Watching TV with a vision impairment
Many of us rely on our televisions for information, entertainment and connection – and having sight loss doesn’t need to mean missing out.
These days, thanks to smart TV technology, our television services are becoming increasingly accessible and inclusive for people who are blind or partially sighted.
Smart TV accessibility features
New ‘smart TVs’ come with a whole range of accessibility features. Alternatively, you can buy extra devices like, for example, a Sky TV box or Fire TV stick, which add smart accessibility features to the TV you already have.
We’ve listed the features we think people with sight loss might find particularly useful. Some of these can be a little fiddly to set up so you may well find you need a bit of help to get started.
Modern smart TVs
Modern television sets are equipped with features designed to make them easier to use for those with low vision. For example, some models give you the option to change the size of the text and change the contrast on the menu.
Many modern TVs also have built-in ‘screen readers’, which convert on-screen text and menus into spoken words. With these, you can use your remote control to navigate around and the voice to guide you.
How much information the TV will read depends on the make and model, so it’s always best to ask before you buy.
Audio description (AD)
Audio description, often referred to as AD, acts like a verbal storyteller, providing spoken narration of the visual elements happening on the screen.
AD makes TV programmes and movies easier to follow if you can’t make out what’s happening on the screen.
Sadly, not on all programmes yet. By law, only 10% of broadcast TV programmes are required to include AD, but efforts are underway to make more widely available.
That the amount of AD on catch-up and on-demand TV (like BBC iPlayer and Netflix) will increase too, allowing everyone to enjoy a broader range of content.
Voice commands
Voice control features have become a game-changer for television accessibility.
Some modern remote controls support voice commands, enabling users to change channels, adjust volume, and navigate TV menus using spoken instructions.
For example:
- Sky Q’s remote control features 'Voice Control,' which allows users to speak into the remote and issue commands to the TV.
- Amazon’s Fire TV stick enables you to use voice commands for things like opening particular apps or searching YouTube.
Choosing the right TV
It can be tricky to decide which TV to buy and which features you might find most useful. Here are our tips:
If possible, shop in person so you get a chance to try out the device before you buy. It’s also worth checking the remote control that comes with it to make sure it’s going to be easy for you to use.
It's always a good idea to do your research online if you can and always ask the sales assistant about the accessibility features available. If they’re unsure, it’s worth seeing if they can find out for you.
Remember you can also use add-on technology on the TV you already have. With the Fire TV stick, for example, you can plug it into the back of your TV (with an HDMI connector) and use the voice control feature as well as the ‘Voice View’ screen reader.
Basic TV check list
If you're struggling to see or hear your TV, the information above should help, but not all solutions are so high-tech. Before you rush out to the shops, you might want to make sure you’re making the best of what you’ve got.
For example, ask yourself:
- Am I having trouble seeing the screen because the contrast or brightness is too low?
- Is the TV positioned so I get a lot of light reflection off it, from a window or a lamp?
- Would I benefit from moving the TV or getting an adjustable wall bracket?
- Would a set of headphones or an external sound bar (speaker) help me hear the TV better?
- Could I simply benefit from a bigger screen or moving my chair nearer to the TV?
Happy watching.