How MLB is making ballparks more accessible for fans with disabilities

Major League Baseball and its clubs are continuing efforts to make the game more accessible and inclusive for fans with disabilities, from sensory resources and accessible technology to staff training and dedicated spaces at ballparks.

More than one in four adults in the United States and one in six people worldwide have some type of disability. MLB and its clubs work with venues to highlight resources available to fans, including at jewel events such as the World Baseball Classic, All-Star Week and Field of Dreams.

During All-Star Week in Philadelphia earlier this year, KultureCity Sensory Activation Vehicles (S.A.V.) were available at Citizens Bank Park and Capital One All-Star Village. The vehicles featured bean bags, visual light panels and bubble walls, while complimentary sensory kits included headphones, fidget toys and visual feeling and "I need" cue cards to help lessen sensory overload.

Clubs are continuously making improvements to their accessible experiences by installing resources such as universal change tables, sensory rooms, and offering closed captioning - which nearly all Clubs offer either in-ballpark or through the Ballpark app.

Across the league, all 30 clubs offer sensory resources, including sensory kits, sensory rooms, quiet spaces, social storybooks and accessibility maps to help fans prepare for visits.

Many teams have worked with a variety of partners such as local hospitals and health care providers, Easterseals, KultureCity and local autism centers to develop these resources.

Several clubs have also received Sensory Inclusive certification from KultureCity or certification through organizations such as the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

Here is a closer look at some of the work being done across Major League Baseball:

The Diamondbacks became the first MLB club to offer OneCourt devices at games. OneCourt devices translate live gameplay data, courtesy of Major League Baseball, into trackable vibrations and audio bites, so blind and low vision fans can follow live gameplay.

“We are proud to be the first MLB team to adopt OneCourt’s technology and continue our mission to grow the game of baseball,” said Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks President, CEO & General Partner. “This initiative marks a meaningful step in enhancing the accessibility of our game and reiterates our belief that every fan deserves to feel fully connected to their teams.”

At Great American Ball Park, the Reds have also turned to technology to improve accessibility. In 2026, Cincinnati became the first MLB club to offer both Aira Explorer and Aira ASL at no additional cost. The services connect blind or low-vision fans with visual interpreters and deaf and hard-of-hearing fans with ASL interpreters to help them navigate and communicate throughout their ballpark experience.

The Cubs' Wrigley Field became a Certified Autism Center earlier this year through the IBCCES. As part of the certification, at least 80% of guest-facing staff completed autism and sensory training, while IBCCES also conducted an on-site review of the ballpark to identify ways to enhance accessibility.

“We want to be accessible for everyone,” said Jessica Nugent, the team’s director of Cubs guest experience. “I know that it has a huge impact on populations of people who have autism and have sensory needs. And also their families, their friends, to be able to plan outings and plan trips and experiences and know they’re going to be taken care of. They’re going to have options and be able to feel safe doing that.”

Alex Bregman, who is in his first year with the Cubs after signing as a free agent last winter, has long supported autism advocacy, dating back to his early years with the Astros. His foundation, Bregman Cares, focuses on finding multiple paths for helping kids. Bregman is grateful that the Cubs have taken these measures to make Wrigley Field accessible to everyone.

“I really appreciate it. I think it’s awesome,” Bregman said recently. “It’s super cool that this ballpark is autism friendly.”

The Braves, in collaboration with MLB, launched a sensory space as part of their All-Star Legacy Project last year. The Braves Haven All-Star Sensory Lounge at Truist Park (behind section 218) is designed to minimize sensory input and provide an accessible environment for individuals with diverse sensory needs.

The Astros also opened a permanent sensory room at Daikin Park earlier this year ahead of hosting the World Baseball Classic.

The Nationals have taken another approach through their partnership with Canine Companions and Eukanuba. In May, the Nationals introduced Natty, a Golden Retriever and Labrador mix, as the club's official Team Dog. Natty made his Major League debut on May 15 against the Orioles and lives with his puppy raisers in Virginia while learning foundational skills as a service puppy in training. After about 18 months, Natty will begin professional training with Canine Companions with the goal of becoming a service dog for a person with a disability.

Clubs also often incorporate celebration and recognition days into their in-game programming and promotional schedules. For instance, both the Guardians and the Rays recognize Disability Pride Month each July. The celebrations include community giveback as well as in-game programming and activations with local community partners. Both the Guardians and Rays have partnered with a number of local community organizations to provide learning and education for staff and teammates throughout the year. July 26, National Disability Independence Day, recognizes the rights and achievements of people with disabilities and marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in 1990.