The Luis de Carlos Forum reflected on sensory disability

The Real Madrid Foundation held a new edition of the Luis de Carlos Forum under the title It is seen with the SOUL, it is heard with the HEART. The event, held in the press room at the Bernabéu, was supported by Fundación Cajastur, Corpay, Ecopilas, Grupo Ibérica, and Grupo Social ONCE. It brought together experts, families, beneficiaries of the Foundation's sensory schools, and institutional representatives to analyze sensory disability from a global perspective. Realmadrid TV journalist Paola Castillo opened the discussion panel, emphasizing that when working with people with sensory disabilities, not everything is seen or heard, but it is felt. She then introduced a diverse panel of experts who addressed sensory disability through various experiences and fields.

Ángel Lucio López, president of the Madrid Federation of Sports for the Deaf, highlighted the importance of integrating adapted sports into educational projects: “There are many barriers we must eliminate, communication barriers, issues in schools... Many people do not know about the disability of deaf individuals; it’s as if we were invisible. I believe all disabilities should be adapted. Promoting grassroots sports among children is the most important thing, ensuring it is inclusive and tailored to each of them.”

Next, Iara Gallego, mother of a student at the Gaudem sensory school of the Real Madrid Foundation, shared a personal perspective on the program's impact on families: “At the school, I have felt that inclusion is not a utopia; it is a reality. The students at the school feel included, they feel that it is possible and that they are among equals. For my daughter, it is a place where there are no barriers like the ones she encounters every day. It is a place where she feels heard and where she doesn’t feel judged; there are no limitations. The school, besides teaching her to play basketball, is teaching her strategies and skills to live in a world where inclusion is not present.”

The Spanish blind football coach, Julián Martín Mejía, provided technical insight into how this sport is practiced by blind individuals: “As a coach, I emphasize the responsibility of having to guide. In blind football, there are two positions for guides. In this case, we have to be very precise with our words and instructions and strive to fulfill that responsibility, not only as coaches but especially as guides for the players.”

The testimony of Paula Martín-Gromaz, mother of Jaime, a beneficiary of the Ciudad Universitaria sensory school, highlighted personal transformation: “We have managed to give our children a weekly sense of excitement and make them accomplices. Their lives have changed by having this excitement, a sport, and being able to talk to their friends about football. We, the parents, also learn. Thanks to the school, I learn every day how to guide my son. It is something very special. It’s not adaptation; it’s inclusion because it’s made for them.”

From a methodological perspective, Ana de las Heras, coordinator of football and basketball for the Real Madrid Foundation, explained how sessions are adapted and the role coaches play in these environments: “We strive to educate through sports. We have three sensory projects, in basketball and football, for auditory and visual disabilities. For us, adapting sports means providing sufficient tools so that anyone can autonomously enjoy sports. We use several strategies to ensure this happens and that boys and girls enjoy it as much as possible.”

The panel concluded with the intervention of Andrés Guerrero Aragoncillo, a student at the Ciudad Universitaria sensory school, who shared his experience: “I like playing football, being with my teammates, and with my friends. To other people with disabilities, I say: be encouraged. It’s much more comfortable to stay at home, but you miss out on a lot of things you think you can’t do. You can always do more things than you think. Take the step, and it’s worth it.”

A pioneering initiative to remove barriers and promote real inclusion
The sensory schools project of the Real Madrid Foundation is a pioneering initiative to remove barriers and promote real inclusion. This season, it offers football and basketball for children with auditory disabilities at Ponce de León and Gaudem schools—with adaptations such as Spanish sign language—and for children with visual disabilities at Ciudad Universitaria, ensuring fully integrated participation. With this edition, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to a model of inclusion that transforms the way we understand diversity and the potential of all individuals.

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.