Daniela Pinto
Daniela Pinto is an occupational therapist at FC Porto, having joined the club two years ago. She works alongside Teresa Santos, focusing on strategy and sustainability to implement inclusive measures across all stadiums and for all FC Porto fans. Their goal is to enhance accessibility for everyone. Daniela also collaborates with adapted sports, assessing wheelchair users and making necessary adjustments to support their athletic participation.
Sensory rooms
Sensory rooms are specially adapted spaces designed to provide a controlled and secure environment for individuals with sensory challenges. The sensory overload from a football game – visuals, smells and loud sounds – can be overwhelming for those with sensitivities. These rooms include various sensory control systems, like adjustable lighting, sound control and sensory toys, helping users self-regulate and feel more comfortable. They are crucial for individuals with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, allowing them to enjoy the match without being overwhelmed by the stadium atmosphere. Ultimately, these spaces aim to create a safe, inclusive environment where all fans can participate in sports alongside their families.
Inspiration and Collaboration
Over the years, FC Porto has introduced various inclusive measures, such as audio descriptions and sign language interpretation. INZONE is the latest step in this journey. It addresses the specific needs of fans with sensory difficulties, providing a dedicated space for them to enjoy games comfortably. The implementation began with extensive research on existing sensory rooms, focusing on innovative technologies and best practices from stadiums in England and Qatar. By combining these insights, FC Porto created a unique space tailored to its fans.
Collaboration was key in developing INZONE, with partnerships established with Betano and Escola Superior de Saúde – Instituto Politécnico do Porto. This collaboration involves occupational therapists who specialise in sensory issues, ensuring that the project meets the specific needs of users. Additionally, a team of volunteers, including master’s students, provides individualised support during matches, enhancing each fan’s experience.
Mission, Fan response and Challenges
INZONE aligns seamlessly with FC Porto’s broader mission of inclusivity and fan engagement, emphasising the club’s commitment to neurodiversity. FC Porto believes in adapting services and spaces to accommodate everyone, fostering an environment where differences are embraced. This vision extends beyond the stadium to schools and shopping areas, aiming to transform the community rather than changing individuals. Launched in February 2024, INZONE has been operational during the current season, accommodating fans at 14 games. Since its inception, around 60 individuals with sensory disabilities have experienced the stadium for the first time, leading to overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many families previously hesitated to attend games due to concerns about overstimulation.
While the implementation process was largely smooth, the main challenge involved establishing sensory control from the stadium entrance to INZONE. It was also important to incorporate other accessibility needs like an adapted bathroom.
Design features
INZONE is designed to create an adjustable sensory environment tailored to the needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities. It comprises three interconnected zones:
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Zone 1 (Sensory Room): This soundproof room features a sound and light control system, along with various sensory elements such as fiber optics, bubble tubes, auditory tools like sound blockers and relaxing music, tactile toys, stress balls and other materials. Unique items, including football-related objects donated by players, offer additional interactive experiences.
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Zone 2 (Intermediate Zone): Serving as a transitional area, Zone 2 maintains elements for self-regulation while preparing users for the less controlled stadium environment.
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Zone 3 (Stand Area): Here, users can experience the match alongside other fans. Flexibility is key, as users can move between zones based on their comfort level, supported by occupational therapists to facilitate this transition.
To ensure a personalised experience, access to INZONE requires an individualised assessment by an occupational therapist. The design also includes specific internal circuits from the reserved parking area to INZONE, minimising external stimuli during the journey. Additionally, families can bring their own food and drinks to accommodate sensory sensitivities related to food, ensuring a comfortable matchday experience.
Promotion
To promote INZONE and raise awareness among families and individuals about its services, FC Porto employs a multifaceted communication strategy. This includes:
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Official Inauguration Conference: The launch of INZONE featured an official conference that invited key stakeholders and Portuguese media, generating initial buzz around the project.
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Media Coverage and Collaborations: Ongoing partnerships with media outlets and associations focused on autism and mental health enhance visibility.
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Digital Promotion: Information about INZONE is also shared through the club’s website and social media platforms, providing easy access to details about the services offered.
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Organic exposure of the project.
The future of INZONE and accessibility
Looking ahead, FC Porto is planning to expand and enhance the INZONE initiative. Key future developments include creating an INZONE space specifically for visiting teams and implementing similar sensory-friendly spaces in other facilities. When it comes to the future of stadium accessibility and inclusivity beyond sensory rooms, Daniela Pinto emphasises the necessity for wider adoption of sensory rooms like INZONE, highlighting the responsibility to cater to diverse community needs. Additionally, she points to expected advancements in personalised accessibility technologies.
Advise
Daniela advises fellow ESSMA members to take immediate action by creating sensory rooms, emphasising that these spaces are vital for fostering inclusion. As awareness around sensory needs continues to grow, the demand for such facilities will only increase. She highlights the importance of seeking collaboration with experts in the field. Furthermore, she extends an open invitation to other ESSMA Members to visit FC Porto, learn from their experiences and share the knowledge and technology developed through the INZONE project, exemplifying the collaborative spirit that strengthens the ESSMA community.
The full version of this interview is available exclusively for ESSMA-members on our Knowledge Platform.
