House panel to examine accessibility of public beaches in PR

By The Star Staff

District 2 (San Juan) Rep. Ricardo “Chino” Ocasio Ramos, who chairs the Committee on Seniors and Social Welfare in the lower chamber, on Tuesday filed House Resolution 193, which orders the committee to investigate the feasibility of adapting all public beaches in Puerto Rico with facilities for the enjoyment of people with disabilities.

“Our commitment to equity and inclusion is unwavering,” Ocasio Ramos said. “All people, regardless of their physical abilities, must have the right to safely enjoy our beaches.”

The measure stems from the recognition of an alarming reality: according to the 2022 American Community Survey, 24.6% of the population in Puerto Rico lives with some type of functional disability, and of those, 49% live below the poverty line. This population faces not only physical obstacles but also social and economic barriers that prevent them from fully accessing public recreational spaces.

The resolution’s preamble highlights how countries such as Germany, Canada, Japan and Spain have successfully implemented inclusive and adaptive tourism systems, ensuring accessibility and generating economic growth by attracting visitors with disabilities and their families.

“Our beaches are one of Puerto Rico’s greatest natural and tourist treasures. However, very few have adequate access for people with disabilities,” the legislator said. “In addition to providing social justice to this population, this is a great opportunity to position Puerto Rico as a leader in inclusive tourism in the Caribbean.”

Ocasio Ramos emphasized that the legislation not only seeks to identify existing barriers, but also to propose viable and sustainable solutions that allow all people to enjoy the natural environment equitably.

The measure will be evaluated in the coming weeks by the aforementioned committee, with the participation of accessibility experts, community leaders and representatives from relevant agencies.