Puerto Rico health department enhances services for individuals with intellectual disabilities

The government meeting held on March 27, 2025, by the Cámara de Representantes in Puerto Rico focused on the "Avanzando Juntos" program, which aims to provide comprehensive support services for children and adults with disabilities. The agenda included discussions on various health and educational services available to families, emphasizing the integration of data into a new information system designed to streamline access to these services.

The meeting began with an overview of the services offered under the Avanzando Juntos program, which includes speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, psychology, social work, assistive technology, special education, and service coordination. Starting in May 2025, data from participating families will be incorporated into the Puerto Rico Early Intervention Data System. This system aims to facilitate the transition of children with developmental delays into special education programs by providing necessary information to families.

A significant point raised was the potential benefits of adopting a unique electronic record system. This system would ease the transition between agencies by eliminating the need for families to maintain and present physical records, thus allowing for a more automated process. The importance of complying with federal regulations regarding privacy and educational rights was also highlighted.

The discussion then shifted to the services provided for adults with intellectual disabilities, led by the department's director. The program caters to individuals aged 22 to 59 and focuses on community-based support rather than institutional care. The director noted that the program has expanded from a few institutions to 84 community homes, with plans to open four more homes by June and an additional twelve in April. This shift aims to promote deinstitutionalization and provide less restrictive living alternatives.

The meeting also addressed the need for effective evaluation and treatment for individuals transitioning from childhood services to adult services. The director emphasized the challenges families face in obtaining necessary documentation for eligibility assessments, which can delay access to services. The proposed electronic record system would help overcome these barriers by providing timely access to evaluations and treatment histories.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commitment of the Puerto Rican government to enhance support for individuals with disabilities through improved data management and community-based services. The next steps involve implementing the new information system and continuing to expand community resources to better serve this population.