The launch of ITVX has given deaf viewers will access to a British Sign Language channel with ITV claim is a worldwide streaming first.
The channel solely features signed programming, including a range of shows such as the Emmerdale and Coronation Street omnibus episodes, Cilla, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, Vera, Lewis, and The Saint.
ITV said the channel will be regularly updated and will evolve to include both recent and archive programming from a wide variety of genres.
ITVX launched at the beginning of December with a selection of 20 themed channels, which are designed to offer a lean-back experience of watching a scheduled channel. The channels appear in the “live” section of the service, directly below ITV’s six existing channels (ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe and CITV).
ITV’s Director of Accessibility, David Padmore, said: “We’re committed to placing great accessibility at the heart of ITVX and our offering at launch represents significant progress on ITV Hub. Our ITV Signed Channel gives us a fantastic platform for showcasing our rich archive of signed programmes.”
Teri Devine, Associate Director for Inclusion at RNID, said: “Following the recognition of the British Sign Language Act, it is fantastic to see more and more industries and organisations become accessible to BSL users. We’re thrilled that ITV have considered the accessibility of BSL users for the launch of their new channel feature, making it easier for them to find new signed content. Building in accessibility from the start is important and should be the norm, and we look forward to seeing ITV expanding its access services across the remaining platforms.”
ITV said that teams across the business have worked to ensure the brand, design and user interfaces are accessible and that they support assistive technology such as screen readers.
ITVX will now have subtitles for over 90 per cent of on-demand programmes on every platform and device – from the mobile apps, through the main web browsers to all connected TVs and plug-in devices. ITV added that it is committed to continuing to improve the inclusive design as ITVX evolves.
