In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax tackle one of the most misunderstood areas of document accessibility: tables. While they may seem simple to build, the real challenge is designing them in a way that works for assistive technology. We break down how screen readers navigate tables, why column and row headers matter, and how small design decisions can dramatically impact the user experience.

From common pitfalls like overcomplicated layouts and unclear headers to practical tips you can apply immediately, this episode is packed with real-world insight. Whether you create, design, or remediate documents, you'll walk away with a clearer approach to building tables that are not just accessible, but truly usable.

In this episode of ChaxChat, Dax Castro and Chad Chelius unpack two very different approaches to accessibility innovation. First, they dive into Microsoft's implementation of MathML in Word and PowerPoint and why it represents a genuine win for accessible math. By carrying MathML through to the PDF export with proper tagging and screen reader support, Microsoft demonstrates what it looks like when accessibility is built into the workflow rather than patched on later.

They then turn to Adobe InDesign's new AI-generated alt text feature and explore where it helps, where it falls short, and why turning it on by default raises important concerns. The conversation highlights the difference between proven accessibility solutions and experimental AI features, emphasizing the need for human oversight, informed decision-making, and realistic expectations as tools continue to evolve.