Skip to main contentWhat Is SensusAccess?
SensusAccess is a self-service document conversion platform that automatically transforms files into accessible formats. It converts image-only PDFs, scanned documents, PowerPoint slides, LaTeX files, and e-books into readable and accessible versions.
- Tagged PDF (screen-reader friendly)
- Microsoft Word or RTF
- Plain text, HTML, or EPUB e-book
- Audio files (MP3 or DAISY)
- Braille or large-print versions
UC Merced provides this service to make digital content more inclusive for all campus members. You can access this service by using the UC Merced SensusAccess Conversion Form.
Why SensusAccess Matters
Many documents—especially older PDFs or scanned course readings—are inaccessible to users relying on screen readers. SensusAccess automatically remediates these materials, enabling equitable access while helping UC Merced meet its digital accessibility and ADA obligations.
The tool supports UC’s mission of inclusive excellence by:
- Empowering students who use assistive technology
- Supporting instructors in making materials accessible quickly
- Reducing manual workload for remediation teams
- Improving usability and discoverability across campus systems
Who Can Use It
The service is available to anyone with a valid @ucmerced.edu email address. Students, faculty, and staff can upload documents and receive converted files by email, typically within minutes.
Similar offerings exist across UC campuses, including UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz.
How to Use the Webform
- Go to https://www.sensusaccess.com/web3/ucmerced/.
- Upload a document (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, image, etc.).
- Select the desired output format (accessible PDF, text, audio, e-book, Braille).
- Enter your @ucmerced.edu email address and submit.
- Check your email for the converted file, typically within a few minutes.
Guides, Best Practices & E-Learning
SensusAccess maintains a comprehensive Resources Library with materials freely available for teaching, training, and institutional dissemination.
- SensusAccess E-Learning Course — a nine-module course explaining every feature, including creating accessible documents and using SensusAccess for remediation.
- Guides & Best Practices — how to prepare clean source documents, use OCR effectively, and choose the right output format.
- Instructional & Promotional Videos — short demonstrations, including UC Berkeley’s video introducing the service (UC Berkeley Video).
- Updated Overview Video — features the new LMS plugin and e-learning module overview.
- Generic Captioned Version (YouTube)
- Downloadable Copy for Campus Use
Benefits to the UC Merced Community
- Immediate access: Converts materials in minutes for improved learning continuity.
- Accessibility awareness: Encourages good document practices across campus.
- Compliance support: Helps meet UC accessibility policy and WCAG standards.
- Empowerment: Enables self-service remediation and inclusion for everyone.
Privacy and Appropriate Use
SensusAccess processes files securely and deletes them after conversion. Users should avoid uploading confidential or personally identifiable information. The service is provided solely for educational and non-commercial purposes under UC’s license.
