Netflix increases AD and SDH for Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Netflix has announced a series of major enhancements to its accessibility features.

Writing a blog post for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Heather Dowdy director of product accessibility said that Netflix is expanding the language availability of Audio Descriptions (AD) and Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH).

In an implementation which will carry on into 2023, AD and SDH features will be made available across more of its catalogue and in more languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and French.

In total, AD and SDH will be made available to over 20 languages. The company is also introducing new badges to highlight shows and films that have AD and SDH on Web and iOS.

Dowdy, who says that she is a child of deaf adults (CODA), wrote “How we access stories has changed a lot. Whether it’s video conference calls, texting, or the flashing doorbell, nowadays technology can build bridges to access for many people living with disabilities.

“For decades, your access to entertainment was determined by where you lived and what language you spoke, meaning that until recently people who needed AD or SDH could only enjoy a story if it was made in their local language.

“I’m excited to continue this work to connect our members to these stories through technology, upcoming accessibility screenings, and our new collection. Let’s make new memories together.”