On December 3, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disabilities, FC Barcelona reaffirmed its dedication to accessibility and inclusion. Throughout the past year, the club has implemented a range of initiatives through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department, aimed at ensuring that individuals—regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive conditions—can access its facilities, services, and information safely and autonomously. These efforts underline the club’s ongoing commitment to uphold the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive society.
In terms of physical accessibility, FC Barcelona has introduced inclusive mannequins in its official merchandise stores. These mannequins symbolize societal diversity by showcasing models in wheelchairs, with prosthetics, cochlear implants, and glasses, promoting a culture of inclusion. Additionally, Palau Blaugrana now features a dedicated area for wheelchair users, which includes seven new seating spots with accompanying seats for friends or family. To enhance the ticket purchasing process, the club has introduced an online system for wheelchair-accessible seating across all its venues.
For those with sensory disabilities, the club has made several enhancements to the Barça Immersive Tour. Improvements include a magnetic loop for hearing aids, multimedia audio guides that are mobile-friendly with subtitles in multiple languages, and noise-canceling headphones specifically designed for individuals with autism or heightened sensitivity. Furthermore, the Barça Museum has launched ‘Hores + Tranquil·les’, an initiative to create a calmer atmosphere for visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities by reducing light and sound intensity every Saturday afternoon. Staff members have undergone specialized training to further support these visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment.
FC Barcelona has also provided accessibility in digital formats, conducting audits to improve their digital offerings and training employees on creating accessible content. In collaboration with ONCE, the club signed an agreement to enhance accessibility in the future Spotify Camp Nou. This partnership also led to the creation of a special ONCE coupon celebrating the club’s 125th anniversary, highlighting their ongoing commitment to people with disabilities.
Celebrating the International Week of People with Deafness and the International Day of Sign Language, FC Barcelona hosted various activities, including performances by a choir of deaf individuals singing the Barça anthem in sign language. At the gala for its 125th anniversary, the club presented a tactile sensory relief painting of its CAT mascot for blind children, promoting an inclusive experience. The event was broadcasted live with options for subtitles and sign language, ensuring everyone could engage in the celebration.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, FC Barcelona continues to lead the way in creating accessible and inclusive environments, both physically and digitally, paving the path toward a more inclusive future for all.
This commitment to accessibility is admirable, setting an important example for other organizations to follow. It not only shows a dedication to inclusivity but can also serve as a reminder of the power of community and the positive impact that thoughtful initiatives can have on society at large.