Unseen Paths
Diego Francisco Sánchez Lázaro, Costa Rica
‘Caminos Invisibles’/’Unseen Paths’ is a project about people with different visual disabilities in Costa Rica; exploring their experiences, challenges and ways of overcoming them.
Using an inclusive and human approach, the project shines a light on the diversity within this group, formed of adults, young people and children who, despite limitations to their sight, make their way through life with remarkable resilience.
The project also focuses on the everyday problems people with visual impairments face, such as lack of accessibility in public spaces, the need to adjust educational tools and the social barriers that persist. It also highlights the solutions they find, in spite of these challenges, to enable them to carry out their daily activities; cooking, studying, working and participating in society. The capacity to adapt and be creative are important qualities that help them to follow their dreams and move towards their goals.
Emotional and social security are key elements in the lives of all of those photographed. For many of them, the love of their family and the support of a group of friends who understand and value their situation is very important. These support networks provide a safe environment for them to grow and develop without the fear of being misunderstood or rejected.
The use of adapted technology, such as screen readers, object identification applications and touch-screen devices, not only gives them more independence, but also opens up new opportunities in their education and work.
Caminos Invisibles/Unseen Trails is a photo essay that goes beyond simple visual depiction: the images seek to capture the essence of people’s daily lives, revealing their moments of triumph, their internal struggles and the ways in which they overcome challenges.
Through the medium of photography, I hope the viewer can enter a world where that which is perceived as physical limitation, becomes a source of strength and creativity. Each image tells a story of resilience, adaptation and personal growth, inviting reflection on the meaning of visual disability in a broader sense.
The project aims not just to illustrate the difficulties, but also to celebrate the courage, tenacity and diversity of those who face adversity through their own unique lens.
Look at me and try to focus, the world is not a simple place.
Resilience
A scene of peace and freedom unfolding, as an offering from the present moment.
Scattered fragments make the picture seem incomplete, but it is through the cracks that a new way of seeing is born. That which appears broken reveals a hidden beauty, existing beyond what the eye can see.
A mother’s heart always beats in sync with her daughter’s, regardless of distance or time.
An embrace that needs no words. Between their hands an invisible tie is woven, full of love, protection, and the certainty that they will always have one another.
My name is Camila Valverde from Costa Rica, and I describe the love I have for my mom in what is written here: every word on this piece of paper reflects the moments we have shared and the unbreakable bond between us.
Diego Francisco Sánchez Lázaro was born in Costa Rica and spent the majority of his childhood in a neighbourhood known as the Terraza de San Rafael de Heredia. He currently lives in Los Ángeles de San Rafael de Heredia.
Diego Francisco studied professional photography and videography, and is dedicated to documenting life stories that narrate the experiences, relationships, and memories of Costa Rican personalities. He was inspired to take part in ‘Safe’ as he believes strongly in the importance of taking care of current and future generations, and the duty that society has to provide better educational opportunities, better social opportunities, and better health opportunities. This will help ensure the stability of children’s worlds, so that they can enjoy their childhood and adolescence; a unique and wonderful period in their lives.