ABC iview on the road to accessibility

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Thursday, 20 March 2014 16:51pm

The ABC is working on Australia’s most accessible catch-up TV service as it rolls out improvements to iview.

First launched in 2008, iview is a platform available on the web, mobile devices, gaming consoles and smart TVs which allows you to watch ABC programs at your convenience. Now, the platform is going through a significant redesign and the team behind it is using this as an opportunity to make the iview website and mobile apps able to be used by everyone, regardless of disability or age.

The ABC employed consultants from Stamford Interactive and Vision Australia to help them achieve compliance with international accessibility standards. Most of the accessibility improvements have already been made to the website and mobile apps, with more to be rolled out gradually over the coming months.

“Many of the recommendations provided by the accessibility consultants have already been implemented and rolled out with the new iview website and iOS app,” said project manager Natalie Mayoh. “Over the coming months we’re making further enhancements to the website for screen reader compatibility, keyboard accessibility and colour contrast, in addition to making particular features on the iOS app more accessible for people with vision impairment.”

iview was the first of two catch-up services in Australia (the other being SBS’s) to offer closed captions for viewers who are Deaf or hearing impaired. Audio description, which communicates the visual elements of a video for people who are blind or vision impaired, is not available on iview despite this being a requirement of WCAG 2.0 Level AA.Although the ABC trialled the broadcast of audio description in 2012, it has not been provided since.

The ABC iview team is seeking feedback from users with disability. Get in touch via thecontact form or Twitter (@ABCiview).

iview is free to use. Access it via:


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