Data Table Accessibility Beyond WCAG 2.1 A and AA Criteria

Date & Time

Thursday, March 21, 2024 - 2:20 PM PDT  

Location

Grand GH  

Description

In the current data driven world, there has been a push to make data accessible by the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) standards. Data tables are a great way to convey information in various applications. Although current standards set a good baseline for data accessibility, their scope is limited in making data truly accessible to a broad audience. For example, the values of null or 0 could have different meanings and should be explained to the reader. However, then the problem arises to where this information should be presented so it is clear and relevant to the reader. Further, large data sets not only become a burden to those interpreting information by means of assistive technology, but the cognitive load necessary to interact with large data sets can be extensive for many readers. We explored best practices for data accessibility that go beyond the WCAG standards for a broad audience. Similarly, we identified accessibility pitfalls in presenting data in various document applications. We also looked to determine if there are any trends to which type of data tables (static vs. dynamic) are more likely to be accessible to the standards that have been established. Our goal in this presentation is to provide the audience with a better understanding of the intricacies of data and data tables and give the audience tools to develop more accessible and inclusive ways of presenting data.  

Audience

• Higher Education
• Information & Communications Technology
• Government
• Research & Development
• Administration & Business Support

Audience Level

Beginning  

Session Summary (Abstract)

The presenters will guide the audience through important details of data tables and how to present information in and around data tables that will make the information more accessible to a broad audience.  

Primary Topic

Evaluation & Remediation  

Secondary Topics

• Design
• Digital Accessibility
• Education
• Web

 

Session Type

General Track  

Presenters

• Emily Hooser
  Southern Utah University
• Daniel Zapata
  Southern Utah University

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