How do I create an accessible table in a Page?

You will learn how to use the Accessibility Checker in Canvas to create an accessible table in the Rich Content Editor in a Page.

Given that you want all of your students to be able to utilize your course instructional material, it is essential that you make a few changes so that students using a screen reader can also view your content.

1. Create a new Page.

Read this guide to learn how to make a new Page.

2. Click on Edit.

Edit button

3. Click on the Table.

Table button

4. Hover the mouse over Table.

Table item in list

5. Select the desired configuration of columns and rows.

4 rows and 4 columns selected

6. Enter the data into the cells.

Note: Do not combine cells. All tables should be used for tabular data rather than for layout.

Table cell selected

7. Click on the Accessibility Checker.

Accessibility Checker button

8. Type a useful caption for the table.

Caption field

9. Click on Apply.

Apply button

10. Select Header row.

Tip: Select one of the three choices for headers: Header row (for when the top row is the header); Header column (for when the header is the first column on the left; Header row and column (for when you are using both the first row and first column as headers.

Header row selected

11. Click on Apply.

Apply button (2)

12. The Accessibility Checker now shows that there are no other issues.

Accessibility Checker complete

13. Click on Save & Publish.

Save & Publish button

14. The table now displays and should be easily read by a student using a screen reader.

Table displays in rich content editor

Article Summary

You have now learned how to create an accessible table in the Rich Content Editor in a Page (or Discussion or Assignment).