SensusAccess

Process

• User uploads a document (file, URL, or text) through the online form.
• User selects the output format
• SensusAccess processes the information sent by the user
• Converts it to the specified file format
• Sends the converted file to the user via an email attachment or link

Conversion Options

Use SensusAccess for:

• Accessibility conversions: Image and PDF files can be converted to more accessible formats (tagged PDFs, Word documents, HTML, etc.)
• Braille services: Documents can be converted to and from contracted and uncontracted Braille. The documents can be formatted and paginated and delivered as ready-to-emboss files in a variety of digital Braille formats.
• Audio services: Files can be converted into plain MP3 files as well as DAISY books, including those with spoken math. MP3 audio versions are created using high-quality, customizable computer-generated text-to-speech voices.
• E-book services: Documents can be converted into EPUB, EPUB3, EPUB3 with media overlays and Mobipocket (Amazon Kindle) e-book formats. Furthermore, EPUB may be converted into a Mobipocket and vice versa. To accommodate users with low vision, the baseline of the body text in an e-book may be raised to allow for more appropriate text scaling in mainstream e-book readers.
• Reference the conversion options document for more information about the available output formats.

Confidential Data and Copyrights

SensusAccess users must only use this service to convert files with data listed as low and moderate in the UMD Data Classification Standards. This service cannot be used for documents containing FERPA data.

All copyright provisions apply to the use of the SensusAccess service. Individuals may only upload files to SensusAccess for conversion if such use is permitted under copyright law (i.e., you own the copyright, have obtained permission from the owner, or are using the material under fair use or the disabilities provisions of copyright law). Note that the resulting file likely has the same copyright restrictions as the original. Direct questions about copyrights to lib-copyright@umd.edu .

Best Practices

The quality of the conversion is dependent upon the quality of the original document.

For instance, if you upload a poorly scanned image file for conversion to a text format, the resulting text document may include recognition errors in the output file. However, a Microsoft Word document containing the heading style markup for chapters (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) will convert into a more usable DAISY or ePub format with the relevant chapter navigation elements. Creating accessible Microsoft Word documents will support the conversion for more accessible documents in several formats.

Review conversion best practices to identify simple methods to prepare the file before converting in order to achieve high-quality output.

Training and Support

The SensusAccess e-learning course is intended for students, staff, faculty, and others who are converting material into alternate formats such as audiobooks, e-books, digital large-print, and Braille, either for themselves or on behalf of others. The course also covers how SensusAccess can be used to improve the accessibility of documents and to make documents easier to work with.

If you have any questions, need support, or would like to provide feedback regarding the SensusAccess system, please email itaccessibility@umd.edu.

Convert a File