Enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act at P. R.

The_ADA_Law must be enforced at the Commonwealth of Puerto_Rico  
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"),  United States Code, Title 42 cited as 42 USCS prec  12101 Congress acknowledges findings that:

"(7) individuals with disabilities are a discrete and insular [but not a minority at Puerto Rico] the last Census revealed that more than 26% of the population] "who have been faced with restrictions and limitations are subjected to a history of purposeful unequal treatment, and relegated to a position of political powerlessness in our society, based on characteristics that are beyond the control of such individuals and resulting from stereotypic assumptions not truly indicative of the individual ability of such individuals to participate in, and contribute to, society;

(8) the Nation's proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals; and"

(9) the continuing existence of unfair and unnecessary discrimination and prejudice denies people with disabilities the opportunity to compete on an equal basis and to pursue those opportunities for which our free society is justifiably famous, and costs the United States billions of dollars in unnecessary expenses resulting from dependency and nonproductivity."

and was established for the following purposes:

"(b) Purpose

It is the purpose of this chapter

(1) to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities;

(2) to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities;

(3) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a central role in enforcing the standards established in this chapter on behalf of individuals with disabilities; and

(4) to invoke the sweep of congressional authority, including the power to enforce the fourteenth amendment and to regulate commerce, in order to address the major areas of discrimination faced day-to-day by people with disabilities."

As a U.S. Territory, Puerto Rico is covered by these provisions and entitled to demand enforcement of same.  HOWEVER, there is an appalling lack of services.  We feel that this is due mainly to the minimal presence of the Department of Justice in Puerto Rico.

We appeal to your office to conduct a compliance review investigation, and initiate appropriate remedies, to ensure that the citizens of Puerto Rico are receiving the benefits and enforcement of this Act to which they are entitled.