This page reviews how to convert document format types using SensusAccess. There is also SensusAccess accessibility-related information available. 

You will log in to SensusAccess using your CU Boulder credentials (IdentiKey and password). Once logged in, you are directed to the SensusAccess online submission form. There are seven steps to complete and SensusAccess will guide you through each step. 

Step One - Choose the Source Type

If the source file is stored on your computer, choose the File option. If the source file is hosted on the web, choose URL. If the source is plain text, choose Text. Select the Next button to continue. 

Step 1 Source, highlighting the file, URL, and text options.

Step Two - Submit Your Content

This step will vary depending on the source type selected in step one. Please review below for all three options.

  • File: You will be prompted to upload your file(s) from your computer. You can select multiple files of the same file type. Please note that after you choose your file(s), you must select the Upload button. Once your file(s) is uploaded, select the Next button to proceed to step 3.
  • URL: You will be prompted to enter a valid URL into a textbox. After you enter the URL, select the Fetch and Upload button. SensusAccess will fetch the document and you will receive a message that the file has been successfully uploaded to the server. Select the Next button to proceed to step 3. Please note that you will also receive a message if the URL provided is not supported.
  • Text: You will be prompted to enter text into a text box. You can cut and paste text from another source or you can type directly into the text box. Once all your text has been entered, select the Upload button. You will receive a message that the text has been successfully uploaded to the server. Select the Next button to proceed to step 3.

Step Three - Select Your Output Format

There are four different categories of output formats in SensusAccess: MP3 audio, Braille, e-book, and accessibility conversion. Select the appropriate category for the type of conversion you want and select the Next button.

Note: If your source type was Text, the accessibility conversion option will not be listed as an output format option.

Step 3 select output format, highlighting the MP3 audio, Braille, e-book, and accessibility conversion options.

Step Four - Specify Output Format Options

You will be prompted to provide additional information based on the output format selected in Step 3. For example, if you selected MP3 audio as the output format, you will be asked to specify the language and speed for the conversion. If you selected accessibility conversion as the output format, you will choose your desired target format from a list of accessible file type options. This is further displayed in the screenshot below. Once you specify the requested information, select the Next button.

Step 4, specify output format options, highlighting the document types available for an accessibility conversion.

Step Five - Provide Your Email Address

Enter your CU Boulder email address in the Email address field. The converted document will be sent to the email address you provide. Select the Submit Request button. 

Step Six - Receipt of Your Submission 

Your receipt will be displayed. Now it’s time to wait for the converted document to be emailed to you. The conversion can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size and complexity of the document.

Step 6, Receipt, showing information about the submitted request.

Step Seven - Receive and Download Your Converted Document File

You will receive an email notification from SensusAccess when your converted document is ready. Depending on the output format, the converted document file may be attached to the email or there may be a link in the email for you to access and download the file. Converted document files are not saved indefinitely on SensusAccess servers, so please download and save the file as soon as possible.