3.8 Provide abbreviations for table header labels
Contents
WAI checkpoint 5.6
Full WAI text: "Provide abbreviations for header labels." A header is the name of a column or row in a data table. If long header titles are used, provide shorter versions. This is done by inserting an abbreviation attribute into the underlying HTML that identifies the header element.
Rationale
Users of screen readers or audio browsers find listening to the content of long and complex tables with long header names cumbersome and repetitive. Providing meaningful abbreviations reduces repetition and improves reading efficiency. For example, a header on a column which reads "Percentage growth of internet usage" could be abbreviated to simply, "growth".
Directions and Techniques
Use the ABBR attribute when describing table headers
See WAI recommended techniques for using the ABBR atribute to describe table headers
How you could check for this:
View the source code to see if attributes are provided
Open the HTML code which presents the table and check to see if the abbreviations are included through the correct use of the ABBR element. Note that an abbreviation is only necessary for long names and may not be helpful if the table is short and easy to understand without an abbreviation.
Guidelines for Web Accessibility - Priority 3- 3.1 Ensure that text and background have sufficient contrast for people with colour deficient vision
- 3.2 Provide text links to emulate client-side image maps
- 3.3 Expand the first occurrence of any abbreviation or acronym
- 3.4 Identify the primary language of the document text
- 3.5 Place distinguishing information at the beginning of headings, paragraphs, lists, etc.
- 3.6 Supplement text with graphic or auditory presentations where they will facilitate comprehension
- 3.7 Provide summaries for tables
- 3.8 Provide abbreviations for table header labels
- 3.9 Identify groups of related links and provide a way to bypass them
- 3.10 Provide a linear alternative for parallel, word-wrapped columns of text
- 3.11 Create a logical tab order through links, form controls, and objects
- 3.12 Provide keyboard shortcuts to important links, form controls, and groups of form controls
- 3.13 Separate adjacent links with non-link, printable characters surrounded by spaces
- 3.14 Provide navigation bars
- 3.15 If search functions are provided, enable different types of searches for different skill levels and preferences
- 3.16 Provide information about documents comprising multiple pages
- 3.17 Provide a means to skip over multi-line ASCII art
- 3.18 Create a style of presentation that is consistent across pages
- 3.19 Include default text in form text boxes
- 3.20 Provide information to enable users to receive documents according to their preferences
