1. Place the cursor in the top row of your data table.
2. Select the Design tab under Table Tools (Table tab on Mac - Word 2010/Table Design tab - Word 2016).
3. In the Table Style Options group, select the Header Row check box.
4. Under Table Tools, select the Layout tab (Table Layout tab - Word 2010).
5. In the Data group (Word 2016 - Table Design > Layout tab), select the Repeat Header Row button. This will indicate the top row as the table's header.

Google Docs do not allow you to designate column or row headers, so keep your tables small so they are understandable without headers.

• A screen reader reads a table from left to right and top to bottom, without repeating headings.
• Do not use merged, nested, or split cells as they may change the reading order of a table.
• Construct your table in a way that accommodates a good reading order. Inserting columns/rows later may disrupt reading order.
• To test the reading order, place your cursor in the first cell of the table. On the keyboard, press the Tab key repeatedly to navigate through the table. This will be the reading order that assistive technologies will use.

• Use enough color contrast between the text (i.e. black color) and the background color (i.e. white color).
• Without sufficient color contrast, people who are low-vision and color blind will not benefit from the information.
• A color page printed in gray scale needs enough contrast to be understandable.
• For more information visit Webaim's contrast checker.

Do not use color alone to make a distinction. Always include written directions or meaning after color. As an example, in a list of upcoming assignments, do not list certain assignments colored in red, and write Assignments in red are due Tuesday. Instead, follow any assignments marked in red with the directions due Tuesday.

• Do not include extra spaces, tabs and empty paragraphs, which may be perceived as blanks by screen readers. Instead use proper formatting, indenting and styles to create whitespace.
• Objects that are not in line with text may be inaccessible to users with vision impairment. Set text-wrapping around objects to Top and Bottom or In Line with Text.
• Images used as watermarks may not be understood.
• Avoid justified text as it is more challenging to read with unpredictable spacing within words. Use left text alignment whenever possible.
• Avoid unnecessary font changes or tiny fonts.