• Put data in a simple grid: rows and columns only. Avoid blank rows and columns inside the data.
• Avoid merged cells where possible; they confuse screen readers.
• Use Excel Tables (Ctrl + T) for true data tables—this gives built-in structure and headers.

• Column headers should be in the first row.
• Row headers (if used) should be in the first column.
• For tables:
  • Select the table → Table Design → make sure Header Row is checked.
• For non-table data:
  • Make sure headers are clearly labeled and consistently placed.

Why this matters: screen readers rely on headers to announce context like “Column: Date, Value: March.”

• Rename sheets from “Sheet1” to something descriptive like:
  • Enrollment Data – Fall 2025
  • Budget Summary
• Keep names short but clear.

• Avoid vague labels like “Click here” or “See below.”
• Spell out acronyms the first time you use them.
• Use plain language where possible.

Add Alt Text for:

• Images
• Charts
• Shapes
• SmartArt

How:

• Right-click the object → View Alt Text
• Describe what it shows and why it matters, not just how it looks.
• Example: “Bar chart showing enrollment increased steadily from 2021 to 2025.”

• Use built-in Excel charts, not screenshots.
• Ensure:
  • Clear titles
  • Labeled axes
  • Logical reading order
• Consider adding a text summary of key takeaways near the chart.

• Color should not be the only way information is conveyed.
• Pair color with:
  • Text labels
  • Patterns
  • Symbols
• Ensure sufficient contrast (especially for text).

Example: Don’t just say “items in red are overdue”—also label them as “Overdue.”

• Use cell styles instead of manual formatting.
• Avoid excessive bold, italics, or all caps.
• Left-align text, right-align numbers (consistency helps comprehension).

• Screen readers read left to right, top to bottom.
• Keep related content grouped.
• Avoid placing instructions far away from the data they describe.

• Use Excel's built-in checkeb by going to Review → Check Accessibility.
• Fix:
  • Missing alt text
  • Unlabeled headers
  • Confusing structures

• If exporting to PDF, make sure the Excel file is accessible first—inaccessible Excel becomes inaccessible PDF.
• Use .xlsx format (not older .xls).