On December 3, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona reaffirms its dedication to accessibility and inclusion. Throughout the past year, numerous initiatives from the club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department have been implemented to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive conditions, can access the club’s facilities, services, and information autonomously and safely. This commitment plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive society.
In terms of physical accessibility, FC Barcelona has taken notable steps, including the introduction of inclusive mannequins in its official stores. These mannequins represent a range of diverse bodies and abilities, featuring individuals in wheelchairs, wearing prostheses, and using cochlear implants or glasses, which promotes a sense of representation and inclusion.
Additionally, the Palau Blaugrana has unveiled a designated area with new seating specifically for wheelchair users, providing additional seats for accompanying guests. The club has also improved ticket purchasing by offering an online sales system for accessible seating.
For enhancing sensory accessibility, the club has made significant improvements to the Barça Immersive Tour for individuals with hearing and visual impairments. Innovations such as magnetic loops, multimedia audio guides with subtitles in multiple languages, and noise-canceling headphones for children and those with autism improve the experiences for these visitors. Furthermore, the Barça Museum has initiated ‘Hores + Tranquil·les’, quieter hours every Saturday where light and sound levels are adjusted to create a more welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
FC Barcelona is also enhancing digital accessibility by conducting audits and providing training for staff on creating accessible digital content. This initiative aims to ensure that the club’s online information is usable by all.
Collaboratively, the club has established partnerships, such as the agreement with ONCE to promote accessibility in the new Spotify Camp Nou. It also participated in the creation of a special ONCE coupon celebrating the club’s 125th anniversary, emphasizing its commitment to people with disabilities.
In celebration of the International Week of People with Deafness and the International Day of Sign Language, FC Barcelona conducted various activities that included performances in sign language and opportunities for deaf children to interact with the club’s players. During the 125th anniversary gala, sensory relief paintings were introduced for visually impaired children, allowing them to engage with the club’s mascot through touch, ensuring inclusivity in such grand celebrations.
In sum, FC Barcelona’s ongoing initiatives on this International Day of Persons with Disabilities showcase a determined effort to establish new standards in accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that both physical and digital spaces are welcoming for everyone. This progress not only elevates the experience for individuals with disabilities but also sets a positive example for other organizations aiming to foster inclusivity.
With these comprehensive actions, FC Barcelona not only promotes a more inclusive atmosphere within its community but also inspires a broader societal change toward accessibility for all.