The Broadcasting Services Act should be amended to ensure people with disability can reliably access all free-to-air television.

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What is Netflix Australia?

Netflix Australia is a subscription video on demand service provider that allows consumers to watch video entertainment online. Key information about this provider includes:

• Netflix, the parent company of Netflix Australia, operates in over 190 countries around the world, making it one of the largest global online video services.
  
  
• Netflix produces original content in addition to streaming the content of others.
  
  
• Netflix Australia’s content offers a smaller and different variety of content to Netflix in the United States, but still contains thousands of movies and TV shows available to watch instantly on any device that streams Netflix.
  
  
• Subscriptions are monthly and can be cancelled at any time.

How can I join and play videos using Netflix Australia?

To join Netflix Australia, you will need a credit or debit card.

1. Go to the Netflix Australia website
   
   
2. Select the ‘Join free for a month’ button
   
   
3. Follow the on-screen prompts
   
   

Note: If you do not want to be charged for using Netflix Australia, you will need to cancel before the end of your 1-month free trial.

To watch Netflix, you will need a device that is:

• Connected to the internet
  
  
• Capable of running a web browser or a Netflix app
  
  

Devices can include:

• Smart TV
  
  
• Game console
  
  
• Streaming media player
  
  
• Smartphone or tablet
  
  
• Desktop or laptop computer
  
  

Specific information can be found on the Netflix Australia Device page

What accessibility features are common to playing videos online?

There are two main features that support the playback of online videos in an accessible way:

• Captions: this is the text version of speech and other sound that can be provided on videos. Captions can be either open (which means the captions are always on) or closed (which allows the consumer to turn the captions on or off).
  
  
• Audio description: this is when spoken narration is used to describe visual content. Narration is usually included between bits of dialogue and can be used to describe visual elements such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes.
  
  

In addition, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has produced the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 to make sure that creators of web and app content can include accessibility features such as captions, audio description and an accessible interface for assistive technology users. A simplified version of this standard is also available.

How accessible is Netflix Australia?

According to research conducted by Curtin University, Perth:

• Closed captions are available on most videos.
  
  
• Audio description can be found on some videos.
  
  
• The website and apps on devices such as tablets are not entirely WCAG 2.0 compliant, meaning that some users are likely to experience difficulties in finding and playing video content with their assistive technologies.
  
  

What tips and tricks can I use to overcome the accessibility barriers on Netflix Australia?

Here are some tips and tricks provided by consumers that have used Netflix Australia to maximise your accessibility:

• Try a different device: consumers have indicated that some platforms may be easier to use with assistive technologies than others. For example, if you are having difficulty with the website, the app on an Android-based tablet or an iOS device such as an iPad may work better with the device’s built-in accessibility features.
  
  
• Audio description-only link: the web portal has a link that allows you to just view content with audio description. Just log into Netflix Australia, scroll down to the bottom of the webpage and select ‘audio description’.
  
  
• Language icon: to select captions and audio description if available in the web portal, search for the video you would like to play, then select the Language icon in the bottom right corner of the video player. You will then find all the available accessibility features.
  
  
• More audio description on the way: a settlement between Netflix and the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and Netflix in April 2016 has led to Netflix committing to make changes to its USA service which is likely to improve Netflix Australia. Improvements discussed in the settlement consist of better searching options and a significant improvement in available titles, particularly new titles.
  
  

Are there more accessible video on demand services available?

There are a number of different subscription video on demand services available to consumers, and these services offer different accessible content. With most services offering some form of free trial, it may be worth testing a service to determine which one works best for you. In addition to this tip sheet, Curtin University has also created tip sheets for Stan, Presto, Quickflix and Foxtel Play.

The video I want to play is not accessible. What can I do?

If you are unable to find or play a video due to accessibility issues, there are a number of steps you can take to voice your concerns. Please refer to the Video on Demand Subscription Services: Accessibility and Your Consumer Rights tip sheet created by Curtin University as part of this series or follow the links in the help section below.

Where can I get additional help and information?

For additional help regarding Netflix Australia, you can go to:

• Netflix Help Centre
  
  
• Netflix captions help
  
  
• Netflix audio description help
  
  

The operation of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.

Mobile broadband plans are designed to be used on the go. The SIM card inserts into one device, such as a tablet or phone. For more than one person or device to connect you need to 'hotspot' the device.

It is important to check that provider offers coverage in your house!

• Amaysim
• Jeenee Mobile
• Optus
• Ovo
• Spintel
• Vaya
• Yomojo

You might be eligible to receive the Centrelink Telephone Allowance to help you pay for your phone and internet connection.

If you are eligible you can receive a payment from the Government of either $28.20 or $42.00 every three months.

You can read more information about whether you can get the Centrelink Telephone Allowance by clicking here.

How can I claim the Centrelink Telephone Allowance?

If the Centrelink Telephone Allowance is not already paid to you as a part of your Centrelink payments, and you would like to receive it, or if you are unsure whether you are eligible, you should contact Centrelink.

You can contact Centrelink:

• By phone (click to find the relevant phone number for you)
• By writing, emailing, or sending a fax (click for addresses and fax number)
• Or by visiting a Centrelink office. You can find the closest one to you on this page.

Which is the right telco deal for you?

Finding the right telco deal depends on what your needs are.

In this tip sheet we look at some good value products on the market that may be suitable for voice only and light internet users.

Remember it is a good idea to review your telecommunication services every year or two - if you have been on the same plan for a while, there may be new and better deals available.

Read more: Tips for voice only and light internet users

Download: ACCAN Magazine - Issue 32 Winter 201911.65 MB

Download accessible version: ACCAN Magazine Issue 32 - Winter 2019 - Accessible Version50.56 KB

 [Watch on Youtube: Video will Autoplay. 
Remember: Use Wi-Fi to watch this if you can]

Read more: Choosing an Internet Plan - Auslan

This tip sheet is available in:

Arabic - Making a Complaint241.77 KB

Simplified Chinese - Making a Complaint236.25 KB

Spanish - Making a Complaint200.71 KB

Tagalog - Making a Complaint194.21 KB

Vietnamese - Making a Complaint209.27 KB

Read more: Making a Complaint - Information in other languages

Read more: Torres Strait Island Creole

Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus (or nbn’s Satellite Services) provide fast broadband coverage to around 430,000 homes and small businesses across regional, rural and remote Australia and its islands.

The 3rd edition of this extensive, easy to understand guide is now available for download in PDF and Word formats.

It covers topics such as:

Read more: Satellite - Sky Muster Guide 3rd Edition

If you are Deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, please contact us on 02 9288 4000 through your preferred National Relay Service call number or access point. For more information about the National Relay Service visit the National Relay Service website.

If you want to call us and need an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone ACCAN on 02 9288 4000.

ACCAN commissioned research assessing the effectiveness of programs and offers being provided by the telecommunications industry to assist low income households and individuals with the affordability of their telecommunications services.

The research encompassed surveys and interviews with community organisations involved in delivering some of the programs, community organisations who work with low income individuals and households, and low income individuals themselves – both those that have received programs and offers from telcos and those that haven’t.

Read more: Addressing Telecommunications Affordability: Evaluating Support for Low Income Consumers

Community Position on the Public Procurement of Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

ACCAN and a consortium of Disability and Consumer Organisations are calling for a whole-of-government policy for the procurement of accessible information and communications technology (ICT).

Public procurement of accessible ICT, across all levels of government, will ensure that all Australians are able to participate and benefit from our growing digital economy.

Read more: Community Position on the Public Procurement of Accessible Information and Communication...

Cybercriminals and scammers may defraud you and your customers if they can access personal details. Below are common cybersecurity solutions used by small business owners, and information on what to do if your website is breached.

Read more: Avoiding Website Security Breaches and Other Cybersecurity Tips

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) was delighted to hold the 2nd Annual Sue Salthouse Memorial Lecture online at 4:00 pm on Thursday 1st December 2022.

Read more: Sue Salthouse Memorial Lecture 2022

The summary below outlines ACCAN’s activities from 1 September – 30 November 2022.

Read more: Quarter 2, FY22-23

Desktop computers - Victoria

Deakin University

This project will explore how communication is defined and implications for reforms to the laws of information privacy, telecommunications surveillance, and digital markets. The team will conduct focus groups with diverse communities to enhance consumer advocacy and representation in submissions to proposed reforms and improve consumer protections.

Read more: In progress! Defining Communication in a Digital Era: What Best Protects Diverse Consumers?

Read more: David Coleman MP

The resource provides a series of guidelines on how to make Word and PDF documents accessible and outlines a checklist to create accessible publications and presentations. It also lists the accessibility features of different online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, and identifies key physical, visual and audio requirements for accessible physical meeting spaces.

Read more: Accessibility Best Practice Guide

Delegate resources from Belong

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the new Telecommunications (Financial Hardship) Industry Standard, developed by the ACMA at the direction of the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

ACCAN CEO Andrew Williams said that the new financial hardship standard is a critical improvement in consumer protections for telecommunications consumers.

Read more: Financial Hardship Rules a Welcome Protection for Struggling Consumers

ACCAN recently submitted to Communications Alliance’s consultation on the C522:2016 Calling Number Display Guideline. The guideline outlines how Carriage Service Providers offer ‘private’ or ‘blocked’ Caller ID’s to consumers.

Read more: C522:2016 Calling Number Display Guideline