How can you test the accessibility of tables and data grids?

1 Basic principles

Before you start testing, you need to understand some basic principles of accessible tables and data grids. First, you need to use proper HTML markup to create semantic and structural relationships between the cells, rows, columns, headers, captions, and summaries. Second, you need to provide clear and concise labels, titles, and instructions for the table or data grid and its components. Third, you need to ensure that the table or data grid is responsive and adaptable to different screen sizes, orientations, and zoom levels. Fourth, you need to enable keyboard access and navigation for the table or data grid and its interactive elements, such as sorting, filtering, or editing. Fifth, you need to support screen reader announcements and feedback for the table or data grid and its changes.

2 Manual testing

One of the most effective ways to test the accessibility of tables and data grids is to perform manual testing with different devices, browsers, and assistive technologies. Manual testing allows you to experience the table or data grid from the perspective of different users and identify any issues or barriers that may affect their interaction or comprehension. For example, you can use a screen reader to check if the table or data grid has a descriptive caption, if the headers are associated with the cells, if the cells have meaningful content, if the interactive elements are operable and announced, and if the changes are communicated. You can also use a keyboard to check if the table or data grid is reachable and traversable, if the focus is visible and logical, and if the shortcuts are consistent and documented. You can also use a magnifier or a responsive design tool to check if the table or data grid is readable and scalable, if the layout is flexible and responsive, and if the information is not lost or distorted.

3 Automated testing

Another way to test the accessibility of tables and data grids is to use automated testing tools that can scan your code and identify any errors or warnings that may violate accessibility standards or guidelines. Automated testing tools can save you time and effort by detecting common accessibility issues that can be fixed easily or programmatically. However, automated testing tools cannot replace manual testing, as they cannot evaluate the usability, context, or meaning of the table or data grid. Therefore, you should use automated testing tools as a complement, not a substitute, for manual testing. For example, you can use axe or WAVE to check if your table or data grid has valid HTML markup, if the headers are correctly scoped and aligned, if the cells have accessible names and values, and if the interactive elements have appropriate roles and states.

5 Accessibility testing methods and tools

Testing the accessibility of tables and data grids is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation and improvement. To do this effectively, you need to use a combination of methods and tools that can help you address different aspects of accessibility. Resources such as WebAIM’s Creating Accessible Tables, W3C’s Accessible Data Tables and WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices for Grids, Deque’s Testing Tables for Accessibility and Testing Grids for Accessibility, as well as Siteimprove’s How to Test Tables for Accessibility and How to Test Data Grids for Accessibility can help you learn more about accessibility testing methods and tools.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?