Inappropriate Table Caption Check

Description

The “Inappropriate Table Caption Check” evaluates whether there is any <table> element that includes a <caption> but lacks proper header markups such as <th> elements or associated header attributes like scope, headers, or aria-labelledby.

Example outcome

I found 1 table without headers but that uses the <caption> element.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: Without headers, data cells are read by screen readers without context, making the table meaningless. The <caption> sets the expectation of meaningful structure, which is then not fulfilled.
• Cognitive Disabilities: Tables without headers can increase cognitive load and confusion. Users may struggle to associate data with its meaning without clear labeling.

Fixes

To address <table> elements that include a <caption> but lack headers:

1. Locate the <table> element.
2. Add headers elements to it (i.e., <th> elements) in the appropriate row(s) and / or column(s).

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.3.1
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique F46: Failure of Success Criterion 1.3.1 due to using th elements, caption elements, or non-empty summary attributes in layout tables
• WebAIM: Semantic Structure: Regions, Headings, and Lists
• WebAIM: Creating Accessible Tables