Netflix partners with SignUp Media to deliver ASL interpretations for children’s content
The new initiative covers 73 titles, including Stranger Things: Tales From '85 and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, marking a departure from traditional in-app accessibility features.
Netflix has entered a partnership with SignUp Media to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations for children’s programming, covering hundreds of hours of content across 73 titles. The service, first reported by IndieWire, includes a mix of original Netflix properties and licensed films, featuring titles such as Stranger Things: Tales From '85, Pokémon Horizons, Octonauts, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
The delivery mechanism differs significantly from standard industry practices. Rather than embedding ASL tracks directly within the application, the service operates via a Google Chrome extension. Once installed, the software overlays the interpreter in a separate window during playback. This approach allows for accessibility without requiring individual production of ASL tracks for every title, a process that is typically resource-intensive for streaming platforms.
The initiative is driven by research suggesting that standard captions may be insufficient for the educational needs of hearing-impaired children. Studies have indicated that deaf and hard-of-hearing children often score lower in literacy tests compared to their hearing peers, highlighting a gap that static text captions may not fully address. By providing dynamic sign language interpretation, the partnership aims to improve literacy outcomes and engagement for this demographic.
SignUp Media specialises in online sign language interpretations and has previously applied similar technology to high-profile film events. Earlier this year, the company provided ASL interpretations for every best picture nominee from the 2026 Academy Awards through The Oscars Project. The expansion into children’s content represents a broader application of their technology to address specific accessibility challenges in family entertainment.
The move positions Netflix as an early adopter of third-party accessibility overlays for streaming, contrasting with competitors who typically rely on native app features for accessibility. While the specific literacy study underpinning the decision is not cited by name in the source material, the strategic focus on educational outcomes suggests a long-term commitment to inclusive content delivery. The service is currently available to users who install the designated Chrome extension.
