Spreadsheet Accessibility
Spreadsheet Accessibility
People who are blind or have no vision will understand your data more effectively if you create spreadsheets with accessibility in mind.
Are you using spreadsheets appropriately?
Spreadsheets are optimized for data analysis, writing simple and complex formulas to perform calculations on data, and presenting data in charts.
Word processing programs allow users to create simple and complex text-based documents.
Ribbon-style menu layouts (e.g., Excel) make navigation difficult for those using assistive technology. Charts and graphs generated in conjunction with your spreadsheet must have alternative text. Large data sets should be used selectively; it is much better to break up a complex spreadsheet if possible.
Screen readers can read the cells in spreadsheets starting with A1. They will move left to right and announce the cell number and contents.
A1 Structure: A1 should always include a summary of the workbook. This summary should include a general description and instructions show you intend for the user to navigate the document. The clearer and more detailed information that you can leave a potential user the better.
Column Structure: You should never leave an empty column in your document to visually indicate information. Someone using assistive technology may erroneously believe that the empty column is the end of the document.
Sheet Names: Each sheet (or tab) should have a unique name
Row and Column Labels: The row and column labels should be concise yet clear. This will help both typically abled and disabled users use your document more efficiently.
Basic Dos: Provide alternative text, remember contrast standards, use descriptive links, do not use style changes to relate information.
Create Accessible Spreadsheets (Section 508)
How to Create Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (Welsh Government)
Spreadsheets (University of Minnesota)
Create Accessible Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel (Indiana University)
Creating Accessible Excel Documents (Michigan State University)
Creating Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (UA Technology Accessibility YouTube)
Creating Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges)
Creating Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (University of Oregon)
Disability Answer Desk (Microsoft)
Excel (Microsoft Learn)
Excel Tips (Penn State)
Make Your Excel Documents Accessible to People with Disabilities (Microsoft Support)
Grackle for Google Docs: How it Works (Grackle Docs)
Other Accessibility Checks (Grackle Docs)
Installation (Grackle Docs)
GrackleDocs Demo (Grackle Docs Inc YouTube)