Charts and tables refer to information graphics, graphs, tabular data, and data visualizations. Often this content is created in software like Excel or Google Sheets and distributed in other content types like documents or Slide Decks. Alternatively this material might be created and shared in data visualization software like Tableau.
Always verify that the data visualization or table is accessible before embedding it somewhere else.
The Five Principles
- Identify Content Types: Table Headers, title, labels, caption. Content types are displayed and labeled consistently
- Provide Text Equivalents: Alt text, short description, long description
- Use Color Carefully: Contrast, Sensory Characteristics
- Provide Descriptive Hyperlinks: Link purpose and location
- Use Clear Language: Labels, captions and descriptions.
Additional Considerations
- Identify the Language: Set this for the document and any sections that are different from the primary language of the document
- Provide error identification, prevention and handling: Provide information about data source and where to direct questions.
- Typography: Minimum font size 12pt or 16px; do not use all caps; left align text when possible; use space between paragraphs
- Verify Accessibility: Use provided accessibility checker.