Who can use SensusAccess?

Anyone with a valid university email address (@kumc.edu), including students, faculty, and staff, can use SensusAccess for free.

How do I access SensusAccess?

You can access SensusAccess by visiting SensusAccess in the myKUMC intranet.

Do I need to install any software?

No, SensusAccess is a web-based tool—no installation is required.

How long does it take to get my converted file?

Most conversions take just a few minutes, but complex or large files may take longer. The converted file will be delivered via email.

What file formats can I convert?

You can convert:

• Scanned PDFs to accessible PDFs (may not produce a fully accessible WCAG 2.1 compliant document), Word, MP3, or Braille
• Images (JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF) to Word, MP3, or Braille
• Word documents (DOC, DOCX, TXT) to MP3, Braille, or EPUB
• PowerPoint (PPT, PPTX) to Text, PDF, or MP3

How do I make a scanned PDF accessible?

Upload the scanned PDF and select "Make Accessible." Then choose "Tagged PDF" as the output format. This creates a structured file readable by screen readers, but the file may not be WCAG 2.1 compliant.

Can I convert a document into audio (MP3)?

Yes. Upload a PDF, Word, or text file, select MP3 as the format, choose your preferred voice option, and submit. The MP3 will be sent to your email.

Can I convert lecture slides (PowerPoint) into an accessible format?

Yes. Upload your PowerPoint file and choose Plain Text, MP3, or Tagged PDF to improve accessibility.

I uploaded a document, but I never received the converted file. What should I do?

Check your spam or junk folder. If it’s not there, try uploading the file again using a different email address or ensure the file is within the size limit.

My converted document has errors or missing text. How can I fix this?

This can happen if the original file is low quality (e.g., blurry scans or handwritten notes). Try uploading a clearer version or select a different output format, such as Word instead of PDF.

Why isn’t my scanned PDF converting properly?

If the file is just an image with no selectable text, use the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature to extract text before converting.

How can I improve the quality of my conversions?

• Use high-quality, clear scans
• Avoid handwritten or low-contrast documents
• Review the converted file before distributing or using it
• Choose appropriate formats for your needs (e.g., tagged PDF for improved accessibility, EPUB for e-readers)

What should faculty know about using SensusAccess for course materials?

Faculty should proactively provide accessible materials in LMS courses. If a document is not accessible, students can use SensusAccess to convert it into a preferred format.

Can SensusAccess handle very large files?

SensusAccess has a file size limit, which varies by institution. If your file is too large:

• Try compressing the document
• Break the file into smaller sections and convert them individually

Is SensusAccess compliant with ADA and WCAG accessibility standards?

The SensusAccess conversion process alone may not produce a fully accessible WCAG 2.1 compliant document. Content owners using SensusAccess for remediation purposes should always manually review remediated content for accuracy, layout and readability. Consult the KU Medical Center Technology Accessibility guides and training for creating WCAG compliant content.

How does SensusAccess help students with disabilities?

SensusAccess allows students with disabilities to:

• Convert readings into screen-reader-friendly formats
• Listen to audio versions of documents
• Create Braille-ready files for assistive devices

Where can I get help if I have issues with SensusAccess?

Contact tswett@kumc.edu for assistance.