How do I make my Excel Spreadsheets accessible?
In Division programming, we use plenty of charts in our work. Making these Excel sheets accessible improves the reach of our programming and keeps us compliant with accessibility laws and guidelines. Ensuring that your Excel spreadsheets meet accessibility standards isn't as hard as you might think!
Microsoft Excel Accessibility Checklist
By following this checklist, you can make sure that your Microsoft Excel Workbooks follows Extension accessibility requirements.
1. Alternative Text and Images
- All my images have alt text or have been labeled as ‘decorative’.
Learn more about alternative text here.
2. Color and Color Contrast
- None of the information in my document is based on just color, size, shape, or position.
- The colors in my document contrast enough that readers can easily understand what is in my document.
Learn more about color and color contrast here.
3. Links
- All the links I have in my excel file are clear and descriptive.
Learn more about making accessible links here.
4. Sheet Tabs
- All my sheets have unique names.
- I do not have any blank sheets.
5. Formatting
- My file name is descriptive and saved as a “.xlxs’.
- My file has a logical reading order.
6. Table Structure
- My tables have a simple structure.
- My tables don’t have any nested cells, merged cells, or split cells.
- My tables don’t have any completely blank rows or columns.
7. Headers
- All of the tables in my document have headers.
Learn more about accessible headings here.
Additional Resources
Table Concepts - Web Accessibility Tutorials
Creating Accessible Tables - WebAIM
Table Accessibility - Princeton University
Still need help?
Let us know! We are happy to help make your tables and spreadsheets more accessible.
Please contact accessibility@uada.edu
