2.11 Empty or symbol-only table cells not announced clearly by screen readers (Positive)

2.11.1 WCAG 1.3.1 (A) - Desktop, Mobile, iPad

On the Client List table, the cells in the Discharged column are left blank if there is no value. This is intended to indicate that there is no data for that entry. However, for screen reader users, the absence of content means nothing is announced beyond the column and row location (for example, “Discharged, column 4”) without any indication that the field is intentionally empty.

Similarly, on the Log in for Admins page, the table for NDR status handles empty values differently by using a dash (-) in the cell. While JAWS announces this as “Dash”, NVDA does not announce the symbol at all, resulting in a similar experience to the blank cells in the Client List table. In either case, users are left unsure whether the cell is empty, contains unavailable information, or is not applicable.

This lack of clarity makes it harder for assistive technology users to interpret the meaning of missing or unavailable data.

FIGURE 2.16: NDR cells highlighted with NVDA speech viewer on the Log in for Admins page

FIGURE 2.17: Discharged cells highlighted with NVDA speech viewer on the Clients page

2.11.2 Code Snippet

<td class="ndr-enabled">
    -
</td>

2.11.3 Recommendation

Ensure that table cells without values are conveyed meaningfully to all users, including those using screen readers.

One approach is to replace the dash or blank cell with text that communicates the state, such as “Not applicable” or “No data”. This would be more informative and consistent than using abbreviations like “n.a.”.

Alternatively, maintain the existing visual presentation but add a visually hidden span for screen reader users:

<td>
  <span aria-hidden="true">-</span>
  <span class="visually-hidden">Not applicable</span>
</td>

2.11.4 Spot Check: February 2026

This issue has been resolved. The tables now use descriptive text instead of blank cells or symbols, making the content clearer for screen reader users.

This has been updated from a ‘Low’ severity issue to a ‘Positive’ finding.

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