Inclusive fashion campaign provides opportunity for domestic and foreign tourists with disabilities to comfortably enjoy the country’s tourist attractions
The Foundation for the Comprehensive System of Artistic Training for Social Inclusion (SIFAIS), the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism and the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) have joined forces in an innovative and powerful campaign of adapted t-shirts called “Breaking Barriers”, which transforms inclusive fashion in Costa Rica.
The t-shirts of the brand “La Inspiración” are innovative garments designed to improve the quality of life of Costa Ricans and/or tourists with disabilities who visit us. Precisely, with adapted clothing, barriers are broken so that people with disabilities can discover our country. These garments combine style and functionality; they are made with natural fabrics and have exclusive designs in their patterns and inspiration.
The artist Jairo Mora, a participant in the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism, although he cannot use his hands due to a disability, is the creator of wonderful designs with his mouth, which are digitalized and printed on the t-shirts to be part of the “Breaking Barriers” campaign. Each piece shows the power of talent and perseverance. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to express my art on a global level. The RED has allowed me to expand my horizons in an incredible way,” said Jairo.
Likewise, a group of female heads of household from the “EntreCosturas” enterprise of the Comprehensive System of Artistic Training for Social Inclusion (SIFAIS) are in charge of cutting and making the “Breaking Barriers” t-shirt. This product is part of the “Crafts with Identity” program of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and belongs to the Arroz con Mango Collective.
“At the ICT we support innovative initiatives that allow the development of accessible tourism, one of the fundamental axes of our sustainable tourism model. We support this initiative of the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network with the creation of a fashion collection that definitely breaks barriers as a powerful symbol of inclusion and benefits other people. At the same time, these creations managed to become part of and strengthen the ICT’s Crafts with Identity program, further validating the commitment of its creators and the institution to tourism for all people, in this case with adapted and inclusive clothing for national and international travelers,” said Rafael Soto, General Manager of the ICT.
Giselle Gamboa, artisan of EntreCosturas SIFAIS, indicated .I am grateful to be a beneficiary of these partnerships that value our talent and work. Also, knowing that the products we make will benefit other groups in special situations is very gratifying. The training and marketing support received from the SIFAIS Foundation over the past six years has strengthened my business and allowed me to offer decent work to other families in the community.”
“At SIFAIS we are very happy to be able to be part of this type of movement in which inclusion, equity and talent come together to show that with effort and discipline, dreams come true,” concluded Beatriz Vargas, EntreCosturas coordinator.
The EntreCosturas t-shirt and products are available at ARMARIUM, at the GALA Center in San Rafael de Escazú. And it will be at the Costa Rica Fashion Week Marketplace on August 23 and 24, 2024.
Karina Ruiz, CEO of Costa Rica Fashion Week: “Fashion is art, and as such, it expresses the essence of each person and tells a story: that of those who make the clothes and that of those who wear them. From our platform at Costa Rica Fashion Week, we reaffirm our commitment to making fashion a safe and inclusive space for all people. For this reason, we invite everyone to the MARKETPLACE that will take place during CR Fashion Week, where La Inspiración will present its project ‘Breaking Barriers.’ We proudly support this project that promotes inclusion and equal opportunities through fashion.”
“Breaking Barriers” movement funds adapted uniforms
For every five t-shirts sold, an adapted uniform is funded for a student from the 25 special education centers in Costa Rica. This campaign not only promotes inclusion, but also eliminates the barriers that prevent young people with disabilities from studying due to the lack of adequate uniforms. By providing adapted uniforms, we support their education with the goal of enabling them to access job opportunities and enter the workforce.
Stephanie Sheehy, executive director of the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network, added: “La Inspiración was born to transform inclusive fashion and improve the lives of people with disabilities. ‘Breaking Barriers’ is more than clothing; it is a symbol of equity, inclusion and sustainability. Each t-shirt empowers our artists and funds adapted school uniforms, promoting educational inclusion. We use natural fabrics and upcycling to minimize waste, generating decent employment and educational opportunities for female heads of household. “With the support of SIFAIS, EntreCosturas and the ICT, we continue to break barriers. We invite you to join us and be part of the change,” concluded Sheehy.
Source : ICT
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