Requirement •  Explanation •  Tutorial

Accessibility Initiative

Section 508 Requirement

Data Tables:
(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables.
(h) HTML Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers. 

Explanation 

A data table is broken down into cells that are used to divide the table into rectangular rows and columns. Most header cells contain data and are usually located on the table's top or side. In HTML, a table, <TABLE>...</TABLE>, contains one or more rows, <TR>…</TR>. Each row contains cells which will either be labeled as a header, <TH>…</TH>, or data, <TD>…</TD>.

For each cell that acts as a header, <TH>…</TH>, must be used. The information will display in bold and centered format for visual users and for users with assistive technology, the text of the header cell will be described as such.

Tutorial 

To create header cells in FrontPage: 

1. Select all the cells to be converted into header cells.
2. Right-click on the highlighted cells.
3. Select the "Cell Properties" menu option.
   
    
4. Within the "Cell Properties" menu, select the checkbox labeled Header cell.
   
   
5. This will convert the data cells to header cells.
6. Select the OK button.

For your convenience, you may also wish to download a printer-friendly Section 508 checklist (pdf).
For additional assistance with this requirement, send an email to accessibility@winthrop.edu.