On December 3, recognized globally as the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona reaffirmed its dedication to accessibility and inclusion. Throughout the past year, the club has launched multiple initiatives through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that individuals with various physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities can enjoy its facilities, services, and information autonomously and safely. These efforts contribute to the broader goal of advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive society.
One of the standout initiatives includes the introduction of inclusive mannequins in FC Barcelona’s official stores, which portray the diversity of society, featuring models in wheelchairs, with prostheses, cochlear implants, and glasses. This move aims to reflect the variety of bodies and abilities present in the community.
Additionally, the Palau Blaugrana has unveiled a new designated area for wheelchair users, providing seven accessible seats, each with an additional space for a companion. A newly implemented online ticket sales system also simplifies the process for purchasing accessible seating across all facilities.
In terms of sensory accessibility, the club has made significant enhancements for those with hearing and visual impairments during the Barça Immersive Tour. These improvements include magnetic loops, multimedia audio guides compatible with mobile phones that feature subtitles in Catalan, Spanish, and English, and noise-cancelling headphones for children and individuals with autism or heightened sensitivity to sound.
The Barça Museum has initiated a program called ‘Hores + Tranquil·les’, specifically designed to cater to individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities. This program creates a quieter atmosphere with reduced light and sound levels every Saturday from 3 to 5 pm, complemented by staff training in cognitive accessibility to offer better care to visitors. Furthermore, the club has ensured that the Barça anthem is subtitled on video scoreboards at major venues for Liga matches, enhancing the experience for attendees with hearing disabilities.
In the digital realm, FC Barcelona has undertaken audits and training aimed at improving the accessibility of its online content. This initiative involves coaching staff on graphic design and creating accessible PDFs, forms, and subtitled content to enhance user experience.
The club’s ongoing collaborations, such as its agreement with ONCE, focus on promoting accessibility in the upcoming Spotify Camp Nou, while also honoring its 125th anniversary through special initiatives. Celebrations included activities with deaf communities, performances of the Barça anthem in sign language, and the presentation of sensory relief artwork for visually impaired children, allowing them to engage with the club’s mascot through touch.
As FC Barcelona commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, its continuous efforts to improve accessibility both physically and digitally set a crucial precedent for inclusion. By embracing such initiatives, the club exemplifies how sports organizations can lead the way towards a more inclusive environment, allowing all individuals to share in the joy of football.
Overall, the club’s commitment to these initiatives not only enhances the experience for fans with disabilities but also serves as an inspiring model for other organizations to follow in creating a more inclusive society.