On December 3, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona is reaffirming its dedication to accessibility and inclusion. Over the past year, the club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department has rolled out numerous initiatives aimed at ensuring that all individuals—regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities—can navigate its facilities, services, and information with autonomy and safety. This ongoing effort reflects the club’s commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of people with disabilities, striving to foster a more inclusive society.
In terms of physical accessibility, FC Barcelona has introduced inclusive mannequins in their stores that showcase the diversity of society. These mannequins represent various abilities, featuring models in wheelchairs, along with those using prostheses, cochlear implants, and glasses. Moreover, the Palau Blaugrana has unveiled a new designated area for wheelchair users, providing seven new spots with companion seating for maximum comfort during events. Additionally, a new online ticketing system has been established to make purchasing accessible for all attendees.
FC Barcelona’s efforts extend to sensory accessibility as well. Enhancements made to the Barça Immersive Tour include installing a magnetic loop and providing multimedia audio guides that come with subtitles in Catalan, Spanish, and English. To support visitors with autism or high auditory sensitivity, noise-canceling headphones are now available. The Barça Museum has also introduced ‘Hores + Tranquil·les,’ a program that takes place every Saturday from 3 to 5 pm, creating a calmer environment with reduced sound and lighting for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Staff have received specialized training to provide appropriate care for these visitors.
The club’s digital accessibility initiatives include thorough audits and training for staff responsible for creating graphic content and web materials, ensuring all digital offerings are accessible. A notable collaboration with ONCE has been established, aimed at enhancing accessibility for the upcoming Spotify Camp Nou renovation. This partnership has also led to special events celebrating the International Week of People with Deafness and the International Day of Sign Language, where deaf children participated in field activities and performances.
To mark FC Barcelona’s 125th anniversary, an inclusive gala featured a sensory relief painting designed for blind children, allowing tactile interaction with the mascot. The event was broadcasted live on Barça One, with options for subtitles and sign language interpretation, ensuring a welcoming experience for the hearing impaired.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, FC Barcelona continues to pave the way in setting standards for accessibility and inclusion, making both physical and digital spaces welcoming for everyone. There is great hope in their ongoing efforts to create an environment where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. FC Barcelona’s initiatives reflect an important step towards fostering a more equitable world, proving that with commitment and creativity, inclusivity can thrive in public spaces.