects, I am not able to access the alternative text. Is there a way to get this information?
Kim, with JAWS the alt text is shown in the list of objects with control+shift+o. With other screen readers I'm not sure this is possible or not. With NVDA the insert+f7 dialog does not show images but it does show charts but the alt text is not displayed in the list or announced.
Jonathan
Jonathan Avila
Chief Accessibility Officer
SSB BART Group
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
703.637.8957 (Office)
Visit us online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | Blog
Check out our Digital Accessibility Webinars!