Access to Our Website
We believe that our website is compliant with Section 508 and W3C accessibility design guidelines. Older, legacy pages are in the process of being upgraded for compliance, and the Library of Congress is making every effort to make its online collections and information available to all members of the public.
If you are a person with a disability and you have trouble using our website -- or if you experience difficulty using any of our services, products, or facilities -- please tell us about the problem. You may:
Send us an e-mail message at ada@loc.gov
Write to us at:
ADA Coordinator
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20540-2350
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Certain files available for download from the Library of Congress website are in Portable Document Format (PDF). PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe also provides free PDF tools for the visually impaired.
Download free Adobe Acrobat Reader now
Download free Adobe PDF tools for the visually impaired
Speech Enabled Web Access
The Library of Congress uses the free BrowseAloud program to enhance the accessibility of its website. BrowseAloud reads the words on any web page through the user's computer speakers. The program helps people who may find it difficult to read text online, those who may have literacy problems, or those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. It is also a beneficial tool for those for whom English is a second language and who may have trouble reading.
As users move their cursors over words on a web page, BrowseAloud reads them aloud, highlighting the words as they are being spoken. Alternately, users can select a "continuous" option, which allows the entire contents of a web page to be read without using the mouse. BrowseAloud can also be turned on and off with a click of the Ctrl key. Users can customize the voice, pitch, and speed of the reader to suit their needs.
