Costa Rica: "Moda Sin Barreras" promotes art and inclusive tourism

07-08-24

The Fundación del Sistema Integral de Formación Artística para la Inclusión Social (SIFAIS), the Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible and the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) join forces in an innovative and powerful campaign of adapted t-shirts called "Rompiendo Barreras" (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 the 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, participant of 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 digitized and printed on the T-shirts to be part of the campaign "Breaking Barriers." Each piece makes visible the power of talent and perseverance. "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to express my art globally. RED has allowed me to expand my horizons in an incredible way," said Jairo.

In addition, a group of women heads of household of the "EntreCosturas" enterprise of the Integral System of Artistic Training for Social Inclusion (SIFAIS) are in charge of cutting and making the "Rompiendo Barreras" T-shirt. This product is part of the "Handicrafts with Identity" program of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and belongs to the Rice with Mango Collective.

"From 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 Network of Accessible Tourism 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 became 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, this time with adapted and inclusive garments for national and international travelers," said Rafael Soto, General Manager of the ICT.

Giselle Gamboa, EntreCosturas SIFAIS artisan, said. "I am grateful to be a beneficiary of these alliances 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 Fundación SIFAIS over the past six years has strengthened my business and allowed me to offer dignified 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 demonstrate that with effort and discipline dreams come true" concluded Beatriz Vargas, coordinator of EntreCosturas.

The EntreCosturas T-shirt and products are available at ARMARIUM, at the GALA Center in San Rafael de Escazú. And it will be in the Marketplace of Costa Rica Fashion Week this 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 garments and those who wear them. From our platform in Costa Rica Fashion Week, we reaffirm our commitment to make fashion a safe and inclusive space for all people. Therefore, we invite everyone to the MARKETPLACE that will take place during the 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."

Movimiento "Rompiendo Barreras" finances adapted uniforms

For every five T-shirts sold, an adapted uniform is financed for a student in one of 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 appropriate 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: "Inspiration was born to transform inclusive fashion and improve the lives of people with disabilities. 'Rompiendo Barreras' 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 dignified employment and educational opportunities for women heads of household. "With the support of SIFAIS, EntreCosturas and ICT we continue to break barriers. We invite you to join us and be part of the change" concluded Sheehy.

Those interested in collaborating and placing their orders, all with the sole objective of continuing to generate more spaces and opportunities where equity and inclusion will be the protagonists, promoting an increasingly accessible tourism, can communicate directly in the following contacts:

● Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism: 8917-9727

o ARMARIUM: ventas@lainspiracion.co.cr

● Foundation info@sifais.org

o EntreCosturas: bevargasm@gmail.com

Press contact: luis.jara@ict.go.cr

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