Barcelona City Council and Mobile World Capital Barcelona to make Guitard Toy Library more digital, accessible and inclusive

• The project was a joint effort by Les Corts district, the Local Institute for People with Disabilities, as well as Agenda 2030 and Mobile World Capital Barcelona’s Digital Future Society program.
• The proposal was designed by Nexe Fundació, winner of the Inovacció2030 challenge to turn the toy library into a more disability-friendly space through technological solutions.
• The pilot test has equipped each of the venue’s rooms with technological solutions that make it easier for children with disabilities and their families to play and take part in activities.

October 30, 2022

A new digital proposal by Nexe Fundació has made the Guitard de les Corts Toy Library games and services accesible for all children. The disability adaptation project was developed by the district of Les Corts, the 2030 Agenda and the Local Institute for People with Disabilities, together with Mobile World Capital Barcelona’s Digital Future Society program.

This effort is part of InnovAcció2030, an initiative promoted by the 2030 Agenda Commissioner, B:SM and MWCapital commited to accelerating sustainable and social urban innovation through technology, as a fundamental tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Economy, Labor, Competitiveness and Finance First Deputy Mayor Jaume Collboni stressed that “the Guitard Toy Library is an excellent example of technological innovation for a more accessible and inclusive society, where all groups enjoy the city’s social, cultural and educational life equally.” 

MWCapital’s CIO and smart connectivity director Eduard Martin, stressed that “responding to the needs of citizens through digitization enabled tools is a priority for MWCapital. With projects like this we put technology at the service of all, so that we can achieve a more responsible, digital and inclusive society and tackle the digital divide.”

A toy library that promotes inclusive digital services 

For several years, the Les Corts district has worked on making its projects, services and facilities socially responsible, accessible and inclusive, thus improving the lives of people with disabilities. The Guitard toy library has become strategic for the neighborhood by offering a space for play and educational leisure for children, families and tutors. Local entities and institutions had long stressed the need to transform the toy library into a disability (physical, mental, visual and / or hearing) and mental health disorder -a friendly space.

It was InnovAcció2030’s goal to encourage the search for innovative technological solutions that turned the toy library into a space for sensory, adapted and inclusive experimentation. Last January a call for proposals and technological solutions opened; the winner among the more than 20 entries was Nexe Fundació, a private care and services organization for children with multiple disabilities and their families.

Nexe’s solution is made of different technologies, accessible digital games and leisure elements that allow inclusive sensory experiences, and help in the learning, socialization and participation processes. “The toy library is an example of how to work on inclusion in a child’s natural environment where abilities can be developed through play”, said Nexe Fundació’s manager Maria Gradillas. She also pointed out that “Nexe is committed to innovation and we have been working with technology for many years. This project allowed us to apply our knowledge in a leisure environment.”

A multisensory experience for public spaces 

The pilot project will last six months during which the impact of accessible technologies will be evaluated in order to assess its suitability for other public spaces.

Each room in the venue will feature several innovative and integrative technological elements such as the “Proximity” reader that allows real objects to come to life, creating a specific environment for the read object, an interactive screen with adapted games or “Makey Makey”, an electronic programming kit for children. There is also a multisensory room, an educational leisure space that encourages learning by stimulating the different senses.