Accessibility support

Alternative format materials can be obtained for students with additional print needs. This service is available to current students referred via the Student Inclusion Team.

For students with a Learning Support Statement (LSS) the Library will attempt to acquire an accessible copy of any book where you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to use printed texts. If you are unsure if this includes you, please contact a member of Student Inclusion Team via email at student-inclusion@staffs.ac.uk.

If the text you need is only available in print format, we will make an application to the publisher or via RNIB Bookshare for alternative format files. Where electronic files or alternative formats are not available we may be able to make an in-house accessible copy of essential chapters or extracts where this is reasonable.

In order to process a request, the title must be stocked by the Library. Please check the Library Catalogue before making a request.

Alternative formats are for personal study only, for the duration of your course and must not be shared. A full list of usage terms will be sent to you with each alternative format.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact the team via email at readinglists@staffs.ac.uk

About SensusAccess

SensusAccess allows Staffordshire University students and staff to automatically convert documents into a range of alternate file formats, that are more accessible for your needs. 

Formats available include audiobooks (MP3 and DAISY), e-books (EPUB, EPUB3 and Mobi) and digital Braille, as well as Microsoft Word, PDF and more.  The service can also be used to convert inaccessible documents such as image-only PDF files, JPG pictures and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into more accessible and less tricky formats.

Conditions of use

You can make an accessible copy of a document under the following circumstances:

• You own the copyright (e.g. it's your own work)
• You have permission from the copyright owner
• The copyright has expired
• You have a print disability or you are creating the copy on behalf of someone with a print disability.

All students and staff may convert documents produced by Staffordshire University which relate to course work and University activities - for example, module handbooks, lecture notes and other handouts - without prior permission from the University. This does not include published works or material where the copyright owner is not the University, unless you have a print disability. Please ask Library staff if you are unsure which documents can be converted.

Students with a print disability who use SensusAccess to convert published works 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).

Convert a file

Use the embedded tool below, or access directly at: https://www.sensusaccess.com/web3/staffs/