Other Inspection Results

The PowerPoint Check Accessibility tool notes Missing table header and Default section name errors, a warning about Use of merged or split cells, and a tip on Duplicate section names.

Who does this impact

Table errors

Tables present information in a grid which a sighted user can scan to understand the relationship between columns, rows, and data. Properly coded tables help assistive technology announce the column or row header as users move between cells. This ensures everyone can access and understand tables.

The use of merged or split cells should be avoided because it may not be clear which cell follows the merged or split cell. This could cause someone using assistive technology to miss out on or misinterpret table data.

Sections

Sections group slides together. As with descriptive and unique slide titles, properly named sections act as navigational waypoints for users of assistive technology. The use of “Default Section” as a section name will appears as a Default section name error in the Check Accessibility tool. In addition, using the same name for sections, such as repeating “Section 2” for multiple section names will appears as a Duplicate section name tip.

How to fix it

To add a table header:

1. Select the table.
2. Move to the Table Design tab.
3. Ensure Header Row is checked.
   
   This applies not only a distinct visual style to the top row of the table, but also designates the top row as a header row to indicate meaning to assistive technology.

To merge split or split merged cells:

1. Select the cell(s).
2. Move to the Layout tab.
3. Choose Merge Cells or Split Cells as appropriate.
   

Note that Use of merged or split cells appears as a warning. This is because there are appropriate uses of merged or split cells, such as in the header or total row. Verify the reading order of your table by placing the text cursor in cell A1 (top left) and press Tab to see the reading order. If a merged or split cell could make it unclear, revise your table.

To change section names:

In the Accessibility Inspection Results, expand the menu beside the section name error and choose Rename Section.

Or

1. Examine the section names in the slide thumbnail panel.
   
2. Right-click on a section name and choose Rename Section.
   
   Or if you do not need sections, use Remove Section or Remove All Sections to remove the section groupings but not delete any slides.
3. Type a new, unique name in the Rename Section window.
    
4. Select Rename or press Enter.

How to prevent it next time

When inserting a table, Header Row should be toggled on by default.

Avoid the use of merged or split cells except where appropriate.

If you are using sections, give them unique and descriptive names.