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PARC Web Site Accessibility

PARC supports accessible electronic and information technology that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Accessible technology is either directly accessible—in other words, it is usable without assistive technology—or it is compatible with standard assistive technology. Just as buildings that have ramps and elevators are accessible to wheelchair users, products that adhere to accessible design principles are usable by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.

The PARC web site has been designed to be accessible to individuals with a broad range of abilities and disabilites.The site has been designed so that all visitors can navigate the site, access content, and participate in any interactive web activities.

Here are some tips that can make this site more accessible to individuals with disabilities:

How to Increase Font Size:

If you are using Internet Explorer:
  • Open Internet Explorer's "View" menu (or press Alt + V)
  • Select "Text Size" (press X)
  • Select "Largest" (press G)
If you are using Mozilla Firefox:
  • Open the Firefox "View" menu (or press Alt + V)
  • Select "Text Size"
  • Select "Increase" (Press Ctrl ++)
If you are using Netscape:
  1. Open Netscape’s "View" menu (or press Alt + V)
  2. Select "Text Size"
  3. Select "Desired %"
Or Hold down the Ctrl key and press + or – to reach desired text size.

 How to Change the Screen Contrast:

High Contrast is an accessibility feature designed for people who have vision impairment. High Contrast color schemes can increase legibility for some users by heightening screen contrast with alternative color combinations. Some of the schemes also change font sizes for greater legibility. Visit Microsoft's High Contrast "How To" page to learn how to turn on High Contrast through the Accessibility Options in the Control Panel.


























What if I can't use the mouse easily?

If you are uncomfortable using a mouse, you can negotiate through the web site using just the keyboard.
  • Press the "Tab" key to move from link to link (or hit the Shift + Tab keys to move backwards).
  • Press the "Enter" key to activate a link.
  • Use the "Alt + Left Arrow" keys to go back a page.
When filling out forms:
  • Press the "Tab" key ot move from field to field.
  • Press the "Up Arrow" or "Down Arrow" key to move between items in a list.
  • Press the "Spacebar" to check or uncheck radio button and check boxes.
  • Press "Enter" to activate buttons.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies.


For example, people with limited hand function may use a keyboard with large keys or a special mouse to operate a computer, people who are blind may use software that reads text on the screen in a computer-generated voice, people with low vision may use software that enlarges screen content, people who are deaf may use a TTY (text telephone), or people with speech impairments may use a device that speaks out loud as they enter text via a keyboard.

You can view the Access Board's Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards that were developed as required by 1998 amendments to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

View the Illinois Web Accessibility Standards.

Visit the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

Visit the PARC Assistive Technology Services page to find out how PARC makes a variety of assistive technology available to individuals with developmental disabilities.