In today’s digital age, TV streaming services have become an essential part of our lives. They offer endless entertainment at our fingertips. For disabled people, the accessibility of these platforms can make a world of difference when it comes to the viewing experience.
In this blog, we’ll cover four major streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Apple TV+. We’ll focus on what they offer that helps provide an inclusive entertainment experience. We’ll explore the availability of audio description, the compatibility with assistive technology, and other features designed to make these streaming services accessible for people with sight loss.
Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate these platforms with confidence and ease.
Just a general rule: most smart TVs and TV boxes with built-in screen readers sadly don’t extend this accessibility to third-party apps like these mentioned in this blog, so when talking about compatibility, we will mainly focus on smartphone apps and the web.
If you’re looking for an accessible TV box for streaming using third-party apps, we recommend the Apple TV box.
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Netflix
Netflix offers an incredible variety of TV shows and movies, from gripping dramas to fascinating documentaries. Whether it’s their original content or favourites from other providers like the BBC, there’s something for everyone.
Netflix is dedicated to accessibility. It offers audio description on much of its original content. However, many programmes from other providers don’t feature audio description, even if audio description was available on the original broadcaster.
If you’re looking specifically for audio described content, Netflix has the option to search just for programmes that feature audio description. If you select Categories, one of the options should be ‘audio description in English’.
The app and website are user-friendly. They work well with screen readers such as VoiceOver on Apple devices and JAWS for Windows. For those with low vision, Netflix also offers features like brightness adjustment, and supports text size changes you make through your device’s settings.
Additionally, Netflix provides information on accessibility on its website. There’s also an accessibility feedback form where you can share your thoughts and suggestions anonymously.
Prime Video
Prime Video, part of Amazon’s extensive service range, brings you a wide array of TV shows and movies. Choices range from reality TV to drama, along with some live sports. It also offers add-on subscriptions for even more content.
When it comes to accessibility, Prime Video has made progress, especially with audio description on a lot of its original content. If you want to know if a programme features audio description, you can select the Languages button on a programme’s page. This will display all the languages the programme is available in. If the programme features audio description, one of the languages will be English [Audio Description].
The app itself can be a bit tricky to navigate. It’s compatible with screen readers like VoiceOver, but the interface is cluttered. This can make it a challenge to find what you want to watch quickly.
All in all, Prime Video is accessible, but it may take some getting used to, to be able to use it most efficiently.
Disney+
Disney+ offers a magical collection of original content, classic films, and series that we all know and love. With genres ranging from documentaries to comedies, there’s plenty to explore.
Disney+ is committed to making its platform accessible for everyone. Many of its programmes include audio description, and the app and website cater to those with a range of access needs. This includes implementing colour contrast to make elements easier to see, and allowing full access to playback controls using just a keyboard, as well as being compatible with major screen readers.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is Apple’s streaming platform, featuring Apple’s own original content, including popular comedies and dramas.
Accessibility has always been at the heart of Apple’s offerings, and Apple TV+ reflects this. Every original show comes with audio description. The Apple TV app also integrates effectively with Apple’s built-in accessibility features.
What’s more, if you own an Apple product such as an iPhone or iPad, you’ll already have the TV app installed so you can just get watching straight away once you’ve subscribed.
Enjoy TV streaming accessibly
This blog is just a small introduction to accessibility on some of our favourite streaming services.
Streaming is a great way to experience entertainment from the comfort of your own home. We’re so glad to see these companies make much of their content, and their apps and websites, accessible. This means that people with sight loss can enjoy their favourite shows without missing out on the key goings-on.