Access for people with reduced mobility, audio description of matches and now relaxation areas for autistic people: with its “
sensory rooms
” in three stadiums and certain fan zones, the 2022 World Cup is trying to make room for a new audience.
To discover
The complete 2022 World Cup match schedule
The World Cup in Qatar, which begins next Sunday, "
will be the best ever and also the most accessible
", promised Fifa boss Gianni Infantino.
New for this edition, spaces dedicated to people with autism or with sensory processing disorders have been installed in three of the eight stadiums where the competition takes place (Al Bayt, Education City and Lusail) and six others will be accessible near the main fans. Education City areas and stadium.
First sensory rooms
These spectators with specific tickets for them and for an accompanying person can follow the match from the stands.
But if "
the atmosphere becomes a little oppressive, (these rooms) are a calm and safe environment in which they can withdraw to continue to enjoy it
", explains Hala Ousta, in charge of accessibility within Fifa.
These spaces with a capacity of more or less ten people are equipped with large tinted bay windows allowing you to continue to watch the game in a peaceful environment.
Colorful mattresses on which to sit, sensory mats to touch, projectors, LEDs and luminous fiber optics offer so many activities in which children and young adults can immerse themselves if they are stressed by the atmosphere in the stands.
But there is no question that these spectators remain confined to this space.
“
It's not supposed to be a separation between them and us.
It's so that they get used to the stadiums little by little
, says Alison Saraf, involved in the project with the store specializing in the development and education of autistic children that she founded in Doha.
Noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets and stress-relieving toys are also available for those who venture into the stands.
Already seen in England
The experience is not new: the Watford stadium in England was equipped with a sensory room in December 2016. “
We have seen clubs do it but it is a first for a World Cup
” , says Mark Dyer, in charge of accessibility within the Qatari organizing committee.
Locally, the demand was expressed during meetings on the theme of accessibility set up since 2016, adds Samantha Sifah, also a member of the Supreme Organizing Committee.
The first rooms were inaugurated during the competitions that have served as a rehearsal for the World Cup for the past two years, the Club World Cup and the Arab Cup.
A few days before the opening of the flagship football competition, they are "
99% reserved
", assures Mark Dyer.
Another novelty of the 2022 edition: a free application will allow visually impaired people to follow in audio description in English and Arabic all the matches, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
This possibility has existed in the stadiums since the 2014 edition in Brazil, but it was only available for certain matches and more in the language of the host country than in English.
The organizers also promise a "
fully accessible route
" for supporters with reduced mobility, from their accommodation to stadiums or fan zones, by public transport and by car.
