Assistive technology
Review Data Tables with NVDA
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
Purpose and preparation
Evaluate whether someone can understand a data value together with its row and column context. Select a table containing real relationships, including any totals or grouped headers, and record its title and location.
A practical example
In a monthly expense table, identify the March travel total without visually following the column borders.
How to check it
- Navigate to the table with NVDA and listen for its name and dimensions. Check whether the table describes data rather than page layout.
- Move through cells using NVDA table navigation. Record the row and column headers announced for values in the first, middle and final rows.
- Test merged headers, sorting controls and pagination if present. Verify that updated rows retain their associations after interaction.
What can be missed
A visually aligned table can still have missing or incorrect header relationships. Do not accept a single correctly announced cell as evidence for a complex table.
Record your test
Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.
These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.