Accessibility and Assistive Technology

Excel Accessibility Checker (macOS)

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What is Excel Accessibility Checker?

The Excel Accessibility Checker is a tool that some identifies and explains potential issues that could make a spreadsheet difficult for people with disabilities. It works similarly to a spell checker by flagging some "Errors," "Warnings," and "Tips" and provides instructions on how to fix them to improve accessibility. You can find it under the "Review" tab in Excel.

Why we use Excel Accessibility Checker?

It ensures that all users, including individuals with disabilities who use assistive technologies like screen readers, have equal access to the information.

How to use the Excel Accessibility Checker:

Select the “Review” Ribbon Form the Top of Your Excel Sheet

Excel "Review" ribbon button.

Select the “Check Accessibility” Button

Excel "Check Accessibility" button.

On the Right Side the Results will Come in

Accessibility checker results with warnings about merged cells.

When You Select Any of the Results It Will Bring You to The Issue

Selecting a specific warning, with the problematic cell highlighted in the background

The green box covering the selected issue with the chest around the merged cells would show that this is what the accessibility checker is referring to as an issue within the sheet.  

The issue here is that there are merged cells which makes it harder for a screen reader to read this would go against the best practices for making an excel sheet. You can find more information about this with the following article Best Practices to Allow Excel Sheets to Be Most Accessible

Some of the issues might include some of the formatting that is included in the How to Add Alternative Text to Excel (Desktop Mac) or missing alternative text which can be found How to Add Alternative Text to Excel (Desktop Mac).

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