On December 3, the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona renewed its pledge to enhance accessibility and inclusion across its platforms and services. The club’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department has launched a variety of initiatives over the past year aimed at providing safe and autonomous access for people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities to its facilities and offerings. These efforts underline the organization’s commitment to championing the rights and welfare of individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive community.
In terms of physical accessibility, FC Barcelona has introduced inclusive mannequins in its official stores that reflect societal diversity by featuring models in wheelchairs, wearing prostheses, with cochlear implants, and glasses. This initiative emphasizes acceptance and inclusivity.
At Palau Blaugrana, a new section has been established for wheelchair users, which includes additional seating for companions to ensure an enjoyable matchday experience. The club has also streamlined the ticket purchasing process for wheelchair-accessible seats through an easy online system.
For those with sensory impairments, FC Barcelona has rolled out enhancements aimed at making the Barça Immersive Tour more inclusive, such as installing a magnetic loop, offering multimedia audio guides with subtitles in multiple languages, and providing noise-canceling headphones tailored for children and those with sensory sensitivities.
The Barça Museum has initiated ‘Hores + Tranquil·les’, a program aimed at creating a calmer atmosphere for visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities by reducing sound and light intensity every Saturday from 3 to 5 pm. Staff members have received specific training to ensure meaningful engagement with attendees who have varying needs.
Furthermore, the club has taken measures to improve digital accessibility, conducting audits and training staff in graphic design, web content, and digital development to ensure inclusive online experiences.
FC Barcelona has a partnership with ONCE to enhance accessibility at the new Spotify Camp Nou and created a special ONCE coupon to honor its 125th anniversary, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to supporting people with disabilities.
In celebration of the International Week of People with Deafness and the International Day of Sign Language, FC Barcelona hosted various events that included performances by a choir from the Barcelona Recreational and Cultural Centre for Deaf People, showcasing the club’s commitment to the deaf community.
At the gala for its 125th anniversary, in collaboration with ONCE, FC Barcelona unveiled a sensory relief painting of the club’s mascot for blind children, promoting sensory engagement. The live streaming of the event included subtitles and Catalan sign language to make it accessible to all viewers.
On this International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona is setting a high standard for accessibility and inclusion, continuously striving to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to engage fully with the club’s offerings, both physically and digitally.
This exciting commitment to accessibility not only enhances the experiences of fans with disabilities but also fosters a culture of inclusivity, setting a positive example for other organizations to follow.