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’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department has launched several initiatives aimed at making its facilities, services, and information accessible to everyone, irrespective of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. These efforts showcase the club’s commitment to defending the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and contributing to a more inclusive society.
In the realm of physical accessibility, FC Barcelona has introduced inclusive mannequins in its official stores that represent a wide array of societal diversities, including models in wheelchairs and those wearing prostheses or cochlear implants. Additionally, a new section has been created at the Palau Blaugrana for wheelchair users, offering seven designated spots accompanied by extra seating for caregivers, enhancing the overall match-day experience.
Sensory accessibility improvements have also been made for individuals with hearing or visual impairments. The Barça Immersive Tour has been upgraded to facilitate inclusivity, featuring a magnetic loop for audio assistance, mobile-accessible multimedia guides with subtitles in three languages, and noise-cancellation headphones for children and individuals with autism. The Barça Museum has introduced ‘Hores + Tranquil·les’ on Saturdays—an initiative aimed at providing a quieter atmosphere by reducing sound and light intensity for those with sensory sensitivities.
To further assist the hearing impaired, the club has added subtitles to the Barça anthem displayed on video scoreboards during Liga matches. Digital accessibility has also been a focus, with training provided to staff on graphic design, web content creation, and content subtitling to enhance the digital experience for all.
Collaboration with ONCE, an organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, has led to enhanced inclusion efforts in the redesign of the new Spotify Camp Nou. Celebratory events, such as the International Week of People with Deafness, featured deaf children participating on the field, and performances of the Barça anthem in sign language by a choir representing the deaf community.
During FC Barcelona’s 125th anniversary gala, a sensory relief painting was presented for visually impaired children, allowing them to experience the club’s mascot through tactile means. This event also featured live broadcasts with subtitles and sign language to ensure broader accessibility.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, FC Barcelona’s ongoing initiatives set a commendable example of how sports organizations can promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the full experience of being part of the Barça community. This commitment not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enriches the overall sporting experience, fostering a sense of belonging for all fans.
In summary, FC Barcelona highlights its role as a leader in accessibility initiatives, continuously striving to make sports inclusive for every individual, regardless of their abilities. The club’s efforts are indeed a hopeful message that resonates far beyond the football pitch.