Accessible Word (implementation guide)

7.1. Create tables

Tables are created via "Insert table". 

What is meant by this?

To create a table in Word, the "Insert table" function must be used instead of using tabs. If you select this function, you can specify the desired number of columns and rows for the table. An empty table is then inserted into the document, which can be filled with content or supplemented with additional columns and rows.

Why is it important?

Careful creation of tables is particularly important to ensure that the content of a document is accessible and can be perceived by all readers. In particular, users of screen readers and speech output devices who rely on the acoustic output of texts need clear structures in tables in order to make sense of the content.

If a table is not inserted or structured correctly, this can lead to various problems. For example, the screen reader may not be able to display the content in the correct order or in full. It can also happen that cells that belong together in terms of content are not recognised as a unit, which can lead to confusion or errors in interpretation.

How can I implement/check it?

In Microsoft Word, you can insert a table by going to the "Insert" tab and selecting the "Table" option. You can then specify the number of columns and rows and fill the table with content.

To check whether a table has been inserted correctly, proceed as follows:

1. Right-click on the top left or bottom right corner of the table.
2. If the table was created using the "Insert table" function, you should be offered various options for editing the table, e.g. "Delete table", "Table properties", etc.
3. If you do not see these options, you should recreate the table using the "Insert table" function. You can find this function at the top of the menu bar under "Insert" in the "Table" area.
4. Click on "Insert table" and select the desired number of columns and rows.