Need Help?

SensusAccess is a self-service, computer automated document conversion tool that allows CIIS students, faculty, and staff to convert documents into a variety of alternative formats including audio books (mp3, and DAISY), e-books (ePub, ePub3, Mobi), and digital Braille. The service can also be used to convert image-only PDF files or scanned images into more accessible formats.

Where is the SensusAccess tool and how do I get help?

• The CIIS Office of Student Accessibility Services provides this tool for the CIIS community. You do not need special permission to use this tool. All you will need is your CIIS email address. Should you have any questions contact: osas@ciis.edu
• The tool can be found in CIIS Connect > Student Affairs >> Accessibility Services.
• Here is a direct link to the SensusAccess tool, instructions and how-to tutorials: https://ciisedu.sharepoint.com/sites/student-affairs/SitePages/Assistive-Technology-Tool.aspx

Overview of SensusAccess:

• Automatically convert documents into a range of alternate media.
• Web based = no software download needed, not browser specific.
• Users upload documents and receive the converted files in their CIIS email inboxes.
• PDF articles – take about 2-4 minutes to convert and create audio file (MP3) and the same for a structure ebook (text and audio). Full books are estimated to take up to an hour or more.
• The quality of a conversion is dependent upon the quality of the original document.
• As an inclusion technology, use of SensusAccess is not restricted to users with disabilities. All are welcome to use this tool and there is no special permission.

SensusAccess Terms of Use & Copyright

• Users must use the service in accordance with copyright legislation for the jurisdiction in which the subscribing institution is located.
• Users should not upload any personal and/or sensitive information to the service for conversion.
• SensusAccess must only be used for non-commercial purposes.

All copyright provisions apply to the use of the SensusAccess service. You must have appropriate copyright permission to upload materials to SensusAccess (i.e., you own the copyright, you are using the material under fair use or the disabilities provisions of copyright law).

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.

Here is what you need to know about SensusAccess and using library materials:

• PDFs: SensusAccess works with PDFs that users download from the Library databases and are able to save and keep.
• Articles: You can convert an article that you have saved as a PDF into a “structured audio book.” This format is ideal for users that benefit from reading and listening.
• eBooks from the Library databases that are in an EPUB file are not convertible by SensusAccess – because this file is not owned by the user. Meaning, a user who would like a library ebook read-aloud to them cannot use SensusAccess for this purpose. If you want a library ebook to be read aloud consider adding a free screen reader to your browser. For example, Chrome add-on “Read Aloud” works with Ebook Central and EBSCO Ebook Collection in the READ ONLINE option. Important, in Ebook Central the user must change settings to “enable accessibility mode”.

Further explanation: Downloads from ProQuest Ebook Central and EBSCO Ebook Collection are not actually EPUB files on a user’s device. These files are: (.acsm) A file with the .ACSM file extension is an Adobe Content Server Message file. It's used by Adobe Digital Editions to activate and download Adobe DRM protected content. Since an ACSM file is not an eBook, it can't be converted to another eBook format like PDF, EPUB, etc. The ACSM file is just a simple text file that describes how to download the real eBook, which might, in fact, be a PDF, etc.

Convertible file types:

.DOC, .DOCX, .PDF, .PPT, .PPTX, .TXT, .XML, .HTML, .HTM, .RTF, .EPUB, .MOBI, .TIFF, .TIF, .GIF, .JPG, .JPEG, .BMP, .PNG, .PCX, .DCX, .J2K, .JP2, .JPX, .DJV, .TEX and .ASC

Criteria to consider when selecting the right format for your needs:

• MP3 files are highly portable, play on a vast number of devices but may be difficult to navigate.
• Structured audio books in both DAISY and EPUB/Media Overlay format. Structured audio books include synchronized text and audio as well as all the features needed to navigate the documents.
• E-books (Digital Large-Print). E-books are reflowable, making it possible to scale up the text, substitute fonts and make changes to the foreground colors, background colors, line spacing, scrolling direction and more.
• Digital Braille books.
• Tricky formats: Users can use SensusAccess to convert otherwise inaccessible or tricky formats into more accessible formats. These accessibility features include conversion of image files and image-only PDF documents into Word, RTF and text files, conversion of image-only PDF documents into tagged (= accessible) PDF documents and conversion of PowerPoint presentations into web projects, tagged PDF or RTF outline files.