Word table without row and column headers Accessibility Checkpoint

Description

Word tables must have a designated header row, so screen readers can relate data cells to their headings.

Help

Table headings allow screen reader users to understand column and row relationships. To fix, use the Check Accessibility command in Word to find the table and follow the suggested fix.

Applicable standards

• WCAG 2.0 F91 (Success Criteria: 1.3.1 level A)
• WCAG 2.1 F91 (Success Criteria: 1.3.1 level A)
• WCAG 2.2 F91 (Success Criteria: 1.3.1 level A)
• Section 508 (2017) F91 (Success Criteria: 1.3.1 level A)
• EN 301 549 F91 (Success Criteria: 1.3.1 level A)

Note: Section 508 Refresh (2017) checkpoints are equivalent to WCAG 2.0 level A and level AA checkpoints. EN 301 549 checkpoints are equivalent to WCAG 2.1 level A and level AA checkpoints.

Change history

• 2026.61 Improved detection of Word table headers.
• 5.31 Nov 2018 Added.

This page describes a web site issue detected in Office documents by SortSite Desktop and OnDemand Suite.

Rule ID: AccWordMissingTableHeadings