Netflix has heard complaints about its lack of audio descriptions for the blind, and in a matter of weeks, they will be available for some of their most popular shows.
The lack of audio descriptions has been a problem since the introduction of Netflix’s streaming service, forcing blind TV fans to download unofficial audio descriptions or seek other not-so-legal options. The debut of Netflix’s new original series Daredevil, which is about a blind superhero, makes the omission of audio descriptions all the more glaring.
Tracy Wright, Netflix’s director of content operations, addressed the controversy in a blog post and promised audio descriptions for Daredevil — as well as other popular original shows like House of Cards, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Marco Polo, and Orange is the New Black:
Netflix is actively committed to increasing the number of audio-visual translations for movies and shows in our English-language catalogues. We are also exploring adding audio description into other languages in the future.
Over time, we expect audio description to be available for major Netflix original series, as well as select other shows and movies. We are working with studios and other content owners to increase the amount of audio description across a range of devices including smart TVs, tablets and smartphones.
Considering the low cost of audio descriptions, it is surprising that Netflix, Hulu, and other online streaming services haven’t offered them before. The blind community loves good TV just as much as anyone, and without audio descriptions, Netflix is missing out on potential customers. At least Netflix is doing the right thing now — even if it took Matt Murdock to do it.
Source: Netflix