On December 3, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona reaffirmed its dedication to promoting accessibility and inclusion for all individuals. Over the past year, the club has rolled out numerous initiatives through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department, aimed at making its facilities, services, and information readily accessible and safe for people of all physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities. These efforts underscore FC Barcelona’s commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of individuals with disabilities, contributing to a society that values inclusivity.
In terms of physical accessibility, FC Barcelona has made notable strides. The introduction of inclusive mannequins in the Barça Stores highlights societal diversity, featuring models with wheelchairs, prosthetics, cochlear implants, and glasses. Additionally, the Palau Blaugrana now provides designated seating for wheelchair users, ensuring that each person can be accompanied by a friend during matches. The club has also overhauled its ticket purchasing process, allowing for easy online acquisitions of PMR seats across its facilities.
For sensory accessibility, the club has enhanced the Barça Immersive Tour by adding features for individuals with hearing and visual impairments. This includes a magnetic loop, multilingual multimedia audio guides, and noise-cancelling headphones to create a more accommodating environment for children and individuals with autism or hearing sensitivity. The Barça Museum has initiated ‘Hores + Tranquil·les’ on Saturdays, where lighting and sound levels are moderated to cater to visitors with sensory sensitivities. The club has also subtitled the Barça anthem on video scoreboards at major venues, further enhancing the experience for individuals with hearing disabilities.
With an eye on digital accessibility, FC Barcelona has conducted audits and provided training for its staff, focusing on creating accessible web content, digital designs, and subtitling services.
The club’s collaborations with organizations such as ONCE aim to promote accessibility and inclusion in future developments, like the new Spotify Camp Nou. Celebrations for the International Week of People with Deafness and the International Day of Sign Language included performances featuring sign language, showcasing a commitment to raise awareness and embrace the deaf community.
During the gala celebrating the club’s 125th anniversary, FC Barcelona introduced a sensory painting for visually impaired children and ensured that the live broadcast included subtitles and sign language options to make the event accessible to all audiences.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, FC Barcelona continues to strive for excellence in accessibility and inclusion, setting a commendable example for other organizations to follow.
Reflecting on these initiatives, it is evident that FC Barcelona is not just promoting inclusivity but is also paving the way for a more compassionate society, where diversity is celebrated and embraced. The ongoing efforts serve as a hopeful reminder that positive changes are indeed possible when organizations prioritize accessibility and the well-being of all individuals.