SensusAccess

SensusAccess is a self‑service conversion tool that allows Stockton students, faculty and staff to quickly transform documents into accessible formats.

It supports many file types, languages and output formats, making it a versatile resource for alternate‑media needs. However, the system cannot guarantee full ADA compliance. Users should always create and maintain accessible source documents.

Conversions can be delivered in several formats:

  • Document remediation: image‑based PDFs, image files and Office documents can be converted into tagged PDF, DOC/DOCX, Excel files, plain text, HTML and other structured formats.
  • Audio services: documents can be turned into MP3 files or DAISY talking books with high‑quality voices in many languages.
  • E‑book services: files can be converted into EPUB, EPUB3 with media overlays or MobiPocket formats, making them compatible with many e‑readers.
  • Braille services: text can be transcribed into contracted or uncontracted Braille in multiple languages, formatted and paginated for ready‑to‑emboss digital Braille files.

These capabilities make SensusAccess a powerful tool for students, faculty and staff who need to convert course materials, lecture notes or other resources into accessible formats. The platform is particularly helpful for individuals with print disabilities, students learning in blended or online environments, and users who prefer listening to content or reading in a different language.

SensusAccess Document Converter

How to use Stockton’s SensusAccess conversion form

SensusAccess FAQ

How to use SesusAccess:

Stockton University provides an online SensusAccess portal where users can convert documents themselves. The form guides you through four steps:

  1. Select your source: you can upload a file, enter a URL to a file or paste plain text. The form adapts based on your choice. Acceptable file types include DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, TXT, XML, HTML/HTM, RTF, EPUB, MOBI, TIFF, GIF, JPG, JPEG, BMP, PNG and several others.
  2. Upload your document: choose one or more files (up to 64 MB each) and submit them to the server.
  3. Choose the output format: once a file is uploaded, the form will offer output options (MP3 audio, Braille, E‑book or accessibility conversion). Select the format that meets your accessibility needs.
  4. Receive the converted file: once the conversion is complete, the service will email the result to the address you supply. To receive the file, you must provide a valid @stockton.edu or @go.stockton.edu address—other domains will not work.

This basic service is fully automated and available to anyone at Stockton. It helps make materials more usable for screen readers, text‑to‑speech tools and individuals who need alternative formats. However, users are responsible for ensuring that the source document is as accessible as possible before submission.

Why SensusAccess isn’t a one‑stop accessibility solution

It is important to understand that SensusAccess complements accessibility efforts rather than replacing them. SensusAccess is meant only to complement accessibility. While the tool can create a readable, tagged document from images or image‑based PDFs, additional work, such as adding proper headings, alt text and meaningful hyperlink descriptions, is required to achieve full accessibility.

What to do before using the tool

  • Make the document accessible at the source. Whenever possible, create your Word, PowerPoint or PDF documents with proper structure (headings, lists, tables and reading order) and include alternative text for images. It is easier to generate a fully accessible tagged PDF from an accessible source file than to remediate an inaccessible document.
  • Remove sensitive or personal data. SensusAccess’ terms of use explicitly warn users not to upload personal or sensitive information to the service.
  • Check copyright. The service may only be used for non‑commercial purposes and in accordance with copyright law.

When to ask for additional help

For complex or high‑stakes documents, especially those intended for public distribution or legal compliance, automated remediation may not be sufficient. If you have a document that needs deeper remediation or you are unsure how to make it compliant, contact the Help Desk.