As a person who is completely blind, I understand the importance of having accessible entertainment options. Streaming services like DSTV and Showmax, which are popular in South Africa, unfortunately do not provide meaningful audio description or the ability to independently access audio-described narrations. This is a major barrier for people with visual disabilities and makes it difficult for us to fully enjoy the content offered by these services.
Audio description is a crucial aspect of accessibility for the visually impaired. It provides a verbal description of the visual elements of a movie or TV show, including character actions, expressions, and the surrounding environment. This helps us to better understand the story and fully engage with the content.
However, DSTV and Showmax do not offer audio description as part of their services. This means that people with visual disabilities are unable to fully experience the content offered by these streaming services. This is a major disappointment, as it limits our access to entertainment and reinforces the idea that people with disabilities are not valued by these companies.
As a result, I have turned to alternative streaming services like HBO Max and Hulu, which provide audio description and allow me to independently access the audio-described narrations. These services understand the importance of accessibility and have made it a priority to include audio description in their offerings.
It is unfortunate that South African companies like DSTV and Showmax do not value people with visual disabilities. This forces us to seek alternative options and reinforces the idea that we are not considered in their business decisions. It is my hope that, in the future, these companies will understand the importance of accessibility and will make meaningful audio description a priority in their offerings.
In conclusion, as a totally blind person, I reject South African streaming services like DSTV and Showmax because of their lack of meaningful audio description and the inability to independently access audio-described narrations. Instead, I turn to alternative services that prioritize accessibility and provide audio description as part of their offerings. It is my hope that, in the future, South African companies will recognize the importance of accessibility and make meaningful audio description a priority in their services.