Making Embedded Table Accessible on Powerpoint

Question

There's a ppt I have which contains many embedded tables which auto-updates its information from a larger excel file every month. However, all embedded tables reads as Objects instead of Tables under the accessibility panel, which basically treats the whole table as a single image. (When exported as pdf, it exports as a Figure.)

The two workaround I have right now is to

1. recreate each table on powerpoint and copy the data in OR
2. export as pdf and then let Acrobat Pro autotag the document, recognizing the table (but then having to reorder all the other tags)

Is there an easy way for MS Powerpoint to recognize an embedded table as a table?

Answer 1

An embedded Excel table is an OLE object. OLE is an old technology that is not accessible to screen readers. You cannot created linked Excel tables that will be accessible.

As a workaround, copy the table in Excel, then use Paste Special in PowerPoint and choose HTML Format. Then apply a suitable table style from the Table Style gallery. The table will be accessible, but will not be linked.

Answer 2

Hi YQiao,

Thanks for posting in the community. We are happy to help you.

From your situation, we need to do some tests first and research on our side, we'll appreciate it if you can understand that it will take some time to give you more effective suggestions according to the test results. We will update our reply as soon as possible.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

George | Microsoft Community Moderator