​​Digital & Streaming Sources

  • Media Access Group at WGBH (GBH Media Access Group) is one of the pioneers in captioning and audio description for TV and film. 
  • Disney+ / Pixar offers select films with built-in audio description and accessibility features.
  • Netflix provides extensive AD tracks on most original programming and many licensed titles.
  • Amazon Prime Video includes AD on thousands of titles; it can be filtered through the accessibility menu.
  • Apple TV / iTunes: Many films and shows include AD and captions.
  • YouTube: Some creators upload videos with AD; check under accessibility settings.
  • HBO Max (now Max) is expanding AD availability across original programming.
  • Peacock, Hulu, Paramount+, and Discovery+ Offer increasing AD support (availability varies).
  • Apps and Devices: Check the accessibility settings on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast to enable AD.

Selecting Accessible Media

  • Preview all media for AD and captions before classroom use.
  • Provide summaries of visual content or describe key visuals when AD is not available.
  • Layer supports by combining audio, visual, and tactile elements to strengthen comprehension.
  • Use trusted sources like the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) to ensure high-quality, age-appropriate content.

Viewing Environment Tips

  • Lighting: Dim lights to reduce glare, but maintain enough illumination for notetaking and mobility.
  • Preferential seating: Place students where they have optimal access to both auditory and visual information.
  • Screen sharing: Use Google Meet, Zoom, Teams, or other platforms to share media directly to a student’s device, where they can apply their own accessibility settings (magnification, screen readers, color filters).
  • Assistive devices: Encourage monoculars, handheld video magnifiers, tablets, or screen mirroring for magnification—but ensure line of sight is clear and unobstructed.
  • Headphones: Consider providing headphones for AD tracks or captions to reduce auditory distractions.

Captions & Audio Description

  • Captions benefit students with partial sight, hearing differences, auditory processing needs, or those learning English.
  • Audio Description communicates critical visual information not included in dialogue.
  • Pre-recorded AD is preferred for accuracy and pacing.
  • Live description: If AD is unavailable, provide verbal descriptions yourself or assign a trained adult/peer to describe visual elements in real time.

Device & Technology Tips

  • Preview videos on the same device students will use to ensure accessibility features work properly.
  • Enable accessibility settings such as screen readers, magnifiers, and high-contrast modes.
  • Offer multiple modalities (audio, visual, tactile) for reinforcing comprehension.
  • Download or stream AD versions in advance to prevent connection issues during class.

Resources

  • Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP): Free lending library of accessible educational videos (Pre-K–12), with captions and AD; also offers training and teacher resources. www.dcmp.org
  • Audio Description Associates: Training and consulting for producing high-quality AD. www.audiodescribe.com
  • American Council of the Blind (ACB): Audio Description Project – Comprehensive listings of AD available on TV, streaming services, DVDs, and in theaters. 
  • National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center): Guidance on creating and selecting accessible media. 
We have to do the best we can. This is our sacred human responsibility."
​-Albert Einstein

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