Inclusive Netflix: Twitter lauds Netflix's Audio Descriptions option

A few shows on Netflix have the option to be consumed with audio descriptions. Here's all you need to know about this inclusive media option

Audio descriptions are an optional feature in online videos that help make content accessible to blind persons. These are descriptions about the visuals on the screen that are included in the narrative in pauses where the characters are quiet.

You might remember how a little over a year ago, the technology was highlighted in media thanks to Aamir Khan starrer Dangal, which was broadcasted on national television with audio descriptions.

Proud moment for SAKSHAM!#Dangal to be available for the visual & hearing impaired on Zee Cinema on 15th August at 12 pm#IAmSaksham pic.twitter.com/iijI4woubP

— SAKSHAM (@SakshamTrust) August 14, 2017

According to Section 42 of The right to persons with disabilities act 2016, the government has to ensure that all contents available in audio, print and electronic media are in accessible format. This means that they should have audio description, sign language interpretation and closed captioning. These are efforts towards the same.

Though Netflix doesn't have any show available with this facility in Indian languages yet, there are plenty in English that you can check out. Here's how.

Scroll down to the end of the page and find Audio Description in the menu down there.

This will open up a plethora of options for you to pick from!

Alternatively, you can check if the show/movie you are watching has the option from the menu where you select captions.

For many who are blind or visually-impaired, having access to AD means having the opportunity to participate in conversations about their favorite TV series or movies and sharing in the same joy and excitement that comes with watching something great.

Interested to know more? Here's the whole article:

"For many who are blind or visually-impaired, having access to Audio Description means having the opportunity to participate in conversations about their favorite TV series or movies and sharing in the same joy and excitement." https://t.co/w7KJDjrJHa

— We Are Netflix (@WeAreNetflix) November 14, 2018

Here are a few movies we would recommend you to watch with audio descriptions on, to enrich your experience and understanding of the feature.

Pitch Perfect

What can turn a musical better than having even the visuals recited for you?

Did you hear about the Morgans?

It's a sweet, scenic tale of a couple finding its way back a happy marriage.

Confessions of a shopaholic

If you are one who loves to shop, try listening to the descriptions of shops here!

Here's what the Twitterverse thinks about audio descriptions on Netflix:

I’m so excited =3 I watched some of @netflix Daredevil with the audio description for the blind and I feel like I can enjoy TV again.

I’m gonna find out what other sources have audio descriptions and I’m never gonna see a movie in theatres without it again!

— Lisa Lou Who (@ItsLisaLouWho) January 5, 2019

oh wow, I just started watching Guardians of the Galaxy 2 on Netflix and clicked the "English-Audio Description" audio option and now the movie is being narrated by a wonderful British accent and I love it and want him to read all movies to me.

— eveforward (@eveforward) December 23, 2017

Netflix will always be superior to me just because all of their original content comes with audio description as well as a bunch of other shows / movies whereas Hulu isn’t accessible at all & doesn’t have any audio description at all ?stop making accessibility an after thought!!

— Rachael (@merderswift) July 23, 2018

The Audio Description option on Netflix is not only great for the visually impaired, it basically turns a movie into an audiobook/radio show, great for long trips on the road.

— Matt (@funx24x7) January 26, 2019

I actually turn on the audio description a lot on Netflix and it’s so helpful for catching things I missed or following the story while wearing an eyemask during a migraine. It’s weird at first but I recommend it for occasional home use even if you’re sighted!

— Laurie Stark (@heylauriestark) January 26, 2019

Do give this feature a try and let us know what you think is the comments section or write to us at team@socialsamosa.com