Access content in alternative formats

Overview

Find out how to access documents or learning materials in alternative formats, so you can customise how the content looks, change its format to meet your accessibility needs, or translate text into a different language.

Convert files to other formats

SensusAccess is an online tool that lets you convert PDFs, JPGs and other files into another format such as text, e-book, audio, braille and more.  

Teaching material

Check the Moodle module for scans of reading list items in the course files. Documents in Moodle can be downloaded in a range of accessible formats.  

Requesting alternative formats:

Assistive technology

  1. Use our software finder to find recommended accessibility tools and apps
  2. Seek out the accessibility features built into your laptop and phone, and in the software and apps you use every day. 

For example, Microsoft Office Immersive Reader is available in Word, PowerPoint, Teams and more. It lets you hear text read aloud, customise the appearance of documents and much more. Other examples:

Accessible emails

You can change a setting in Outlook to tell senders that you prefer emails sent to you to meet accessibility standards. Here's how to switch that on.

  1. Log into email at outlook.office.com and select Settings (a cog icon)
  2. Select All Outlook Settings
  3. In left hand column click General
  4. Select Accessibility settings
  5. Select Ask senders to send content that's accessible checkbox.

Permission to copy

Anytime you make a copy of someone else's work, you need to check you're not breaching copyright restrictions. There's provision within copyright law for making full text copies of works if it's for someone with a print disability.

Summary of copyright conditions of use

You can make an accessible copy if:

  • you have permission from the copyright holder;
  • copyright has expired
  • it's for someone with a print disability. 

If so you need to agree that:

  • the copy won't be shared with others
  • you can't find a commercially available version in an appropriate format
  • you abide by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, Section 31A (Disabled persons: copies of works for personal use).

Contact us for copyright advice: copyright@kent.ac.uk

More about copyright exceptions for disability

Help

For more help and advice, please email the Accessible Information Team

Last updated