2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 42 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office Act (§§ 811 — 851) › Subchapter II - Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office (§§ 812 — 828) › § 816 - Duties and responsibilities of the Director’s Council

The Director’s Council shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) To ensure that needs assessments are conducted regarding the rights of persons with disabilities to identify and address discrepancies in access and services.
(b) To guarantee that methods are established for the participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in order to gather information about their needs and priorities.
(c) To establish, in conjunction with the Advocate, the priority with which the needs identified shall be addressed and the actions to satisfy such needs shall be taken.
(d) To devise an integrated strategic plan every five (5) years based on the rights of persons with disabilities relating to health, policy, housing, educational, labor, economic, and cultural issues, among others, as well as discrimination, oppression, or marginalization of persons with disabilities.
(e) To evaluate and make recommendations, through the Advocate, regarding public policy on education and skill-building, employment, self-management, economic development, housing, and health, among others, to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life, whether it is social, political, economic, or cultural.
(f) To guarantee that studies are conducted and indicators are identified regarding persons with disabilities and ensure their incorporation in the social and economic development plans of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(g) To propose to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly, through the Advocate, legal, regulatory, and administrative initiatives regarding matters within its jurisdiction.
(h) To evaluate, in terms of participation and inclusion, the efficiency and effectiveness of bylaws and administrative procedures regarding the diligence with which the needs of persons with disabilities, in all of its variations, are satisfied and the efficient allocation of funds.
(i) To appoint the Advocate, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, evaluate his/her performance annually and report any findings. Likewise, it may remove the Advocate from office in accordance with the grounds and procedure established therefor in this chapter.
(j) To appoint the Executive Director of the Persons with Disabilities Protection and Advocacy Division in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and evaluate his/her performance annually.
(k) To hold an annual national accountability summit, whether simultaneously or regionally, whereby the public is able to receive an annual report of the status of the rights of persons with disabilities and has the opportunity to voice their points of view regarding the status, needs, and issues of the served population. To such effects, the Director’s Council shall publish the corresponding public notice in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation not less than ten (10) days before the holding thereof, as well as in the media, as necessary and reasonable. Furthermore, it shall notify in writing any group, organization or coalition concerned with persons with disabilities, not later than thirty (30) days before the holding of the summit to guarantee the access and participation of persons with disabilities and all the different related organizations, including from other geographic locations. The Council may enter into collaboration agreements with Municipalities in order to disseminate the information about the summit and achieve maximum attendance. The Director’s Council shall keep a record of attendees and the recommendations they made.
(l) To approve the annual plans of the Director’s Council committees.
History —Sept. 24, 2015, No. 158, § 2.05.