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Suspected misuse of table summary attribute

Compliance Data & User Impact

User Impact: Major

Disabilities Affected:

blindness
deaf blindness

WCAG Version:
2

WCAG Levels:

WCAG Guidelines:

1.3.1

Solution Techniques:

H73.LayoutTable

Automated Test Accuracy:
High

Check1st Severity:
2

DRRSAG Designations:

role

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 summary attributes.

The Algorithm, in Simple Terms

Engine scans the page for <table> elements with non-empty summary attribute but using role presentation or containing no header cells (th elements or elements with role columnheader / rowheader).

Why Is it Important?

In layout tables the summary attribute will distract users navigating the content via a screen reader.

Code Example

<table summary="Monthly savings for the Flintstones family">

  <tr>

 <th>Month</th>

 <th>Savings</th>

  </tr>

  <tr>

 <td>January</td>

 <td>$100</td>

  </tr>

</table>

Additional Information

Relevant Technologies: HTML 4.01 XHTML 1.x

Ignore this issue if this element is part of a list of similar elements or a container of a list such as: select, autocomplete field widget, the table inside a date picker widget, a tab in a tab control widget).

This element perfoms as a container, and has no functionality. This container may contain another elements that has functionality or logical role.

Ignore this issue if this element has an alternative that performs the same and overrides the content of this element.