- The inclusion initiative also includes disseminating details to raise awareness about urinary retention
- Wheelchair users carried out an awareness campaign before the start of the match between Saint Paul and Youth, with the aim of drawing attention to the cause
With the aim of increasing accessibility and inclusion, Coloplast, world leader in solutions for people with intimate health needs, and São Paulo Futebol Clube, three-time world champion and reference in pioneering practices in sport, have signed a unprecedented partnership. For the first time, Brazil has a football stadium with bathrooms adapted for people with ostomies. This partnership was launched at MorumBIS, in the match between Sao Paulo and Juventude, which took place this week in which two crucial dates for inclusion are celebrated: 03/12 (International Day of Persons with Disabilities) and 05/12 (Day of accessibility). .
“This is another initiative by São Paulo to expand inclusion programs within the club, and MorumBIS now has bathrooms adapted for people with stomas. Making our home increasingly inclusive is one of our objectives,” underlines Adalberto Nazareth, Institutional Director of Accessibility of São paulo FC. “Last year we also launched the TEA+ Tricolor Room, a reception and sensory regulation habitat for autistic fans at MorumBIS.Our projects meant that San Paolo was the first club to receive the “All of us” seal, created by the National Association for the Inclusion of Autistic People. We also have a department in the social area dedicated to serving Persons with Disabilities (PWD). We are always attentive to inclusion and now we are proud to collaborate with Coloplast on this project at the service of stoma patients”, adds director Adalberto Nazareth.
The bathrooms are located in two sectors: one in the morumbis Concept Hall, in the Ground Chairs sector, and the other in the Upper North Chair sector. The two bathrooms were already suitable for people with disabilities (PWD) and have now received yet another adaptation aimed at stoma people, with the addition of a raised toilet positioned at abdominal height, to facilitate emptying, disposal or change of toilet bag.
A stoma is the procedure that an individual, adult or child, must undergo to create an opening, an orifice, from an organ to the external environment of the body, which serves as an alternative pathway for its functioning. In the case of eliminating stomas, it is indeed necessary to use a bag to collect effluent, so the importance of a bathroom in which the toilet is raised.
“With toilets at the conventional height, the person with an eliminating stoma has difficulty emptying the collection bag, potentially soiling their clothes, their body and the toilet itself with their own feces or urine. To avoid this, the person ends up squatting or kneeling on the bathroom floor, finding themselves in a very uncomfortable position.Therefore, the adapted bathrooms have a raised toilet, offering more comfort, hygiene and tranquility to carry out a simple leisure activity, such as watching a football match or a show”, explains Renata Oliveira, director of the User Experience and Dialog area of Coloplast.
Few people know that, in addition to losing some mobility, people with spinal cord injuries also suffer another outcome that affects their independence: urinary retention. This condition affects more than 350,000 Brazilians1 and is characterized by incomplete emptying of the bladder or loss of the ability to urinate naturally. In addition to the provision of bathrooms, the partnership carries out another front, that of raising awareness of this pathology. Led by the Brazilian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABMRF) and the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) with the support of Coloplast, the “Freedom Beyond Mobility” campaign warns of how urinary retention can affect freedom and quality of life of people suffering from this condition. To increase the reach of these messages, MorumBis has posters with information on urinary retention that contain a QR code that leads to the campaign landing page: www.retencaourinaria.com.br.
And to draw even more public attention to the cause, in the match between Sao Paulo and Juventude (RS), valid for the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, people in wheelchairs entered the pitch before the start of the match and crossed part of the stadium field carrying a banner over the countryside.
“We are very satisfied with the partnership with Sao Paulo,which is one of the largest clubs in the contry. Our aim is to raise awareness of the challenges of living with a stoma and urinary retention, which are our main lines of action. . Thanks to more information, users are able to search for the equipment that best suits their profile, increasing their well-being and quality of life. and the São Paulo Futebol Clube has an important reach to help us on this journey”, concludes Renata Oliveira, from Coloplast.
– What are some recent innovations in sports accessibility for fans wiht disabilities?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into an important topic: accessibility and inclusion in sports. I’m joined by [Expert’s Name], an advocate for disability rights and accessibility in public spaces, who has been following recent developments in this field closely. Thank you for joining us today!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be hear and discuss such a vital topic.
Time.news Editor: Recently, we learned about a groundbreaking partnership between coloplast and São Paulo Futebol Clube to make their stadium more inclusive. What does this mean for fans with intimate health needs?
Expert: This partnership is a significant step forward. The introduction of bathrooms adapted for people with ostomies at the MorumBIS stadium is monumental. It demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity that acknowledges the diverse needs of all fans, allowing them to enjoy the match without any discomfort or embarrassment. This kind of infrastructure change can greatly enhance the overall experience for individuals who often feel marginalized in public spaces.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely.Notably, this initiative coincides with the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Day of Accessibility. How important are these coinciding dates for promoting awareness around these issues?
Expert: The timing is incredibly strategic. Celebrating these important dates alongside the launch of the initiative amplifies the message of inclusion. It serves as a reminder that accessibility is not just a box to check, but a basic aspect of equality and respect for all individuals. By aligning such initiatives with global observances, organizations can mobilize greater public awareness and encourage othre sectors to follow suit.
Time.news Editor: Before the match, wheelchair users led an awareness campaign. How essential are grassroots movements like this in driving change?
Expert: Grassroots movements are essential. They not only raise awareness but also empower individuals to advocate for their rights. the visibility of wheelchair users before the match helps to humanize the conversation around disability and accessibility. It invites everyone to participate in creating a more inclusive surroundings, fostering a community where individuals can have their needs acknowledged and prioritized.
Time.news Editor: in addition to the newly adapted bathrooms, São Paulo FC has also launched the TEA+ Tricolor Room for autistic fans. How do these initiatives reflect broader trends in sports venues across the world?
Expert: São paulo FC’s initiatives are part of a growing trend in sports venues globally that recognize the necessity of inclusion. Major sporting events and clubs are increasingly adopting features that cater to a variety of needs — from sensory rooms for autistic fans to quiet spaces for those with anxiety. This evolution reflects a broader societal shift towards embracing diversity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy sports.
Time.news Editor: It’s heartening to see such progress. What do you believe needs to happen next to build on this momentum towards greater accessibility in all public spaces?
Expert: To build on this momentum, we must focus on a few key areas: first, continued education and training for staff at public venues on how to assist people with disabilities effectively. Next, ongoing advocacy at local and national levels to push for more inclusive policies and funding for accessibility features. Lastly, amplifying the voices of disabled individuals themselves in the conversation about what accessibility looks like helps ensure that initiatives meet genuine needs.
Time.news Editor: Your insights are invaluable. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear that the work of organizations like São Paulo FC and advocates like yourself is vital in paving the way for more inclusive sports environments.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It has been a pleasure discussing these critically important issues with you, and I hope to see continued strides towards inclusivity in all aspects of life.