Bill would create registry, promote full accessibility of island sports & recreational facilities

Rep. Carlos Méndez Núñez

By The Star Staff

District 14 (Arecibo and Hatillo) Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera, who chairs the Consumer Affairs Committee in the lower chamber, introduced House Bill 516 on Wednesday, which would create the “Special Law for the Registry of Barrier-Free Sports and Recreational Facilities in the Government of Puerto Rico.”

The legislation seeks to guarantee that all people with disabilities have seamless access to the country’s various sports and recreational areas, ensuring that they are fully accessible.

The initiative instructs the Office of the Ombudsman for People with Disabilities, in coordination with the Department of Sports and Recreation (DRD by its initials in Spanish), to create a special registry identifying accessible sports and recreational facilities by municipality. Additionally, available adaptive sports programs, whether public or private, will be included to ensure that all people, regardless of their physical condition, can fully enjoy sports and recreational activities “without any barriers,” Robles said.

“The bill seeks to improve the quality of life for all people with disabilities in Puerto Rico,” the legislator said. “We know that municipal sports and recreation directors and recreational and community leaders are the ones who best understand the needs of their municipalities, and they are the ones who will help us identify which facilities are accessible.”

“Working together with our community leaders and DRD officials is essential for this effort to be a success,” the lawmaker added. “House Bill 516 is not only designed to identify and disseminate information, but also to ensure that sports and recreation facilities are truly inclusive.”