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RCS 75

Para ordenar al Departamento de Educación restablecer, en un término de tres (3) meses, la oficina de la Facilitadora Docente de Educación Especial en Vieques; nombrar psicólogas escolares para todas las escuelas públicas sitas en Vieques en un término de tres (3) meses; comenzar a ofrecer al estudiantado de Vieques registrado en el Programa de Educación Especial, sin dilación, servicios relacionados de terapia psicológica, según sea requerido por el Programa Educativo Individualizado (PEI) de cada estudiante, observando los requisitos éticos y derechos de confidencialidad pertinentes; garantizar, sin dilación, los servicios relacionados de terapia del habla y lenguaje y de terapia ocupacional en la frecuencia y cantidad estipulada en el PEI a todo el estudiantado registrado en el Programa de Educación Especial ubicado en Vieques; comenzar a ofrecer los servicios de Educación Física Adaptada al estudiantado registrado en el Programa de Educación Especial ubicado en Vieques que así lo requiera; garantizar, sin dilación, el establecimiento de espacios idóneos para ofrecer los servicios relacionados de terapia en todas las escuelas de Vieques; identificar medidas concretas para atender el estado térmico de las escuelas públicas en Vieques; y gestionar, en un término de un (1) mes, la provisión de estacionamientos en las instalaciones del puerto de Ceiba para las maestras que viajan a Vieques diariamente desde la Isla Grande de Puerto Rico; con el propósito de que se dé oportuno cumplimiento a las fuentes de derecho que gobiernan la Educación Especial, incluyendo la sentencia por estipulación del caso Rosa Lydia Vélez y otros v. Awilda Aponte Roque y otros, en su aplicación al estudiantado de la isla municipio de Vieques.

2025-2028 Session

Restore Vieques’ Special Education Facilitator Office within 3 months, appoint school psychologists, and start PEI-based therapy services without delay.

Derrotado a viva voz
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Bill Summary · RCS 75

Summary — RCS 75

Title (original): Para ordenar al Departamento de Educación restablecer, en un término de tres (3) meses, la oficina de la Facilitadora Docente de Educación Especial en Vieques; nombrar psicólogas escolares para todas las escuelas públicas sitas en Vieques en un término de tres (3) meses; comenzar a ofrecer al estudiantado de Vieques registrado en el Programa de Educación Especial, sin dilación, servicios relacionados de terapia psicológica, según sea requerido por el Programa Educativo Individualizado (PEI) de cada estudiante... (etc.)

Overview / Purpose

RCS 75 is a legislative resolution directing the Puerto Rico Department of Education (DE) to restore and provide a set of special education-related services and supports in the island-municipality of Vieques. Its purpose is to ensure timely compliance with special education law and the stipulations of the Rosa Lydia Vélez v. Awilda Aponte Roque case as those obligations apply to students in Vieques.

Key provisions (directive nature)

  • Restore the Office of the Special Education Facilitator in Vieques within 3 months.
  • Appoint school psychologists for all public schools in Vieques within 3 months.
  • Begin providing psychological therapy services to students enrolled in the Special Education Program in Vieques without delay, per each student’s Individualized Education Program (PEI), observing ethical and confidentiality requirements.
  • Ensure speech-language therapy and occupational therapy are provided, without delay, at the frequency and duration stipulated in students’ PEIs.
  • Begin offering Adapted Physical Education services to Special Education students in Vieques who require them.
  • Establish adequate spaces in all Vieques schools to deliver related therapy services.
  • Identify concrete measures to address the thermal (temperature/environmental) conditions of Vieques public schools.
  • Within 1 month, arrange for parking spaces at the Ceiba port facilities for teachers who commute daily to Vieques from the main island.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Students with disabilities in Vieques and their families (students enrolled in the Programa de Educación Especial).
  • Secondary: School psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, adapted physical education staff, special education facilitators, school administrators, commuting teachers, and DE administrative units responsible for staffing, facilities, and logistics.

Implementation timeline & obligations

  • Multiple directives carry short deadlines: 3 months for staffing/office restoration and 1 month for port parking.
  • Many service provisions are required “sin dilación” (immediately) and must conform to each student’s PEI and confidentiality/ethical rules.

Legal context

  • The resolution cites the obligation to comply with applicable sources of law governing special education, including the stipulated judgment in Rosa Lydia Vélez et al. v. Awilda Aponte Roque et al.

Legislative status and procedural history

  • Introduced (Radicado): 2025-06-27
  • Referred to committee; first reading: 2025-06-28
  • Committee report with amendments: 2025-10-09
  • Placed on Senate Special Orders calendar: 2025-10-20
  • Approved with report amendments but subsequently defeated by voice vote (Derrotado a viva voz) on 2025-10-20.

Potential impact and considerations

If implemented, the resolution would increase staffing, therapy services, adapted physical education, and facility improvements in Vieques—likely requiring DE budgetary allocations and operational planning. It would also provide logistical support for commuting teachers. Because the measure was defeated on 2025-10-20, its directives are not in force.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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