A unique initiative has been launched by CERCIOEIRAS, a cooperative supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The organization proposed a creative project to Hugo Pinto, the president of the Amadora BD awards jury and a comic book enthusiast.
In a recent interview, Hugo Pinto, who coordinated the book’s creation, explained that the goal was “to do something different” by compiling a book of various short comic stories.
Titled ‘Invisíveis,’ the book features six short stories that aim to illustrate the day-to-day lives of people with disabilities. “These stories reveal the presence of individuals with disabilities in our communities—on subways, in public services, and restaurants—although they often go unnoticed,” Pinto elaborated.
“They may seem invisible, but they are very much present,” he added.
In addition to Hugo Pinto, the book includes contributions from Daniel Maia, Joana Afonso, Luís Louro, Osvaldo Medina, Paulo J. Mendes, Ricardo Santo, and Susana Resende—some of the leading names in national comics. The cover, an original design by Jorge Coelho, appeals to audiences aged “six to one hundred.”
One of the stories, according to Pinto, is a direct adaptation of poems by an author with cerebral palsy. Other stories cover topics such as CERCIOEIRAS’s 50-year history, the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, equity issues through the story of someone in a wheelchair, and common prejudices, all based on real-life events.
“One particularly emotional story, which is receiving a lot of praise, highlights the work of caregivers for people with disabilities,” Pinto noted.
The collection of stories reveals the resilience and heroism of people with disabilities in overcoming more obstacles than many other citizens face.
For CERCIOEIRAS, these are “six powerful stories of inclusion,” showcasing the institution’s “transformative mission” and reflecting on social barriers, invisibility, and the pressing need for a truly inclusive society.
The book will be unveiled on November 2 at the Amadora BD Festival. It is currently available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the mission of CERCIOEIRAS.
