On December 3, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona has highlighted its dedication to enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusivity. Throughout the past year, the club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department has rolled out a series of initiatives designed to ensure that individuals across a spectrum of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities can easily access its facilities, services, and information safely and autonomously. These measures reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to advocate for the rights and welfare of people with disabilities, aiming to foster a more inclusive society.
FC Barcelona has taken significant steps to improve physical accessibility, such as introducing inclusive mannequins in its official shops that represent various body types and abilities, including those with wheelchairs, prosthetics, cochlear implants, and glasses. Additionally, the Palau Blaugrana has unveiled new seating specifically for wheelchair users, complete with adjacent seats for companions, alongside an enhanced online ticketing system for purchasing accessible seats across all facilities.
In terms of sensory accessibility, FC Barcelona has made advancements for attendees with hearing and visual impairments during the Barça Immersive Tour. This includes the installation of a magnetic loop, multimedia audio guides with subtitles, and noise-canceling headphones tailored for children and those on the autism spectrum. The Barça Museum also launched ‘Hores + Tranquil·les’, which creates a quieter visiting environment each Saturday by lowering sound and light levels. Staff members have received specialized training to better assist guests with autism and sensory sensitivities.
Digital accessibility is another area of focus, with FC Barcelona conducting audits and providing training to staff on creating accessible digital content, such as graphic design and content subtitling. The club has signed agreements with organizations like ONCE to further promote accessibility at the upcoming Spotify Camp Nou and engaged in activities during the International Week of People with Deafness.
Celebrating its 125th anniversary, FC Barcelona showcased its commitment to inclusivity through various initiatives, including the presentation of a sensory relief painting for blind children during a gala event. The gala was broadcast live with subtitles and sign language in Catalan to allow full participation for the hearing-impaired community.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, FC Barcelona is setting a strong example in ensuring that its facilities and digital platforms are accessible to all, reflecting a hopeful and progressive vision towards a more inclusive future.
In summary, FC Barcelona’s actions demonstrate a robust commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, offering hope and inspiration that other organizations might follow suit to create environments where all individuals can participate and feel welcome.