- From: William R Williams <wrwilliams@fs.fed.us>
- Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 13:25:24 -0700
- To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
I suspect this is really not a data table, but the use of the table element for page layout. While this approach may violate certain checkpoints, it can be more accurately cited as a poor design choice. Doesn't it seem sensible to focus on the design choice rather than violations of checkpoints? With my apologies for appearing arrogant, a 2-column layout can easily be implemented with cross-browser compatibility through use of CSS positioning: CSS <style type="text/css" media="screen"> #container { width: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; } #leftcol { float: left; width: 49%; margin: 0; padding: 0; } #rightcol { float: right; width: 49%; margin: 0; padding: 0; } </style> Mark-up <div id="container"> <div id="leftcol"> <ol> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> </ol> </div> <div id="rightcol"> <ol start="6"> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> <li>Question<p>Answer</p></li> </ol> </div> </div> One may wish to tweak the CSS for their particular use, of course. Please note the similarity between using div tags and table (td) elements. I realize that some people may object to this observation or method, but -- hey - that's what makes this an informative list. Thanks! Bill Williams "Sailesh Panchang" <sailesh.panchang To @deque.com> <w3c-wai-ig@w3.org> Sent by: cc w3c-wai-ig-reques t@w3.org Subject Table used in place of list 07/29/2004 09:17 AM Please respond to "Sailesh Panchang" <sailesh.panchang @deque.com> I came across a two column table that lists ten text items (actually FAQs) numbered 1 through 10. Items 1 to 5 are in the first column and items 6 through 10 are in the second column. I regard this content as a an ordered list that should be represented with ol and li tags in stead of in a table. JAWS for instance reads the table items in this order: Item 1, item 6, item 2, item 7 and so on. Navigating it as a data table (with default reading options) results in first row and first column contents being announced as headers. My question: Which checkpoint(s) does this content violate? The explanation following checkpoint 3.6 refers to misuse of lists. But does not mention failure to use a list as a violation. How about 5.3? or any other? Refer: 3.6 Mark up lists and list items properly. 5.3 Do not use tables for layout unless the table makes sense when linearized. Otherwise, if the table does not make sense, provide an alternative equivalent (which may be a linearized version). Thanks, Sailesh Panchang Senior Accessibility Engineer Deque Systems,11180 Sunrise Valley Drive, 4th Floor, Reston VA 20191 Tel: 703-225-0380 Extension 105 E-mail: sailesh.panchang@deque.com Fax: 703-225-0387 * Look up <http://www.deque.com> *
Received on Thursday, 29 July 2004 16:33:39 UTC