González Colón presents proposals for people with functional diversity

“We have to facilitate the integration of people with functional diversity into society, promote their full development and foster their independence, allowing them to reach their full potential and contribute to our communities,” Jenniffer González Colón said.

By The Star Staff

New Progressive Party (NPP) gubernatorial hopeful Jenniffer González Colón on Thursday presented her proposals to support the community with functional diversity.

“In our meetings with this diverse population sector, we were consistently informed of the lack of centralized information on the services available for people with functional diversity, the lack of coordination and adequate transition between the services provided by the different agencies through the different stages of their life, and about the lack of a concerted public policy that promotes a dignified and independent life for people with functional diversity,” González Colón said in a written statement.

Among her proposals, the resident commissioner noted the following:

1. Establish the Family Support Program for Students with Functional Diversity

2. Single Digital File (EDU)

3. Put into operation the Vocational Rehabilitation Center, located in the Medical Center in Río Piedras

4. Create ABLE accounts in Puerto Rico

5. Establish a liaison office, under the Department of Health, for support, guidance and official registration of people with so-called rare diseases

6. Identify job opportunities for people with functional diversity

7. Restore the autonomy of the Industry Corporation for the Blind, Mentally Disabled and Other Disabled Persons of Puerto Rico (CIRIO)

8. Increase the availability of assisted housing

9. Establish an interagency office to bring together existing services in the departments of Family, Health and Economic Development & Commerce, and the Quality Office of the Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA)

10. Establish the Commission for Services to People with Visual and Hearing Difficulties

11. Establish tax credits for providing communication assistance.

“We have to facilitate the integration of people with functional diversity into society, promote their full development and foster their independence, allowing them to reach their full potential and contribute to our communities,” the resident commissioner and NPP vice president said. “Today, on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, we present the first part of our proposals to improve the lives of people with functional diversity and their families.”