SensusAccess

SensusAccess is a web application that converts documents from text or image-based files into accessible formats, such as tagged PDFs, audio text books, Braille and other accessible documents. SensusAccess is available to all current WCSU students, faculty and staff.

Creating Accessible Learning Materials (C.A.L.M)

SensusAccess can be used for accessibility conversions or to convert documents into alternative formats such as audio files and/or e-text.

• Accessibility conversions: Image and PDF files can be converted to more accessible formats (Tagged PDF, Word documents, HTML, etc.) SensusAccess is an automated tool, so it will not make a document fully accessible, but converting a document from image-based to text-based will allow most to use the document and is a good first step toward creating an accessible document.
• Audio: Files can be converted into plain MP3 files using high-quality, customizable computer generated text-to-speech voices.
• Braille: Documents can be converted to and from contracted and uncontracted Braille. These documents can be formatted and paginated, and delivered as ready-to-emboss files in a variety of digital Braille formats.

Self-Services: Converting Files

You can convert your files online through WCSU’s SensusAccess site. The converted file will be delivered to you via your WCSU email. Please make sure to use your WCSU email when submitting your conversion request.

Training

The SensusAccess e-learning course covers how SensusAccess can be used to improve the accessibility of documents and to make documents easier to work with.

• Module 1: Introduction to the e-learning course
• Module 2: Overview of SensusAccess services
• Module 3: Producing Simple MP3 files
• Module 4: Converting inaccessible and tricky documents
• Module 5: Producing simple e-books
• Module 6: Designing and creating accessible documents
• Module 7: Producing Advanced e-books
• Module 8: Producing DAISY books
• Module 9: Producing Braille

Conditions of Use

• All users must comply with applicable law, including copyright laws. By using SensusAccess, you assert that you are authorized to access and duplicate these materials, such as appropriate permission or qualification as fair use under the law.
• The quality of the converted file depends on the quality of the original file. A well formatted Word document will be properly rendered into the desired output. Conversely, a scanned document with folds, smudges, tears, underlined or skewed text may not provide the desired results. Please review these types of conversions to catch errors and/or mistakes.
• SensusAccecss does a good job converting a variety of input and output types, it should not be used to convert files with tables and/or complex formulas.