2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 24A - Office of the Disabled Persons Investigating Official (§§ 532 — 532q) › § 532e - Functions and responsibilities

The Office, in addition to any others provided in this chapter or in the programs whose administration and implementation are delegated thereto, shall have the following functions and responsibilities:
(a) To establish and execute an assistance program for persons with disabilities in order to orient and advise them on all the programs, services and benefits to which they are entitled, and on the requirements, mechanisms, means, resources or procedures to obtain, participate in and benefit from them, and exercise their rights.
(b) To serve, at the request of any person with disabilities or his parents or guardian, as mediator in his/her relations with the various public entities and with the private entities that offer, provide or render some service, activity, benefit or program for disabled persons.
(c) To promote the creation and development of programs that foster the participation of persons with disabilities in educational, social, cultural, recreational activities according to the interest of each person and in any others that shall contribute positively to their rehabilitation, development and total inclusion in all aspects of society.
(d) To compile, update and analyze statistical data needed for the planning, coordination and use of the government resources earmarked for the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, personal care, assistance, attendance, rehabilitation, education, training, employment, housing, recreation, socializing and guidance of persons with disabilities.
(e) To establish an integrated statistical data system on the activities and different jobs held by persons with disabilities, in order to guarantee the maximum use of the resources available for this population, as well as the orientation, planning, and organization of the services offered. The statistical data shall include, among others, the gender, education, skills, capabilities, age, place of work, and position held, among others, of each individual. It shall also establish a human resources databank containing the information of the persons with disabilities who wish to join the workforce. Furthermore, it shall establish collaboration agreements with the Department of Labor and Human Resources and ORHELA in order to obtain and keep the statistical data directed in this chapter and to access information on vacant positions for which they can compete.
(f) To prepare and keep up to date a catalog or handbook on all the programs, benefits, services, activities and facilities available for persons with disabilities in public agencies as well as private entities. Said catalog shall include and incorporate the laws, regulations, orders, norms, procedures, resources, means, mechanisms and requirements needed to qualify and obtain any benefit, service, right or privilege.
(g) To guide and educate persons with disabilities as to their human and legal rights as well as the privileges and opportunities available for treatment, rehabilitation, training and development under the laws in effect, using all available techniques and means of communication for such purpose.
(h) To establish and organize a program through which persons with disabilities may channel their complaints or claims in case of the public agencies’ inactivity or the violation of their rights, and serve as liaison between them and the agency concerned.
(i) To oversee that public agencies and private entities that receive public funds do not discriminate against persons with disabilities because of their condition.
(j) Perform studies and investigations per se or in coordination with other public agencies for the development of new views, methods, programs and services that can contribute to handling the problems and needs of disabled persons, leading to their optimum development and their becoming productive, independent persons.
(k) Assist, upon request of public agencies, municipalities, and private entities that receive public funds, in designing, preparing, developing, and implementing orientation, counseling, recruitment, training, and assistance programs for persons with disabilities, including without being limited to, the best use and application of state and federal funds and programs established for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
(l) Require from every agency, department, and/or instrumentality of the three Government branches the designation of one or more officials to conduct inspections in the facilities of the three Government branches to ensure their compliance with Commonwealth and federal laws which guarantee access to persons with disabilities, and establish in coordination with agencies, departments, and/or instrumentalities to carry out corrective plans. Each agency, department, and/or instrumentality shall submit to the Office its findings on the inspection of the facilities. The Office shall review the results of the inspections and shall establish corrective action plans in the dependency. The Office shall follow up corrective action plans and certify the compliance of the three Government branches agencies, departments, and/or instrumentalities.
(m) The officials designated under subsection (l) of this section shall be designated by the Office to create a Bank of Liaisons to be trained on state and federal laws.
(n) Design and establish sensitivity campaigns addressed to human resources professionals in the public and private sector to guarantee equal opportunities with respect to employment access and promotions for persons with disabilities.
History —Sept. 27, 1985, No. 2, p. 816, § 6, renumbered as § 9 on Aug. 30, 1999, No. 298, § 3; Dec. 19, 2000, No. 428, § 1; July 12, 2002, No. 102, § 2; Mar. 29, 2006, No. 72, § 1; Nov. 14, 2006, No. 247; July 30, 2007, No. 88, § 2; Aug. 5, 2009, No. 59, § 1; Dec. 21, 2010, No. 215, § 1.