Make Sure that Tables are Accessible and Distinguishable from Textboxes
Authors often use the terms interchangeably, but there are specific differences between tables and textboxes. The easiest difference to remember is also the simplest: Tables have thematically meaningful columns and rows. Textboxes do not.
Below you will see information about the differences presented first in a table, and then again in a textbox.
| DISTINCTION | TABLES | TEXTBOXES | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMNS AND ROWS | Require and are best understood as columns and rows that have logical, thematic relationships. Each cell’s content relates meaningfully to its row and column headings. Tables are never basic lists formatted in columns and rows. | Do not have columns and rows. | |||
| TITLES AND NUMBERING | Must be titled and numbered in bold above the table itself. | Must be titled within the textbox itself, and do not need to be numbered. | |||
| IMAGES AND FIGURES | Should not include images or figures. | May (possibly) include figures and images, though it’s best if they do not. | |||
| UNIQUE V. RECURRING | Are unique, appearing just one time with information specific to the chapter. | Can be used as a recurring feature to highlight a theme or repeated aspect of the content (Example: Profile of a Practitioner) | |||
| BEST USES | Work well for presenting extended data sets, summarizing categories of information, and presenting comparisons. | Work well for presenting bullet points and/or more text, especially for recurring themes or features woven throughout the book. |
The example below has some of the same information as the table above, in a plain textbox with four sides.
The Differences Between Tables and Textboxes
Tables have columns and rows. Textboxes do not have columns and rows. The number and title of the table need to be placed above the table, in bold. The title of a textbox is inside the box. Tables cannot include images or figures. Textboxes should not include images of figures, though judicious use is possible.
Important Reminders
- Screen readers read tables by row or by column.
- All tables must have header rows.
- Please avoid merged cells unless absolutely necessary. If cells are merged, a screen reader may repeat the information, which can cause confusion, or skip the information entirely.
Accessibility Topics
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