Which statement about data tables is most accurate from an accessibility perspective?

• A. Use only visual styling without semantic markup.
• B. Provide a caption and use thead/tbody with header cells and ensure keyboard navigation.
• C. Avoid any header cells to reduce complexity.
• D. Avoid grouping related rows; treat as plain data.

Answer: (B)

Accessible data tables rely on semantic markup so assistive technologies can convey structure and meaning. Providing a caption gives users a quick orientation about what the table shows. Using a thead with header cells and a tbody clearly separates headers from data, allowing screen readers to announce which cells are headers and how the data relates to them. Ensuring keyboard navigation makes the table fully usable for those who rely on the keyboard rather than a mouse. This combination gives the most accurate and usable interpretation of the table’s content.

Using only visual styling without semantic markup hides the table’s structure from assistive technologies. Avoiding header cells removes essential context that helps users understand each data cell. Treating the table as plain data without grouping related rows sacrifices relationships that aid scanning and comparison. The described approach of caption, proper sectioning with thead/tbody, header cells, and keyboard operability best supports accessibility.