Lawsuit Against Netflix Exposes Need for Closed Captioning

There has been tremendous growth in online access to movies and television, but a lack of closed captioning options on Netflix "Watch Instantly" Streaming Content is leaving a vast majority of deaf and disabled viewers behind.

The National Association of the Deaf, an affiliate of COAT and a Speed Matters partner, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix alleging a violation of equal access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). NAD hopes that the court will declare the lack of closed captioning a violation of Title III of the ADA, and require closed captioning on all of Netflix's streaming titles.

36 million Americans are deaf or hard of hearing, and thousands have expressed a desire for closed captioning under the Netflix subscription. While protections exist to provide captions on broadcast television, streamed video content remains a new frontier. By setting a standard of equal access, we can help bring disabled Americans into the 21st century.

Captioning is technologically feasible online, as demonstrated video services like YouTube. Expanding access to online content should be a priority for online video providers as streaming video becomes the norm for viewers.

COAT Affiliate NAD Files Complaint against Netflix for Lack of Online TV and Movie Captioning