Visual impairment

It's important to us that everyone gets great customer service and can enjoy our products, no matter their level of sight. So, if you're blind, partially sighted or struggle to see or read the screen, we’ve a range of features to help you get the most from our products and services.

Audio Description (AD) is an additional audio narration track in movies and TV shows, designed primarily for blind and visually impaired people. During gaps in the dialogue, a narrator describes what is happening visually on screen.

We are also committed to providing audio description for all Sky Originals, although on some occasions this may not be possible in time for the first broadcast.

It’s not just about quantity though. We’re really proud of our approach to audio description and the quality it brings to our shows and movies. Our Access Services team picks the shows we audio describe carefully, making sure all flagship programmes are covered and that every series has AD for continuity and completeness. We also work with fantastic audio describers, who we match to shows that suit their voice and area of expertise, and we keep them across series’, because we know they become just as much a part of the show as anything else.

Other broadcasters offer AD on their shows too – catch them on your Sky Q and Sky+ boxes.

For help with AD, check out our guides on switching on AD and finding shows with AD over on Sky Help.

For more about AD, head over to Ciaran’s blog to find out what it’s like to be a Sky audio describer and tell us your thoughts over on Sky Community.

Finding what you want to watch when you can't see the screen or read the on-screen menus can be difficult. Whether you have Sky+ or Sky Q, there are features which make it easier to find the entertainment you love.

Voice Guidance

Voice Guidance is a screen-reader on Sky Q, providing spoken navigational guidance for people with a sight impairment. It speaks out items on the screen as you navigate with the remote control.

High Contrast

Makes it easier to read and get around the TV Guide and menus.

Beep sound to signal shows with Audio Description

Have your box play a beep sound if AD is available as you’re flicking through the channels.

Highlight shows with Audio Description or Subtitles in the TV Guide

Makes shows with AD or subtitles stand out in the TV Guide so they're easier to spot.

Accessibility remote control

Need a larger remote that’s easier to grip and has large, high contrast buttons? Our Accessibility remote control for Sky Q and Sky+ may be for you. Check out our guide to the accessibility remote or get in touch to order one free of charge.

Remote control shortcuts

Makes it quicker and easier to turn AD and subtitles on and off.

Voice control

Use your voice to change the channel, play a recording, search and much more on Sky Q (you will need a voice remote control).

These complement your Sky experience, so you can manage your account, browse what's on and even watch live, on demand and recorded content on your smartphone or tablet more easily. All the apps listed below are designed to work well with features such as TalkBack (Android), VoiceOver (iOS) and large text settings. Here’s what you can do with them:

Sky Go app

• Browse the TV Guide, watch live TV and set shows to record on your box.
• Browse and watch shows from the On Demand library in the app or download them to your box.
• Sky Q customers can see what they've recorded on their box, and even choose to watch them in the app and delete them when they’re done (with multi-room subscription).

Check out our guide to getting the most from Sky Go and Voice Control.

Sky+ app

• Fully accessible with TalkBack (Android) and VoiceOver (iOS).

• Browse the TV Guide, set shows to record and even change the channel on your box.
• See what's recorded on your box, play recordings on the TV and delete them when they’re done.
• Browse the On Demand library and download shows to your box.

Read our guide to using the Sky+ app for more info.

My Sky app

• Manage your products, services and billing.
• Join our VIP loyalty programme and claim rewards.
• Get help when you need it.

TV Guide

As well as being able to browse the TV Guide in our companion apps and on your Sky box, you can check out our Accessible TV Guide online. It shows you what's on over the next seven days and allows you to filter to show only programmes with Audio Description or Subtitles.

You might also enjoy our weekly selection of top picks, highlighting great new shows featuring audio description and subtitles.

Sky Talk, Broadband & Mobile

Our accessibility service for Sky Talk is regulated by Ofcom in the UK and ComReg in the Republic of Ireland. We're proud of the quality of support we offer to make sure you get the most from us. Read more about our support for Sky Talk and Sky Mobile.

We've also created a guide for mobile devices and their accessibility features to help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Our dedicated Accessibility team is fully trained to help you with all our products and services. They’re available seven days a week, whether you want to call, message, email or use BSL, it's easy to get in touch. You can also request to receive correspondence from us in braille, audio or large print.

We can tailor our support to help you get the most from our products and services. Get in touch to register your account so we can offer a more personalised service.

Message online with one of our agents.

Once you're connected, responses may not be immediate.

Sky's messaging service is available 9am to 5pm, Mon - Fri and 9am to 4pm on Sat . If you contact us outside of these times, please expect a response the following working day.