This page introduces SensusAccess, a self-service tool that helps you convert course materials—such as PDFs, Word documents, and lecture notes—into a variety of accessible formats.
Creating Accessible Instructional Materials using SensusAccess
SensusAccess is a self-service solution that automates the conversion of documents into a range of alternative formats, including MP3, e-books, Braille, and Daisy. The service can also be used to convert otherwise inaccessible documents, such as image-only PDF files, scanned images, lecture notes, or other educational material, into more accessible formats.
SensusAccess operates through a web form that is compatible with most major browsers. Select the following external URL to access the SensusAccess portal(link is external). By following the four easy steps on the SensusAccess page, you can have your document converted into an alternative, accessible format. The result is delivered to your email inbox. You may upload one or more files, enter a URL to a file, or simply type in the text you wish to have converted. The form expands as you make your selections.
Watch the SensusAccess tutorial,(link is external)which demonstrates how to convert course materials into accessible formats.
If you have any questions about SensusAccess, please feel free to email sensusaccess@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail).
Note I:
Conversion results depend heavily on the quality of the original file. While SensusAccess can significantly improve access, especially through OCR and auto-tagging, converted files often still require manual review and cleanup (such as checking headings, reading order, or image descriptions). After conversion, we recommend re-running theAlly Course Accessibility Reportin bCourses to confirm improvement.To achieve the best conversion results, read the practices outlined in Conversion Best Practices.
Note II:
Other tools you may encounter support access or repair, but they do not convert files in the same way:
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Ally Alternative Formatsgenerate temporary, student-facing formats (such as HTML, ePub, or audio) but do not change the original file. Watch the tutorial on Ally for students at UC Berkeley(link is external)(link is external) to learn about this feature.
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Adobe Acrobat Proallows for manual PDF repair (not conversiob) and cleanup, which can be effective but is time-intensive and requires practice.
These tools can be helpful in specific situations, but they do not replace document conversion.