Launch Grackle Sheets
In Google Sheets, click Extensions > Grackle Docs > Launch.
Extension not Found: Install Grackle Slides and review Grackle Docs Accessibility Checker for extension download instructions.
Grackle Status Indicators
Green Check = Passed automated test.
Green Checkmark with Exclamation: Passed with warning: manual review suggested
Red x: Failed automated test. Action is required to resolve the accessibility error.
Fix it with Grackle Sheets
Spreadsheet Settings and Language
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Spreadsheet Title: Open Grackle Sheets, select Spreadsheet title is required, and select Edit or check Use the Google Sheets name.
Spreadsheet Language: Select File > Settings (or File > Language) from the top Google Sheets menu and select your primary language
Alternative Text and Charts
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Images, Drawings & Charts: Select embedded charts, images, or drawings, open Alt Text settings, and enter a clear description (or select Mark as Artifact in Grackle for decorative visuals).
Sheet Formatting and Headers
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Unique Sheet Names: Ensure every sheet tab at the bottom has a descriptive, unique name (e.g., Q1 Budget, Q2 Budget) rather than default labels like Sheet1.
Define Data Tables: Use Grackle to tag data ranges and explicitly define top header rows and column headers so screen readers can associate cell data correctly.
Tables and Cells
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Avoid Merged Cells: Avoid merging cells within data ranges (unmerge via Format > Merge cells > Unmerge), as merged cells disrupt screen reader cell navigation.
Empty Rows & Columns: Remove completely empty rows or columns inside data sets so screen readers do not treat them as the end of the table.
Color as Meaning: Ensure information conveyed through cell shading (e.g., green for pass, red for fail) is also communicated using text labels or symbols.
Links
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Description: Use a clear and concise text description for links (e.g. Office of Digital Accessibility website at UIS, UIS Office of Digital Accessibility). Highlight the text where you want the link, press Ctrl + K (Windows) or Cmd + K (Mac) to open the link menu, click Headings and bookmarks at the bottom, and select your heading or bookmark.
Navigable: verify the linked text directs to the correct resource.
Font and Color Contrast
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Font: Use easy-to-read sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) at a minimum 10pt size, maintain standard alignment (text left-aligned, numbers right-aligned), and avoid ALL-CAPS styling.
Color Contrast: Verify cell text contrast ratio is sufficient. Small text must meet at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio against the cell background color.
Save and Export
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Accessibility Check: Verify content displays all green checkmarks and manually review content for accessibility errors.
Export to PDF or HTML: Select Export to PDF or Export to HTML at the top of the Grackle sidebar. Choose whether to save the file directly to your Google Drive or download it to your computer.
Note: Make sure to use Export to PDF in the Grackle sidebar instead of File > Download > PDF Document in Google Sheets, as Export PDF will ensure table structure, sheet names, and alt text are transferred properly.
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