For people who are blind or visually impaired, and their families or professionals, a TV isn’t just for watching pictures, it’s for listening, enjoying stories, connecting with others. A standard TV without accessible features can lead to frustration: menus you cannot hear, audio-description tracks you cannot find, remote controls you cannot feel. But when you choose a TV with inclusive design you open up entertainment, social time and independence.
In recent years manufacturers and broadcasters have improved features like built-in voice guides, audio description tracks and accessible menus. For example the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) highlights that many mainstream televisions now include a voice guidance feature that can announce on-screen information for people with sight loss.
When professionals (educators, rehabilitation specialists) recommend a TV set or streaming set-top box, they should look beyond picture quality and focus on accessibility. In this post we will walk through key features, setup steps and user scenarios so you can make an informed choice. For a full overview of accessible home entertainment systems, visit our full guide.
Key features to look for in an accessible TV
Here is a checklist of important features when selecting a “TV for visually impaired” use case:
- Voice guidance / screen reader: The TV can speak menus, channel names, settings. RNIB says many sets now have “Voice Guidance” or similar built-in speech.
- Audio description (AD): Also known as a narration track inserted during pauses in dialogue to describe on-screen action. For true accessibility this is essential.
- Large tactile / high contrast remote or voice-control remote: Ease of use for someone with low vision or limited dexterity. Ability to use voice commands is increasingly beneficial.
- Accessible on-screen menus and program guide: Menus should be readable or spoken, and the set-top box interfaces should follow accessibility standards.
- Compatible streaming / smart features: Many users rely on streaming services rather than standard broadcast; being able to access them via an accessible interface matters.
- Adjustable text size, contrast and colour settings (for those with low vision rather than no vision): According to AbilityNet, these are major features for partially-sighted users. You can explore how these features fit within a complete accessible entertainment setup in our full blog about all things entertainment for blind and visually impaired.
If you keep these steps in mind, you will be setting up more than just a big screen. You'll be creating a truly usable TV experience that removes the frustration and opens up entertainment for people with sight loss.
How to compare real-world products
When you are at a retailer or comparing online, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Ask whether the TV has menu voice output out of the box. Some brands only have partial voice guidance, and you may need to activate it manually.
- If possible test the remote control: Are buttons tactile? Is there a voice command button? For example, some recent models from brands like Samsung include full voice output of menus.
- Try enabling audio description (AD) manually or ask a sighted helper to help you locate the setting. If you cannot find it, the content may not be usable for you.
- Check streaming apps: Do they support audio description? Are the apps navigable via voice or screen reader? Some users on forums note that devices like Apple TV or streaming sticks may work better.
- Consider future-proofing: Choose a model that will get software updates, has HDMI ports (so you can add accessible streaming devices later) and strong accessibility support documented.
- For caretakers or educators: Ask about accessibility features for different user groups (older users, tech-savvy users, children) – what settings can be simplified or customised?
This practical approach helps you move from “nice screen” to “usable, accessible entertainment hub”. To see more examples of compatible devices and streaming setups, check out our full blog on setting up an entertainment system.
Setting up your TV for blind or visually impaired us
Once you have chosen a suitable TV, you still need to set it up correctly. Below is a simple step-by-step approach:
- Initial setup with sighted help – When powering up for the first time, a sighted helper can guide you through the input selection, language settings and network connection.
- Enable voice guidance or screen reader – Go into Settings → Accessibility (or similar) and turn on the speech function so menus, channel lists and settings are audible.
- Activate audio description (AD) – In the TV’s audio settings or the broadcast service settings, turn on the secondary audio programming (SAP) or AD track so narrated descriptions are available.
- Set up streaming device or on-demand service – If using a streaming stick or smart TV app, ensure the device is accessible (with screen reader or voice control). Example: A streaming stick with mic button remote can make navigation far easier.
- Organise remote control and tactile cues – Add tactile markers (e.g., bump dots) to important buttons (power, volume, input) so the device can be used independently.
- Teach others in the household – Make sure family or caregivers know how to switch between descriptive and non-descriptive modes, and how to help when new apps are added or settings change. For a full setup checklist covering sound systems, streaming services, and smart devices, visit our blog.
By doing these steps you transform the TV from an inaccessible gadget into an inclusive entertainment tool that works for someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Tips for different user profiles
Here are specific tips depending on who is using the TV:
- Tech-savvy users: Explore advanced streaming apps, customise voice commands, use a smart home assistant (like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant) to launch shows.
- Older individuals adjusting to sight loss: Simplify the interface, consider using a streaming stick with a large accessible remote instead of the main TV’s complex menus; focus on large tactile remotes and voice guides.
- Educators and caregivers: Demonstrate the TV setup in a classroom or training session, then allow the user to navigate independently. Encourage practise of switching audio description on and off.
- Families: Set up profiles in streaming apps that default to audio description, and teach everyone where the “AD” option is so you don’t have to re-configure each time. You can find more tailored examples for families, educators, and tech-savvy users in our full guide about setting up an entertainment system.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can save frustration:
- Buying the biggest screen without checking accessibility features – large size alone won’t help if size cannot overcome unusable menus.
- Assuming “smart TV” means “accessible TV” – Smart features are not always built with blind users in mind. Capability varies widely.
- Forgetting to check audio description on streaming apps – Some content may have AD disabled even if the TV supports it.
- Leaving remote setup for later – If the remote is hard to feel or use, the TV may remain inaccessible. Add tactile markers early.
- Not keeping software updated – Manufacturers release accessibility enhancements via firmware. A model purchased today may get better accessibility with updates.
By being mindful of these, you will reduce barriers and make the TV setup truly functional.
Inclusion and independence
Access to entertainment like TV is not just a leisure issue, it’s about connection, independence and equal participation. For someone who is blind or visually impaired, the ability to select a programme, navigate menus and hear descriptive narration means they can join social viewing, relax after a busy day or enjoy a documentary independently. Research published in 2024 shows that video accessibility preferences vary by scenario (learning, entertainment) and highlight how standard one-size-fits-all approaches may not meet user needs.
When you choose and set up an accessible TV properly you are removing a barrier and empowering the user. As part of this we also recommend exploring our full guide on Setting Up Accessible Entertainment for Blind and Visually Impaired People.
FAQ
What is audio description on TV?
Audio description (AD) is a narrator track inserted during natural pauses in dialogue that describes visual elements for someone who is blind or visually impaired.
How do I know if a TV has voice guidance features?
Check the TV’s accessibility settings under “Voice Guidance”, “Screen Reader”, “TalkBack” or ask the retailer to demo it speaking channel names and menus.
Can I make any TV accessible using additional devices?
Yes. You can add a streaming stick or accessible set-top box that supports screen readers or voice commands, and connect via HDMI.
Are streaming services accessible for people who are blind?
Many are, but not all. You should check whether the app supports audio description and is navigable via voice guidance or screen reader.
What’s the best remote control design for someone with sight loss?
A remote with large tactile buttons, clear spacing, dedicated voice-control button and optionally tactile markers on essential keys (power, volume) works best.