Award
Sky’s accessible remote wins UK’s first Age OK accreditation from Help the Aged and Age Concern
On 29th April 2009 the Sky team were delighted to have the great design of its accessible remote control recognised by Help the Aged and Age Concern.
Sky launched the accessible remote control in 2007 following research which told us that over 10.3 million adults who live in their own home had difficultly lifting and carrying objects because of reduced mobility and manual dexterity. This problem is probably a lot greater when you consider that there are now over 20 million people over 60 in the UK.
Older customers
In response to an obvious need to make things that bit easier, Sky launched the remote control specifically designed to help older customers, people with visual impairments and those with limited dexterity.
It offers all the familiar features of the iconic Sky+ remote in two variants with different battery door options - either a textured easy-grip door or a hand strap option to help customers with dexterity problems. Both versions have the additional benefits of:
• larger and bolder graphics for easier button identification
• raised contoured buttons with more reference points for easier button identification for visually impaired users
• increased colour contrast between buttons and body of the remote
• compatibility with all Sky+ and Sky boxes.
Research
It was shaped by research conducted by Sky in conjunction with Scope at Beaumont College, Age Concern and disability research agency Ricability to meet the needs of customers with both minor impediments and a range of disabilities including motor control and cognitive impairment.
Tom Wright, Chief Executive of Age Concern and Help the Aged, said:
"We’re delighted to award Sky the first Age OK product accreditation for its age-friendly Sky+ inclusive remote control, and would particularly like to congratulate the team behind its design.
"It’s now time for other businesses to follow Sky’s lead as, after all, they’re missing a trick by not responding to the needs of older consumers, particularly in these difficult economic times. It’s also key businesses understand that older people, who now account for a third of the population, may simply not use products or services that fail to take them into account.
"However, aside from the business opportunity, it’s also imperative that the commercial sector starts preparing for the very necessary changes that will have to take place, across the whole of society, in order to properly meet the needs of our ageing population. The Age OK accreditation is a great starting point for those companies, like Sky, who want to be one step ahead of this inevitable trend."
Inclusive remote control
Sky was the first UK broadcaster to launch an inclusive remote control that specifically addresses problems some viewers have operating their TV remote. Sky+ Remote Control - Easy Grip adds yet another exclusive feature to our range of accessibility services, bringing us another step closer to making Sky the most user-friendly TV service in the world.
Sky+ Easy Grip Remote Control is free of charge to customers who would find it useful and can be ordered from calling the Sky Accessible Customer Service team on 08442 410333 or text phone number 08442 410535.
Sky’s other accessibility services include subtitles, sign language and audio description. With a dedicated one-stop-shop for customer service, disabled customers can get alternative media and expert advice to suit their needs.