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Thread: question about data table headers
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From: Patrick Dunphy
Date: Fri, Jul 08 2011 9:33AM
Subject: question about data table headers
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Hi everyone...
I would like to solicit thoughts from this group about the marking up data
tables headers.
The table in question deals specifically with statistics & therefore
shorthand version of the text is needed. Of note, these table headers will
also function as links that are sortable filters.
I see 3 ways to achieve this & was wondering which would be most desirable?
a) code each column header link as an abbr w/title attribute
b) provide access to a legend before & after to encountering the table
c) 2nd link in each header which links to the long form version
I have my own opinion as to the best way to achieve this but I wanted to see
what other opinions people may have.
Also - if there are alternate methods which I've not listed, please feel
free to suggest.
Thank you.
-PD
From: Jared Smith
Date: Fri, Jul 08 2011 10:48AM
Subject: Re: question about data table headers
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Are the shorthand versions of the text already known by your users? In
other words, will sighted users know what they are? If so, then don't
bother providing additional expansion. I see <abbr> and other
approaches often taken to provide additional descriptions and
explanations for screen reader users when they are already well known,
or at least no less known by blind users than anybody else.
If they are not well known, then you'll want to implement something
that is useful for all users. <abbr> has marginal usefulness. Most
screen readers don't read them by default. Many users don't know to
mouse over the text to get the expansion. Users that are using neither
a screen reader nor mouse have no access to the expanded text. Both b
(a text legend in context) and c (a link to a page that contains the
explanation) would likely work if they really are necessary.
Jared Smith
WebAIM.org
From: Patrick Dunphy
Date: Fri, Jul 08 2011 12:18PM
Subject: Re: question about data table headers
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For the majority of people that visit the pages containing these tables,
they will know what the shorthand represents.
Thanks for your input Jared. As always, much appreciated.
-PD
On Fri, Jul 8, 2011 at 12:45 PM, Jared Smith < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Are the shorthand versions of the text already known by your users? In
> other words, will sighted users know what they are? If so, then don't
> bother providing additional expansion. I see <abbr> and other
> approaches often taken to provide additional descriptions and
> explanations for screen reader users when they are already well known,
> or at least no less known by blind users than anybody else.
>
> If they are not well known, then you'll want to implement something
> that is useful for all users. <abbr> has marginal usefulness. Most
> screen readers don't read them by default. Many users don't know to
> mouse over the text to get the expansion. Users that are using neither
> a screen reader nor mouse have no access to the expanded text. Both b
> (a text legend in context) and c (a link to a page that contains the
> explanation) would likely work if they really are necessary.
>
> Jared Smith
> WebAIM.org
>