Accessible Tables

Tables can be difficult for screen readers to access, especially if they contain large amounts of data or information.

Here are some guidelines for how to make the Table content block accessible:

1. Add a header row to the table. Header rows run horizontally across the top of the table. They list the types of data contained in the table for screen readers to know what types of information to expect.
   1. You can easily add a header row to the Table content block. You can also add a column header, which runs vertically.
2. Keep the table structure simple. The Aims website Table content block does not allow for nested tables or merged or split cells, which are less accessible options. 
3. Add alt text or a caption to tables. In the Aims Table content block, you can add a caption to the bottom of a table or a Rich Text content block above it to clearly describe the contents of the table. This allows people using screen readers to decide whether they want to access the data contained in the table or move on to the next content block.
4. Avoid adding blank cells. This can cause some screen readers to interpret a blank space as the end of a table.
5. Don't add screenshots of tables to a webpage or use in-line spacing to mimic the appearance of a table on a webpage as a screen reader will not be able to read it.
6. Don't copy and paste tables from a spreadsheet or other program into a webpage. Always use the Table content block to create your table. 

See the Table content block page for more information about adding and formatting a table to a webpage.