FC Barcelona raising awareness of autism with 'Quieter Hours'
FC Barcelona, on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, has announced its 'Quieter Hours', an initiative designed to offer a more relaxed environment and experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivity and intellectual disabilities. This date is celebrated every year on April 2 with the main objective of raising society's awareness about the autism spectrum and promoting inclusion and respect for autistic people.
'Horas + Tranquilas' (Quieter Hours) will soon be happening every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm and will initially be included in the Barça Immersive Tour and in the Spotify Camp Nou Barça Store, with plans for it to be extended to the club stores and the new museum.
In an effort to create an atmosphere that embraces neurodiversity, during these hours, the spaces will dim the lighting and lower the sound for all those with special needs and who are often unable to enjoy leisure activities and free time due to the barriers generated by the environment.
With the creation of more inclusive spaces, FC Barcelona is reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and accessibility. This marks an important step, and follows on from successful experiences that have been developed around the world to facilitate access to culture and leisure for all.
This initiative of the FC Barcelona Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Area has been supported by experienced organisations such as Apropa Cultura and Aprenem Autisme, who have advised on the conditioning of spaces and offered training on Accessibility and Diversity to the club's workers and specifically for the Museum guides, access staff, ticket offices, and the personnel responsible for the stores. The main focus has been on cognitive accessibility and autism, as well as guidelines to meet the needs of people with autism.
About Apropa Cultura
Apropa Cultura, with whom FC Barcelona has a collaboration agreement, is an inclusive network that unites cultural promoters, theatres, auditoriums, festivals and museums with organisations in the social sector to make culture accessible to people who, due to personal circumstances, or health, find it difficult to attend such activities.
About Aprenem Autisme
L’Associació Aprenem Autisme accompanies and supports people with autism and their families, and works to defend their rights. It promotes awareness-raising actions to inform society about autism and designs services and projects adapted to the real needs of this group.