Accessible Moodle (implementation guide)

8.3. Connected cells

Cells are not connected to each other.

What is meant by this?

Each row should have the same number of columns to ensure that the content can be assigned to the correct column heading. If the cells in a table are connected to each other, this can lead to confusion and ambiguity, as readers cannot be sure which column heading the content must be assigned to.

Why is it important?

If table cells are merged, this can lead to problems as the information can no longer be assigned to the corresponding column headings. Information can be interpreted incorrectly or incompletely and errors or misunderstandings can occur. This can happen in particular when the table is enlarged. Users of screen readers and speech output devices also face challenges in correctly assigning and interpreting the cells when they are linked together. To avoid such problems, tables should be formatted in such a way that each cell can be assigned to a specific column and the information is easy to interpret.

How can I implement/check it?

Make sure that each row has the same number of columns so that the content can be assigned to the correct column headings. If it is necessary to include additional information in a cell, new rows or columns can be added for this purpose. If too much information is stored in a table, either the table should be split into several tables or an alternative display format should be selected. In the "Table" menu field, under the "Cell" tab, there is the "Join cells" function. This function should not be used.