Better Communications Corner: Microsoft Excel Accessibility

If you want to make your Excel worksheets more accessible, there is an easy way to begin by ensuring the A1 cell includes content and is not left blank. Cell A1 is an important structural and navigation element that can help orient screen reader users by providing insight as to the workbook or worksheet’s content, including how many sheets there are. Especially for a large and/or complex workbook, the designer can include a general description of the workbook and instructions on how to navigate it. Leaving the cell blank prevents the worksheet from being accessible to screen reader users.