Free webinar with BBC and AbilityNet: How to access TV, films, music and podcasts online

This friendly 45‑minute session, How to access TV, films, music and podcasts online, is designed for disabled people and older people and those who are interested in how to watch, listen and stay entertained online.

Want to make the most of your phone, tablet, computer or smart TV? This friendly beginner-level webinar with expert guest speakers from BBC and AbilityNet explores popular UK entertainment services that can help you relax, learn and stay connected.

You'll learn about:

• Streaming TV and films with services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Netflix
• Listening to music, radio and podcasts
• Finding audiobooks and eBooks
• Watching live and catch-up television
• Useful accessibility features that make entertainment easier to enjoy

Watch the webinar below and access the transcript and slides.

Who will benefit from this webinar?

The session will benefit:

• Older people and disabled adults
• Carers of older people or disabled adults
• Health professionals working with older people or disabled adults
• People interested in tech and digital devices
• Web and Accessibility professionals interested in design and digital considerations for older people and disabled adults

If you work for an organisation that helps older people or disabled adults, this webinar shares useful resources and advice to help your clients.

This session is part of AbilityNet's work with telecommunications company BT Group to help older people and disabled adults to build online skills and confidence.

Q&A

This webinar ran for 45 minutes and included an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers. Find out more about our webinars in our FAQs information.

Please find answers to some questions that were missed during the live session: 

Question 1: I used to be able to download a series from the BBC but now I have to watch one episode at a time. Any idea how I can download series again?

Andy: We no longer offer offline downloads on desktop (computers/laptops). Offline downloads are only available on the mobile apps now (smartphones/tablets). There's no plans to reintroduce this feature on desktop at the moment. You can read more about the BBC iPlayer update on BBC news.

Question 2: Can I please get some more advice on how to use a password manager?

Anna: Password managers can make it easier and more secure to access your accounts, especially if remembering or typing passwords is difficult. Many services also offer a "show password" option (often an eye icon) to help you check what you've entered.

It's good practice to keep passwords up to date and ensure your account recovery details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, are current. If you use a password manager, remember to update saved passwords when you make changes.

Many people already have access to password managers through their Google, Apple or Samsung accounts. Make sure these accounts are protected with a strong password and two-factor authentication (2FA), as access to the account may also provide access to stored passwords. These services can also alert you if a password has been compromised in a known data breach.

Passkeys are an alternative to passwords and are recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre. They allow you to sign in using your device's PIN, fingerprint or face recognition instead of entering a password each time.

Some services also let you sign in using a QR code or your Google or Apple account, which can reduce the need to remember passwords. It's worth reviewing which apps are connected to these accounts from time to time.

If you'd like more help with passwords, password managers or staying safe online, request support from one of our digital volunteers.

Slides for the webinar

Download the slidedeck used in this webinar [PPT]

Webinar transcript

Download the webinar transcript [DOC]

Do you know an elderly person or a group of older people or disabled adults who want to know more about using digital devices?

Meet your speakers:

Andy Ronksley, Senior Accessibility Specialist at BBC

Andy has a background in computer science, with an accessibility interest that started at university where he was fortunate to have professors researching in the space.

Starting out as an assistive technology technician, Andy then moved into accessibility consulting at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). He then spent time at Apple, before working freelance with clients such as Sainsbury’s and the Ministry of Justice.

Now at BBC, Andy helps the organisation deliver on its accessibility goals and Royal Charter mission of providing output that meets the needs of and reflects the diverse communities of the United Kingdom.

Anna Dolphin, BT Digital Skills Trainer - Brighton and Sussex area

Anna is a Digital Inclusion Trainer at AbilityNet, working on the Connect with Confidence BT programme to help individuals and communities across Sussex build confidence and skills with technology. She has spent many years working with charities, community-focused organisations and in education, supporting people in practical, patient and encouraging ways.

Anna is passionate about making technology feel less daunting and more accessible, supporting people to build confidence with technology, break down barriers, and use it to gain greater independence, connection, creativity and enjoyment in everyday life.

Useful links

• Sign up to the AbilityNet newsletter for more free resources like this webinar!
• Find out about AbilityNet's Digital accessibility services