Netflix Reemphasizes ‘Commitment to making Entertainment More Accessible’ in GAAD blog post

For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Netflix on Thursday published a blog post in which director of product accessibility Heather Dowdy reflects upon “a year of progress in accessibility” at the company. The executive, herself a fellow CODA, stresses the streaming giant is steadfastly committed to “making entertainment more accessible and celebrating the community of Netflix members who use these features every day.”

Dowdy’s words are laudatory in tone, with her boasting about the Bay Area-based company’s many achievements in accentuating the accessibility of its platform. Dowdy mentions the recent accessibility-centric enhancements—experiential improvements which, while obviously welcome, pale in comparison to the forthcoming redesign that will subsume said accessibility features. Moreover, Dowdy noted the company supported a workshop during which writers in the United States received trained on making good audio descriptions; such a move, she wrote, demonstrates an understanding of “the importance of not just developing features but also growing expertise.” This is essential work, Dowdy added, because quality audio descriptions are crucial for many in the Blind and low vision community to maximally enjoy movies and television shows on Netflix—or any other streaming service out there, for that matter.

Elsewhere, Dowdy says a goal of Netflix in the accessibility arena is to not only provide robust software features, but also raise awareness of disability-focused storytelling. To that end, she gives a shoutout to the company’s Amplifying Accessibility Awareness, described as “a collection of series and films that highlight the lives and perspectives of people living with disabilities.” Notably, the Accessibility Awareness collection includes the popular Love on the Spectrum show, about autistic people navigating the complexities of dating and romantic relationships. Olivia Harrison, writing for Netflix’s in-house Tudum publication, reported earlier this week the Emmy-winning documentary series has been renewed for a yet-to-be-announced fourth season. Additionally, Dowdy says Netflix was honored with an Eagle Award at last year’s Disability Rights Advocates Gala. The recognition, she said, was for the company’s “efforts to make entertainment more accessible for all audiences everywhere,” adding “it was humbling to see our progress acknowledged within the community, and a reminder that there’s still more to learn, improve, and celebrate with our members.”