Channel Surfing For the Blind
- Joseph Van Scyoc
- May 10, 2017
- 2 min read
Video and TV program descriptions for the blind and visually impaired have caught some attention recently as some the major cable providers are pushing for it. The FCC mandates Closed Captions for the deaf and similarly Blink Today stands behind the movement of accessible technology for all. If you're “sighted” or can see and are wondering what a video description would be just think of watching a hard core action movie with your eyes closed. It is hard to follow the plot if no one is talking. It is up to the publishers of the programming or content to include these descriptions. I will be digging into this soon but let’s get back into the conversation today pertaining to channel surfing if you can’t see.
If you’re a paying customer for a TV provider you already have accessibility services at your fingertips. There is no additional cost for the accessibility services provided by TV and cable companies. After making some phone calls and speaking to all the appropriate departments and customer service representatives here is what I found out on the first round of investigation.
Spectrum the cable provider formally know as Time Warner.
Spectrum aka Time Warner is currently in a point of transition in the next three months for accessibility services. They will soon utilize Roku to make sure the TV guide and programming will be read aloud to the customer so blind people can also check out what’s on TV. In the meantime it is interesting what they will do for the legally blind.
Once you contact customer support they will send out a technician with a laptop that you get to lease! That technician will set up the lap top with a screen reader (NVDA) and give you a demo on the Time Warner App and how to use it. If you have TV and Internet the laptop will be enabled to also surf the web. If you only pay for TV the laptop will be set up for their apps only. I was told in three months this should be over and Roku will ensure accessibility for the blind.
A few other cool things is they will send bills in braille if you request it. They will also send large print bills and have the option for a remote with increased font size for those who need it. To learn more check out their site below or call directly into the accessibility department at 844-762-1301.
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