Usability and accessibility research

Mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.

We believe in accessible communications for everyone.

This section covers research in a number of related areas: usability of devices and services, and accessibility, particularly in relation to older people and those with disabilities; specific communications technologies such as audio description and text relay; and the accessibility of communications services for the purposes of active citizenship.

On-demand programme services: Access services reports

2017

This report sets out the extent to which broadcast television channels and on-demand programme services (“ODPS”) carried subtitles, audio description and/or signing (collectively, “access services”) in 2017.

2016/17

This report sets out the extent to which on-demand programme services (ODPS) carried subtitles, audio description or signing during two periods: Jan-Dec 2016 and Jan-July 2017.

Access and inclusion

The access and inclusion reports focus on issues such as take-up of services, devices, affordability and engagement with the communications market as well as outcomes for consumers in vulnerable circumstances in the sectors we regulate – broadband, phones, television and postal services.

These reports focus on consumers whose ability to participate in these markets and society may be affected by factors such as their age, disability, income and their experiences of the communications and postal markets.

Experience of services

In an effort to understand consumers' needs, we research the experiences of disabled customers and other users of access services.

Disabled consumers' use of communications services 2016 (PDF, 3.3 MB) Jan 2017

Disability research - technical report 2016 (PDF, 165.3 KB) Jan 2017

Disabled consumers' use of communications services Oct 2015

Citizens and communications services Oct 2014

Disabled consumers' ownership of communications services Sep 2013

Services for disabled users of communications services Oct 2010

Next-generation services for older and disabled people Sep 2010

Disabilities mystery shopping – main report Aug 2010

Exploring how manufacturers, suppliers and retailers address the needs of older and disabled people: what are the barriers and drivers? Jun 2009

Assistive technologies in communications: unmet needs, new technologies and ongoing research and development programmes Dec 2008

People with visual impairments and communications services Nov 2008

Usability in the communications sector Jun 2008

Digital television switchover and disabled, older, isolated and low-income consumers Jun 2007

Universal service obligation: deaf and hearing-impaired consumers and text phone services Jun 2004

Television access services

Non-domestic channels licensed by Ofcom are required to provide access services. Ofcom makes clear that we expect broadcasters to have made up any shortfall in their subtitling or audio description provision.

Television access services report Jan-Jul 2018 October 2018

Television access services report 2017 May 2018

Television access services report Jan-Jul 2017 October 2017

Television access services report 2016 May 2017

Television access services report Jan-Jul 2016 October 2016

Television access services report 2015 Apr 2016

Television access services: report for the first six months of 2015 Oct 2015

Television access services report 2014 Apr 2015

Television access services: report for the first six months of 2014 Nov 2014

Television access services: final report on 2013 April 2014

Television access services: report for the first six months of 2013 Sep 2013

For older reports, see the National Archives.