On December 3, marking the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona reaffirmed its dedication to promoting accessibility and inclusion. Throughout the past year, the club has launched several initiatives through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department, aimed at enabling individuals of all abilities to access its facilities, services, and information safely and independently. These efforts underscore the club’s ongoing commitment to advocate for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive society.
In terms of physical accessibility, FC Barcelona has made significant strides. The club introduced inclusive mannequins in its official stores that showcase societal diversity, featuring models in wheelchairs and those using prostheses or cochlear implants. Additionally, a new area with wheelchair-accessible seating has been established in Palau Blaugrana, facilitating the enjoyment of matches for wheelchair users and their companions. An enhanced online ticket purchasing system was also implemented for individuals requiring accessible seating.
FC Barcelona has also focused on sensory accessibility improvements. Enhancements for the Barça Immersive Tour now include a magnetic loop for hearing assistance, multimedia audio guides with subtitles, and noise-canceling headphones for children with autism or increased sensitivity. The Barça Museum has initiated a ‘Quieter Hours’ program, occurring every Saturday, to create a comfortable environment for visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities. The club has also improved the experience for those with hearing disabilities by adding subtitles to the Barça anthem shown on video scoreboards during matches.
In the digital realm, FC Barcelona is working to ensure its online content is accessible to all. The club has conducted audits and provided training for staff in various areas, including graphic design and web content creation. A notable agreement with ONCE aims to enhance accessibility at the new Spotify Camp Nou and supports various inclusion initiatives.
Moreover, FC Barcelona celebrated the International Week of People with Deafness by hosting activities that highlighted the experiences of deaf children and their families. During the club’s 125th anniversary gala, inclusive experiences were provided with sensory relief paintings for blind children and live-streamed events featuring sign language interpretation and subtitles.
On this International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona continues its mission to set new standards in accessibility and inclusion for all physical and digital spaces, demonstrating that a commitment to equality can lead to uplifting and positive community engagement.
This ongoing commitment by FC Barcelona not only enriches the experiences of fans with disabilities but also sets an example for sports organizations globally. Through their initiatives, the club is helping to create a more inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, paving the way for a brighter future where everyone can feel welcome and valued.