Santos Mandates Sensory-Friendly Spaces for Autistic Individuals at Events and Sports Venues

The municipality of Santos, Brazil, has enacted a new law requiring sports venues and event locations with a capacity exceeding 5,000 people to provide dedicated spaces for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA). This legislation, published on Friday, November 17th, will take effect in January 2027 and includes penalties for non-compliance. The rule applies to stadiums, arenas, sports centers, gymnasiums, and courts. These designated areas must feature a planned sensory integration room offering adequate visibility and external sound containment. The law also mandates the availability of noise-canceling headphones at these venues. Reserved seating for guardians and companions, along with differentiated access and specific tickets for individuals with TEA, are also stipulated. A key objective is to foster inclusion and enhance accessibility at events. The law further allows flexible entry and exit times for this group, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of autistic behavior. Specific training for support and security personnel is also required. For football matches, the home club will manage the sale and distribution of these tickets, while event producers will be responsible for other events. Ticket collection will require a medical report and must be completed within specified deadlines, with tickets offered at least 72 hours in advance and collected up to 24 hours before the event. Proposed by councilman Sérgio Santana (PL), the law will be regulated by January 2027. Violations will result in an initial warning, followed by a R$1,000 fine for repeat offenses, which will be doubled in subsequent violations and adjusted annually by the IPCA inflation index.