On December 3rd, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting accessibility and inclusion. In the past year, the club has launched numerous initiatives through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department, aiming to ensure that all individuals—regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities—can access facilities, services, and information safely and independently. These efforts reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive society.
One significant development is the introduction of inclusive mannequins in FC Barcelona’s official stores. These mannequins represent a diverse range of societal backgrounds, featuring models with wheelchairs, prostheses, cochlear implants, and glasses, thereby embracing different body types and capabilities.
At the Palau Blaugrana, a new area specifically designed for wheelchair users has been opened, featuring seven designated seats along with additional seating for accompanying individuals. To streamline ticket purchasing for persons with reduced mobility (PRM), a new online sales system has been established, facilitating the acquisition of accessible seats across all facilities through a dedicated web form.
In terms of sensory accessibility, FC Barcelona has made enhancements to the Barça Immersive Tour for individuals with hearing and vision impairments. These improvements include the installation of a magnetic loop, multimedia audio guides that are accessible via mobile devices—complete with subtitles in Catalan, Spanish, and English—and the availability of noise-canceling headphones for children and individuals with autism spectrum disorder or heightened sensitivity to sound.
The Barça Museum introduced ‘Hores + Tranquil·les,’ designed to create a calmer atmosphere for guests with autism, sensory sensitivities, or intellectual disabilities. Every Saturday from 3 to 5 pm, museum lighting and sound levels are adjusted to ensure a more tranquil setting. Additionally, staff has undergone specialized training to better support visitors with cognitive accessibility needs.
To assist fans with hearing disabilities, FC Barcelona began subtitling the Barça anthem on video scoreboards at Estadi Johan Cruyff, Palau Blaugrana, and Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys during Liga matches.
In efforts to improve digital accessibility, FC Barcelona has conducted audits and provided training for staff responsible for graphic design, web content creation, and other digital materials, ensuring inclusivity across all digital platforms.
FC Barcelona has partnered with ONCE to enhance accessibility at the upcoming Spotify Camp Nou and co-created a special ONCE coupon to celebrate its 125th anniversary, underscoring its commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. The club has also engaged in activities celebrating the International Week of People with Deafness and the International Day of Sign Language, showcasing performances and activities aimed at raising awareness and inclusion within the deaf community.
During its 125th anniversary gala at the Liceu, the club collaborated with ONCE to present a sensory relief painting of the CAT mascot for visually impaired children, enabling them to “see” the mascot through touch. The celebration featured a live broadcast on Barça One with subtitles and sign language options, ensuring a fully inclusive experience.
On this meaningful day, FC Barcelona’s continuous efforts in enhancing accessibility and inclusion serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring other organizations to follow suit and contribute to building a more inclusive world for all. The initiatives represent a significant stride toward ensuring that everyone can fully partake in the joy of sports, fostering a strong community through shared experiences.