On December 3, the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona reaffirmed its dedication to fostering accessibility and inclusion. Throughout the past year, the club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department has rolled out multiple initiatives aimed at allowing individuals of all abilities to autonomously and safely access its facilities, services, and information. This ongoing commitment emphasizes the importance of advocating for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, helping to pave the way for a more inclusive society.
FC Barcelona has made strides in improving physical accessibility, including placing inclusive mannequins in its official stores. These mannequins represent a diverse society, showcasing models in wheelchairs and with various assistive devices. Additionally, the Palau Blaugrana has introduced a specially designated area for wheelchair users, providing seven new seats, each with an accompanying seat for a guest, along with a new online ticket purchasing system for these spaces.
In terms of sensory accessibility, improvements have been made for those with hearing and visual impairments at the Barça Immersive Tour. Enhancements include the installation of a magnetic loop, multimedia guides with subtitles in various languages, and noise-cancelling headphones for those with sensory sensitivities. The Barça Museum has also introduced “Hores + Tranquil·les,” quiet hours aimed at creating a welcoming atmosphere for individuals with autism or sensory sensitivity. During these times, the museum minimizes light and sound intensity and employs staff trained in cognitive accessibility and autism care.
Furthermore, the club has added subtitles to the Barça anthem on video scoreboards during Liga matches at key venues, enhancing the experience for hearing-impaired fans.
Digital accessibility continues to be a focal point for FC Barcelona, which has conducted audits on its online content and provided training to staff on creating accessible materials. As part of this effort, the club signed an agreement with ONCE to improve accessibility at the forthcoming Spotify Camp Nou, also commemorating its 125th anniversary with a special ONCE coupon targeting accessibility.
Celebrations of the International Week of People with Deafness featured various activities, including performances by a choir from the Barcelona Recreational and Cultural Centre for Deaf People, who presented the Barça anthem in sign language. FC Barcelona also showcased inclusivity at its 125th anniversary gala with sensory relief paintings and accessible broadcasting options.
On this significant day, FC Barcelona is making headway in setting benchmarks for accessibility and inclusion in both physical and digital spaces. These efforts reflect a positive movement towards a more inclusive environment that embraces diversity, ensuring that sports and entertainment are accessible to all.
This article underscores the importance of inclusive practices in sports and community settings, highlighting that organizations like FC Barcelona can lead the way in fostering understanding and acceptance for individuals with disabilities. Their commitment is a hopeful indication that accessibility efforts can contribute to a richer, more united society.