Tables

i. Tables should be used for data.
ii. The linear order of a table should be specified so that a screen reader can detect the order in which the table should be read.
iii. Example of a nonlinear table & example of linear table
iv. Data Tables:
1. A simple table can be defined as having one row of headings or one column of headings, or both.
2. Assistive technology reads the table in its linear order. Linear order can be imagined if the table is examined by individual row and then by reading columns from left to right within each row.
3. Screen readers will assume that the first row of a table contains column headings and likewise that the first column holds row headings. Correct or incorrect, this assumption is made.
4. Therefore, when a screen reader reads the table, the cell data will be prefaced with an announcement of the column or row heading
5. The structure of a table consists primarily of three HTML tags.
a. <table> is the indicator that directs the browser to understand that a table will be used
b. <tr> directs the browser to begin a new row in the table
c. <td> indicates one cell of a table
6. Table headings should be marked within the HTML code using a fourth tag, <th>. The <th> tag replaces <td>. The significance of <th> is that the cell will be interpreted as a heading by assistive technology. It will visually appear centered and bold. If this appearance doesn't meet your approval, a style sheet can be used to add formatting that does. Don't let the default format deter your use of <th>. Use <th> tags for all table headings. This refers to both column heads and row heads. Don't use <th> in a cell that is not a header.
7. Cells that will contain table headings can be formatted as <th> rather than <td> in Dreamweaver without having to work in HTML code. The process requires only that the designer place the cursor in the correct cell and then locate the table header checkbox on the Dreamweaver property inspector.