Hulu sued for not offering audio service for the blind

BOSTON — Advocacy groups have sued Hulu in an effort to force the subscription streaming service to provide an audio track that helps people who are blind or visually impaired enjoy TV shows and movies.

The federal lawsuit filed Monday in Boston asks the court to declare that Hulu’s failure to provide services for the blind violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. The groups say Hulu has refused to do so despite repeated requests from advocates and customers.

The groups want Hulu to provide audio tracks that describe a scene, facial expressions or actions during a pause in dialogue.

The lawsuit also seeks to ensure people who use screen readers can use Hulu’s website and applications. Screen readers convey what’s seen on a website or apps using audio or braille.

Most major movie companies already provide audio description tracks, and audio exists for many TV shows and movies that are available on Hulu, the lawsuit says.