Clear answers about using ACCESS. Written in plain Australian English, accessible by design.
ACCESS is an independent project created by Trent Morrison‑Francis. It is not affiliated with any university. ACCESS supports students with disability to obtain study materials in accessible formats for study support. Outputs are not official or authoritative sources.
Browse topics
Use these sections to find what you need. Each article gives a short answer first, followed by a simple walkthrough, and a way to get further help.
Getting started
What is ACCESS?
ACCESS is a small, independent tool that helps you make study materials easier to use. It converts readings to text you can search, transcribes audio to captions, and formats outputs to match common academic styles. It does not replace official course sources and it is not affiliated with any university.
To begin, open your material, check that you have the right to upload it, then use the relevant tool. If the result is not usable, contact us for help and we will try another method.
If you need an adjustment, you can ask for it at any time. We listen and respond without making you repeat your story.
What materials can I upload?
You may upload materials that you own or are licensed to use for study. Typical examples include your lecture notes, journal articles from your library access, and your own recordings where this is permitted. Do not upload material that you are not allowed to share or that contains other people’s personal information without consent.
If you are unsure about a specific item, contact us. We can advise on safer options such as linking to the source or using a redacted copy.
How do I get my first result?
Open the conversion or transcription page, choose your file, and confirm the language and output options. After processing, review the output. If content is missing or jumbled, see the troubleshooting section or send us the file so we can correct it.
Accessibility and adjustments
How do I request an adjustment?
Tell us what you need in plain terms. For example, you can ask for larger text, dyslexia‑friendly spacing, tinted backgrounds, alternative formats, or a slower, stepwise interface. We will set this as your default and you can change it later.
If you prefer not to describe your diagnosis, that is fine. We focus on what works for you in practice.
What accessibility standards does ACCESS follow?
ACCESS follows semantic HTML, visible keyboard focus, sufficient contrast, reduced‑motion preferences, large click targets, and descriptive labels. We aim to align with WCAG 2.2 AA in spirit and in most specifics. If you find a gap, tell us and we will fix it.
Tools and workflows
Convert readings to accessible text
Upload your PDF or image. The system recognises text and lays it out in a simple, readable format. Headings are preserved where possible, figures are described where available, and tables are captured as text. Always check the output against your source and correct any errors that matter for your task.
Transcribe audio to captions or text
Upload your recording if you are allowed to hold and use it. Choose the language, select timestamps if needed, and submit. Review the transcript and add speaker names if the audio has multiple voices. Save a copy with your notes so you can search later.
Create a short summary
Paste the text you are working with or select an existing output, then choose a summary length. The tool keeps headings and pinpoints when possible. Always confirm important facts with the original source.
Accounts and security
How do I log in or reset my password?
Use your ACCESS username and password. If you forget your password, use the reset link on the sign‑in page. If you cannot access your email, contact us and we will help verify your identity and restore access.
How is my data handled?
Your files are processed to produce the output you asked for. We do not sell your data. We keep logs to operate the service, then remove them on a rolling basis. You can ask us to delete your data at any time. Check the privacy policy for details.
Troubleshooting
My PDF is a scan and the text is wrong
This happens when the source is faint, skewed or has columns. Try a higher‑quality scan or a library copy. You can also send it to us and we will reprocess it with different settings.
Some headings or tables are missing
Complex layouts can drop content. Cross‑check with the original. If something important is missing, let us know which section and we will repair the output or provide an alternative format.
My upload failed
Check your connection and file size. Rename the file to remove unusual characters. Try again. If it still fails, contact us and attach the file name and time you tried so we can trace it.
Policies and data
Copyright and attribution
Only upload what you are allowed to use for study. Cite your sources in your academic work. If you believe a file should not be on ACCESS, report it and we will remove or restrict it while we review.
Privacy
We keep only what is needed to run the service. You can ask for a copy of your personal information or to have it deleted. See the privacy policy for the details.
Need more help?
Contact us if you need a different format, a more direct walkthrough, or time‑sensitive support related to disability access. We will work with you to get a practical outcome.