Accessibility

Our services are provided free of charge! We want to enable everyone to experience the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

All information is also available in Easy English here:

EASY ENGLISH

 
Audio description 

Audio description devices are available so that people who are blind or have a visual impairment can experience the competition from the grandstands. This service is also helpful if you are new to the sport and would like to have additional information. The service of audio description is only provided in the German language.

For the following events, there will be audio description devices provided at certain sessions:

• Opening Ceremony 
• Athletics 
• Gymnastics-Artistic 
• Equestrian 
• Football 
• Basketball 
• Beach-Volleyball  
• Volleyball 
• Closing Ceremony 

You can download our timetable for audio description sessions here. You can pick up the device at the Info Point at the venue or fill out the online registration form to reserve a device in advance. To receive the device, we ask you to fill out a form at the Info Point, too.

Mycrocast is another way for people who are blind or have a visual impairment to experience competition from the stands or at home. Mycrocast is available as an app for Android and IOS and must be downloaded here. An accessible stream with fewer buttons is available here. The stream is an additional service for people who do not have audio description equipment on site or are unable to attend the games.

 
Simulation Glasses

In addition, our partner for audio description BENA offers all spectators without visual impairment or blindness the opportunity to borrow a pair of simulation glasses. This allows you to experience for yourself what it feels like to be blind or have a visual impairment.
 
 
Sign language interpretation 

We provide sign language interpretation so that people who are hard of hearing or deaf can experience the games from the stands. The service of sign language interpreting is provided only in German sign language.

For the following events, there will be sign language interpretation:

• Opening Ceremony  
• Athletics 
• Swimming   
• Special Olympics Festival 
• Closing Ceremony 

For the Opening Ceremony sign language will be provided in German and International Sign Language.

You can download here our timetable for when the sign language interpretation will be provided.

 
Speech-to-text-interpreting 

We will provide speech-to-text interpreting for the Opening Ceremony & Closing Ceremony so that people who are deaf or hard of hearing and do not understand sign language can follow the event. This service is also intended for people who are non-native English or German speakers. The interpreting will be automatically displayed on the screens and is available in German and English.

 
Accessible Parking 

We provide a limited number of accessible parking spaces at most venues. Please check for each sport to see if we have accessible parking on site. If you are unsure of the venue, you are attending, or require accessible parking and are a Blue Badge holder, please contact us at visit@berlin2023.org or call +49 (0)30 62933 6084.

 
Sensory backpacks 

Sensory backpacks can be a useful tool for any overwhelming situation that might occur while being in a crowded and noisy environment.

The packs include earplugs, sensory toys, wayfinding maps, and other tools. At our Info Points, you can loan a sensory backpack or find a backpack in our quiet and prayer rooms.

 
Quiet and prayer rooms 

Being in a crowded and busy environment can be overwhelming. Therefore, there is a place for you to relax, meditate, pray, or just be by yourself for a minute.

Each room is barrier-free, containing yoga mats, ear defenders, and sensory toys. You can ask at the Info Point for assistance and to access the room. You can ask at the Info Point for assistance and to access the room. You can find the exact location in our venue guidesor on the venue maps.

 
Wheelchair use and loan 

Each venue will have designated wheelchair seating, which you will find on the venue map. We will also have wheelchairs available for loan at the Info Point if required. They can be pre-booked via visit@berlin2023.org.

 
Walkers 

Should you require a walker, you are permitted to bring it to the venue. Once you have found your seat, our team can assist to find a safe place to store the walker and return it to you when required. 

 
Service Animals 

Guide dogs are allowed at all venues as support for people with disabilities.

More information about service animals and specific venue requirements will be posted on our website and venue guides in the coming weeks.

 
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

We are members of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, and our staff and volunteers will be prepared to assist Sunflower wearers.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps to discreetly indicate that the wearer has a health condition that is not immediately obvious to others and highlights the potential need for support.

People can choose to wear it. In the webshop, you will find various Sunflower items such as lanyards, badges, ribbons, wristbands, or other clothing to help discreetly identify you as a Sunflower wearer.  

For more information or to purchase Sunflower products in advance of the games, visit Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

 
Spectator Guide

Our Spectator Guide includes all important information for visitors of the Games.

 
Social Stories

We are providing a social story for the Opening Ceremony. It can help people, for example with autism, so they don’t feel overwhelmed when entering the venue for the first time. You can download the pdf document with the following link.

 
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about our accessibility services at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 can be found here.