Layout table shouldn’t use <caption>

Compliance Data & User Impact

User Impact: Major

60% Complete

Disabilities Affected:

  • blindness
  • deafblindness

WCAG Version:
2

WCAG Levels:

  • A

WCAG Guidelines:

Solution Techniques:

Automated Test Accuracy:
High

uTester Severity:
Error

DRRSAG Designations:

  • general

How to Fix the Problem

Ensure that layout tables, e.g. tables used only to visually lay out elements within the content, are not using a caption element

The Algorithm, in Simple Terms

Engine scans the page for <table> elements containing <caption> elements, while the table has no thead or th elements

Why Is it Important?

In layout tables the caption element does not provide value and will only distract users navigating the content via a screen reader.

Code Example

<table>
<caption>Schedule for the week of March 6</caption>
...</table>

Additional Information

Relevant Technologies:HTML and XHTML data tables

Address: 401 9th St NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20004
Phone number: (888) 995-WCAG
International number: 1(888) 995-9224
Email: accessibility@user1st.com