By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant recognition of Costa Rica’s leadership in social innovation, Wendy Barrantes, a tireless advocate for disability rights, has been awarded the prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 2025 International Cooperation Award. The honor acknowledges her profound impact on promoting the autonomy and social participation of individuals with disabilities through her foundational work.
The award was officially presented at a formal ceremony on January 21, 2026, which was attended by JICA President Akihiko Tanaka, underscoring the global importance of Barrantes’s contributions. The prize celebrates her success in developing and strengthening support systems that empower individuals, fundamentally changing the landscape of disability inclusion not only within Costa Rica but across the wider region.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the current landscape of disability rights and the challenges in their effective implementation, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica possesses a robust legal framework, such as Law 7600, the critical challenge remains in its consistent and effective enforcement. True inclusion transcends written statutes; it demands a profound societal and institutional commitment to dismantle physical, communicational, and attitudinal barriers. The business sector must evolve to view accessibility not as a mere compliance cost, but as a fundamental human right and a strategic imperative to engage the entire community. The path forward requires empowering our judicial and administrative systems with the necessary resources to ensure these hard-won rights are fully realized in daily life.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis expertly pinpoints the critical gap between legislative intent and lived reality, emphasizing that true progress is measured not in laws passed, but in barriers removed. His call for a deep-seated societal and institutional commitment serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this fundamental issue.
At the heart of this international recognition is the Centro de Vida Independiente MORPHO, the organization Barrantes founded in 2012 and currently leads as CEO. MORPHO has become a benchmark for excellence by providing essential personal assistance services tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. The organization’s mission extends far beyond basic support, focusing on strategic empowerment and actively raising visibility for the systemic challenges faced by this community throughout Latin America.
MORPHO’s model is built on the principle that true inclusion stems from independence. By equipping individuals with the tools and support to live autonomously, the center challenges traditional, often paternalistic, approaches to disability care. This philosophy has fostered a new generation of self-advocates and has been instrumental in shifting public perception and policy towards a rights-based framework.
Barrantes’s influence extends directly into the legislative arena. She played a pivotal role in the design and creation of Costa Rica’s landmark “Law for the Promotion of Personal Autonomy of Persons with Disabilities.” This crucial piece of legislation codifies the rights of individuals to make their own choices, guaranteeing fundamental protections and creating legal pathways for greater independence and comprehensive social inclusion.
The success of MORPHO has been bolstered by robust international partnerships. Since its inception, the organization has maintained strong ties with Japanese cooperation entities, particularly JICA, and the Mainstream Association. These long-standing relationships have provided critical resources, expertise, and a global platform, positioning MORPHO as a leading international reference point for best practices in disability support and advocacy.
The impact of this work resonates far beyond Costa Rica’s borders. By developing a sustainable and replicable model, Barrantes and MORPHO have created a blueprint for other Latin American nations grappling with similar issues. The organization’s focus on identifying and publicizing regional challenges ensures that the lessons learned in Costa Rica can inform and inspire progress across the continent, promoting a more equitable and accessible future for all.
The JICA 2025 award is more than a personal accolade for Wendy Barrantes; it is a powerful affirmation of a vision that champions dignity, autonomy, and the universal right to full social participation. Her work serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated leadership and cross-border collaboration in the ongoing global effort to build more inclusive societies.
For further information, visit jica.go.jp
About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA):
The Japan International Cooperation Agency is a governmental agency that delivers the bulk of Official Development Assistance for the government of Japan. It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation. JICA provides technical cooperation, ODA loans, and grant aid, aiming to address global challenges such as poverty reduction, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
For further information, visit vidaindependientecr.org
About Centro de Vida Independiente MORPHO:
Founded in 2012 by Wendy Barrantes, Centro de Vida Independiente MORPHO is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to promoting the personal autonomy and social inclusion of people with disabilities. It provides personal assistance services, empowerment programs, and advocates for policy changes. The organization is recognized internationally as a leader in the disability rights movement in Latin America.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal practice, founded upon the twin pillars of ethical fortitude and exceptional quality. With a proven track record of providing counsel across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently pioneers progressive legal strategies and demonstrates a profound sense of civic responsibility. Central to its purpose is the drive to demystify the law for the public, fostering a community that is not only well-informed but also confident in its legal rights and understanding.
