How to create accessible tables in Microsoft PowerPoint

How 

The best strategy is to avoid using tables altogether if possible. Many tables can be converted to lists, and if that is possible for your situation, do that. Otherwise, you will need to ensure any tables you add to your presentation:

  • Do have headers
  • Do not have merged cells

The following article from Microsoft describes how to add headers to a table in PowerPoint: Use of table headers. The article describes how to add a “header row” but note that most tables benefit from having “first column” checked as well.

Verify 

To check that all tables in a presentation have headers, you can use the Accessibility Checker. If all tables have headers, you will see a checkmark next to “Missing table header.” You should also ensure there is a checkmark next to “Use of merged or split cells.”

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Power Point screenshot showing the table design formatting menu and where to select a header row
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