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\uD83D\uDCD8 InstructionsInstructions

Be sure to follow these rules about tables.

  1. All of the data needs to fit into its own cell. If you have any data that does not fit, you can expand the cell.

  2. Do not create nested tables, split cells or merged cells.

  3. Keep using an easy to read font, with a strong color contrast ratio, and big font size. (Example: Times New Roman size 12.)

  4. All tables must have titles.

Section 6.1: Creating Tables

When creating a table, you need to make sure that you do not use the draw the table. You need to create the table by using a template.

  1. Go to the Insert Tab.

    The Insert Tab in Google DocsImage Added
  2. Select Table, then Table Templates and choose a Template.

    A table blank table template in Google DocsImage Added
  3. The table will appear in your document. Now fill in your data.

    A table of the Longest Flights in the World with data on the airline, flight number, distance, and locations.Image Added
  4. Now we have to tag the header cells. This is important because tagging the cells will tell the screen reader which order to read them in. To tag the header cells, go to the Extensions Tab and launch Grackle Docs.

    Extensions Tab in Google DocsImage Added
  5. Grackle’s Accessibility Checker will appear on the right side of the screen. Click the blue check button to check the page. Once the check is complete, scroll down to the table section. You will see a red x next to “tables must be tagged or marked as layout tables.”

    Grackle Docs Accessibility Checker, tables section has a red x for Tables must be tagged or marked as layout tables.Image Added
  6. Click the red tag button and you will see the Tag Table Menu. In the Tag Table menu, check the boxes for “Mark first row as header”. Then click the blue update button.

    The red Locate and Tag buttonImage AddedTag Table section in Google Docs. The Mark first row as header option is checked.Image Added
  7. Click the blue Re-Check button in the Accessibility Checker. If your table gets a green check mark, you are ready to go.

    Grackle Accessibility Checker Table section with a green checkmark.Image Added

Section 6.2: Tables with Data

When creating a table in any software, the main purpose is to show off data as easily and as simply as possible. To achieve this, you need to place each piece of data into a data cell or header cell.

...

Tip

All of the tables data is inside its own data cell or header cell. We also have our data inside a real table and the tab key was not used.

Section 6.

...

3: Organized Tables

When you create tables in Google Docs, you must not use the Draw Table Tool. Drawing a table creates a graphic instead of a real table. When you have your table made and filled with information, you should make sure that your font is easy to read, each data cell or header cell has its content fit inside, and that the color contrast ratio is high.

...

Tip

All of the tables data is inside its own data cell or header cell. We also have our data inside a real table and the tab key was not used.

Section 6.3: Creating Tables

When creating a table, you need to make sure that you do not use the draw the table. You need to create the table by using a template.

  1. Go to the Insert Tab.

    The Insert Tab in Google DocsImage Removed
  2. Select Table, then Table Templates and choose a Template.

    Table Template.pngImage Removed
  3. The table will appear in your document. Now fill in your data.

    A table of the Longest Flights in the World with data on the airline, flight number, distance, and locations.Image Removed
  4. Now we have to tag the header cells. This is important because tagging the cells will tell the screen reader which order to read them in. To tag the header cells, go to the Extensions Tab and launch Grackle Docs.

    Extensions Tab.pngImage Removed
  5. Grackle’s Accessibility Checker will appear on the right side of the screen. Click the blue check button to check the page. Once the check is complete, scroll down to the table section. You will see a red x next to “tables must be tagged or marked as layout tables.”

    Grackle Docs Accessibility Checker, tables section has a red x for Tables must be tagged or marked as layout tables.Image Removed
  6. Click the red tag button and you will see the Tag Table Menu. In the Tag Table menu, check the boxes for “Mark first row as header”. Then click the blue update button.

    Locate and Tag Button.pngImage RemovedTag Table section in Google Docs. The Mark first row as header option is checked.Image Removed
  7. Click the blue Re-Check button in the Accessibility Checker. If your table gets a green check mark, you are ready to go.

    Grackle Accessibility Checker Table section with a green checkmark.Image Removed

What about Complex Tables?

Google Docs does not have any template for making a complex table. To clarify, a complex table is a table that has more than one header row or column. These complex tables are not considered accessible because they are very difficult for screen readers to navigate. It is highly recommended that all tables are made with the templates and kept as simple as possible.

Section 6.4: Charts

Charts are another way to display your data for viewers. There are many types of charts, including pie charts, bar graphs, line charts, and more.

To create a chart,

  1. Go to the Insert Tab.

    Insert Tab in Google DocsImage Modified
  2. Click Chart and choose your chart style. For this example, we will use a column chart.

    A premade chart template with four main columns.
  3. A chart will appear with a link to Google Sheets. In Google Sheets you can manipulate the data anyway you want. After you are finished typing in your data, go to your document and click the refresh button on your chart. The new data will be visible.

    A chart of MLB Teams from 1950 to Today in Google Sheets.Image RemovedA bar graph on the number of MLB Teams from 1950 to Today in Google Sheets.Image Added
  4. To keep the chart fully accessible, make sure you have an easy to read font and a good size. Like Times New Roman Size 12, and Size 30 24 for the title. Also, make the title of the chart, and the data on the x and y axis visible. These edits can only be made in Google Sheets.

    Improved Bar Graph Example.pngImage RemovedA bar graph of MLB teams from 1950 to today with improved fonts and data labels.Image Added
  5. If you are trying to place your chart on a document full of text, be sure the chart is inline with the text. The chart cannot interfere with any of the test. We do not want it to be distracting to the readers.

    Bar Graph Inline with text.pngImage RemovedA bar graph of the Number of MLB Teams from 1950 to Today inline with the essay text.Image Added
  6. Now you must add Alt Text to the chart. To do so, right click the chart and select Edit Alt Text. In the Alt Text Side Bar, explain your chart in less than 150 characters.

    An alt text example that says Number of MLB Teams (1950-Today). 1950s (16), 1960s (20), 1970s (24), 1980s (26), 1990s (28), 2000s (30).Image RemovedAn alt text example for our bar graph that says, A bar graph showing the Number of MLB Teams (1950 - Today). 1950s (16), 1960s (20), 1970s (24), 1980s (26), 1990s (28), 2000 (30).Image Added
  7. Finally, consider adding a long description. Long descriptions are detailed explanations that tell the reader, in lots of details, what is on a page or graph or chart. Another way to do it is by creating a small You can make a long description by text, or a link, or a table with the same data.

    Bar Graph Long Description.pngImage Removed

...

Tip

The long description describes the bar graph down to the last detail. No information is left out and is easily readable for screen readers and will not confuse the reader.

...

...

Tip

The link below the chart will take readers to a long description. This will help make sure that extra space is not needed on the page for a long description.

...

Tip

The small table below the bar graph shows readers and screen readers the exact same information as the bar graph, the only difference is the formatting. It is much easier to read and easily accessible to everyone.

Section 6.5: Complex Tables

Google Docs does not have any template for making a complex table. To clarify, a complex table is a table that has more than one header row or column. These complex tables are not considered accessible because they are very difficult for screen readers to navigate. It is highly recommended that all tables are made with the templates and kept as simple as possible.

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