Graphical elements in spreadsheets need not necessarily be a barrier to accessibility. Such graphical elements may include pictures, flow diagrams and drawings. Some spreadsheet software also allows charts to be accessed by screen reader software without further modification. However, there are a few pitfalls to try and avoid:
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Graphics which are included solely for visual effect.
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Text which is actually part of an image.
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Graphical tools which create decorative text.
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Graphics which float over the worksheet page. These are not accessible to screen readers and at worse can obscure information in the cells beneath them.
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Using graphical elements to separate different areas of a table.
What can I do to improve accessibility?
There are two simple techniques you can use to improve the accessibility of your graphics and charts:
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Place essential graphics and charts in their own worksheet away from the main data areas. This helps to ensure that the main data areas remain easy to navigate from the keyboard.
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Provide a text description to concisely describe the most important information provided by your graphic.
You can easily point screen reader and other users to your graphic or chart by using a text signpost or comments in a cell or by using a hyperlink.
Another benefit of putting your graphics on a separate worksheet is that you can place quite detailed descriptions at the top left hand edge without cluttering or disrupting the main data areas. Try to ensure that the text descriptions accurately describe the important information conveyed by your graphics.
Improving your chart or graph
To ensure your chart is clear and distinct you may need to adjust the properties:
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Line thickness. Ensure all lines are clear.
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Colour contrast. Choose colours which are distinct.
Alternate formats
It might be necessary to convert your digital image to another format for people to access:
Further information on accessible spreadsheets can be found on the Design, Structure and Worksheets pages.