People with disabilities will have access to an exclusive box at Marquês de Sapucaí

The Inclusion Carnival takes pride of place at the Sambódromo in Rio de Janeiro, an entire sector of Sapucaí, 13, is reserved to receive, free of charge, three thousand people with disabilities, including children, young people, adults, elderly people and their companions. 

The majority of these revelers are from peripheral and needy regions of the city, and the intention is for them to have an unforgettable experience during the five days of carnival celebrations in Marquês de Sapucaí. 

They will stay in a 650 square meter space. These are people who dreamed of seeing the parades on the avenue, but never had the opportunity due to accessibility, but now, they will be received with great care and accessibility. 

The space offers, for example, audio description of the parades for people with visual impairments, LIBRAS interpreters and space for wheelchair users. Furthermore, through audio description, people with visual impairments will be able to follow the lyrics of the sambas. 

With the aim of providing greater comfort and well-being, deserved by these more than special revelers, noise dampers will be available for those with sensory sensitivity. Everyone will have the right to bring companions.

Special guest 

One of the revelers who will be at the Sambódromo, in sector 13, is the famous Vicentinho da Imperatriz, one of the composers of the anthological samba enredo “Liberdade! Liberdade! Abre as asas sobre nós”. Because of diabetes, he had his legs amputated and is on hemodialysis.

Affordable party 

The space, which is managed by the City of Rio de Janeiro, received adaptations to ensure safe public circulation, in addition to offering accessibility features during the five nights of the parade. Those using a wheelchair will have a reserved place at the front of the track. 

Throughout the parade, noise dampeners will be distributed to offer more comfort and well-being to people with disabilities who have severe sensory sensitivity. In addition, a “decompression corner” will be available, a place designed to mitigate the effects of sensory stimulation resulting from excess light and sound, especially benefiting those with autism. 

Four vans adapted to transport people with mobility difficulties and wheelchairs will travel from Central do Brasil to the Sambadrome. There will be professionals from the Secretaria da Pessoa com Deficiência (SMPDRIO) trained to provide support to the public. 

Over the five nights, a group of 10 young people with disabilities will open the Marquês de Sapucaí parades and welcome the public at the Sambadrome. These are people who participate in social and economic inclusion projects run by the NGO RIOinclui.

Have fun consciously! 

Enjoy Carnival. If you drink, do not drive. Keep an eye on children and the vulnerable and remember: no, it’s no!