Accessibility

Last Updated: January 2024

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

DStv Stream is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards to ensure we provide equal access to all of our users.

We believe that entertainment should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Our goal is to create an inclusive streaming platform that can be enjoyed by all users across Africa and beyond.

2. Conformance Status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.

DStv Stream is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard, and we are actively working to address these gaps.

Current Compliance Status:

  • Website: WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Partially Conformant)
  • Mobile Apps: WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Partially Conformant)
  • Video Player: WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Partially Conformant)

3. Visual Accessibility Features

We have implemented numerous features to support users with visual impairments:

Screen Reader Support

Our platform is compatible with popular screen readers including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. All interactive elements include proper ARIA labels and semantic HTML markup to ensure accurate screen reader interpretation.

Keyboard Navigation

The entire DStv Stream platform can be navigated using only a keyboard. Users can tab through all interactive elements, and focus indicators clearly show which element is currently selected.

Visual Customization

  • High Contrast Mode: Increase contrast ratios for better visibility
  • Text Sizing: Adjust text size up to 200% without loss of functionality
  • Color Schemes: Multiple theme options including high contrast options
  • Reduced Motion: Option to disable animations and auto-playing content

Content Descriptions

All images, icons, and graphical elements include alternative text descriptions to convey meaning to screen reader users.

4. Audio and Subtitle Accessibility

We provide comprehensive audio and subtitle options for users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have auditory processing difficulties:

Closed Captions

  • Available for over 95% of our content library
  • Multiple language options for international content
  • Customizable caption appearance (font, size, color, background)
  • SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) including sound descriptions

Audio Descriptions

Audio descriptions provide narration of visual elements for blind and low-vision users. We are continuously expanding our library of content with audio description tracks.

Volume Control & Audio Balance

  • Independent volume controls for dialogue, music, and sound effects
  • Audio balance adjustment for left/right channel control
  • Hearing aid compatible audio output

5. Cognitive and Learning Accessibility

We've designed DStv Stream to be usable for people with cognitive and learning disabilities:

Simplified Navigation

  • Clear, consistent navigation structure across all pages
  • Breadcrumb trails to help users understand their location
  • Search functionality with autocomplete and typo tolerance

Content Organization

  • Clear headings and logical content structure
  • Visual cues and icons to supplement text
  • Consistent design patterns throughout the platform
  • Option to disable distracting animations

Reading Support

  • Plain language writing style
  • Adjustable text spacing and line height
  • Dyslexia-friendly font options

6. Motor and Physical Accessibility

For users with motor disabilities or limited dexterity, we provide:

Input Options

  • Full keyboard navigation without requiring a mouse
  • Voice control integration (where supported by device)
  • Switch control and adaptive device compatibility
  • Large touch targets on mobile devices (minimum 44x44 pixels)

Time-Based Controls

  • No time limits on interactions that could disadvantage users
  • Ability to pause, stop, or hide moving content
  • Extended timeout options for session management

7. Mobile and Device Accessibility

Our mobile applications include accessibility features built on native platform capabilities:

iOS App Features

  • VoiceOver screen reader support
  • Dynamic Type for adjustable text sizes
  • Voice Control and Switch Control compatibility
  • Reduce Motion and Reduce Transparency options

Android App Features

  • TalkBack screen reader support
  • Font size scaling support
  • Switch Access compatibility
  • Gesture navigation alternatives

Smart TV and Streaming Devices

  • Remote control accessibility features
  • Voice command support on compatible devices
  • Large, easy-to-read interface optimized for viewing distance

8. Assistive Technologies

DStv Stream is designed to work with a wide range of assistive technologies, including but not limited to:

Screen Readers

  • JAWS (Job Access With Speech)
  • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
  • VoiceOver (macOS and iOS)
  • TalkBack (Android)
  • Narrator (Windows)

Browser Extensions

  • Screen magnification software
  • Color overlay tools
  • Read-aloud extensions
  • Custom stylesheet applications

Alternative Input Devices

  • Adaptive keyboards and switches
  • Eye-tracking devices
  • Voice recognition software
  • Sip-and-puff devices

9. Known Limitations and Ongoing Improvements

We acknowledge that some accessibility barriers may still exist. We are actively working to address the following known limitations:

Current Limitations

  • Audio descriptions are not available for all content (currently ~40% coverage)
  • Some third-party embedded content may not meet our accessibility standards
  • Legacy content may have incomplete caption synchronization
  • Some complex data visualizations in our analytics features may require alternative formats

Upcoming Improvements

  • Q2 2024: Enhanced audio description library expansion
  • Q3 2024: AI-powered real-time caption generation for live content
  • Q4 2024: Sign language interpretation for selected content
  • Ongoing: Regular accessibility audits and user testing with disabled users

10. Accessibility Testing and Quality Assurance

We employ multiple methods to ensure and maintain accessibility:

Testing Procedures

  • Automated accessibility scanning tools (WAVE, Axe, Lighthouse)
  • Manual testing with keyboard-only navigation
  • Screen reader testing across multiple platforms
  • User testing with people with disabilities
  • Third-party accessibility audits conducted annually

Development Practices

  • Accessibility requirements included in all feature specifications
  • Accessibility checkpoints in code review process
  • Regular training for development and design teams
  • Accessibility champions embedded in each product team

11. Feedback and Support

Your feedback helps us improve accessibility for all users. If you encounter accessibility barriers while using DStv Stream, please let us know:

How to Contact Us

Accessibility Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 (0) 800 STREAM (787326) - Select option 3 for accessibility support

Mail: DStv Stream Accessibility Team, 123 Stream Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

What to Include in Your Feedback

To help us address your concerns effectively, please provide:

  • A description of the accessibility barrier you encountered
  • The page or feature where you experienced the issue
  • The device, operating system, and browser you were using
  • Any assistive technology you were using
  • Suggestions for improvement (if applicable)

Response Time

We aim to respond to all accessibility-related inquiries within 2 business days. For critical accessibility issues that prevent you from using essential features, we will prioritize a response within 24 hours.

12. Third-Party Content and Services

DStv Stream may include content or links to third-party services that we do not control. While we strive to work only with partners who share our commitment to accessibility, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of third-party content.

If you encounter accessibility issues with third-party content on our platform, please inform us so we can work with our partners to address these concerns.

13. Accessibility Training and Resources

We provide accessibility resources to help all users get the most out of DStv Stream:

User Guides

Video Tutorials

We offer accessible video tutorials (with captions and audio descriptions) demonstrating how to use accessibility features on DStv Stream.

14. Legal Compliance

DStv Stream is committed to complying with applicable accessibility laws and regulations, including:

  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (US)
  • European Accessibility Act (EAA)
  • UK Equality Act 2010
  • South African Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act

15. Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment. We regularly review and update our accessibility practices as technology evolves and we receive feedback from our users.

Last Accessibility Audit: December 2023

Next Scheduled Audit: December 2024

Policy Last Reviewed: January 2024

We will update this accessibility statement whenever changes are made to our accessibility features or in response to user feedback.