Advocates demand justice for Janet following tragedy of deaf mother in Puerto Rico

In a poignant session of the Comisión de Bienestar Social y Asuntos de la Vejez on May 4, 2021, the tragic story of Janet Viera, a deaf mother who took her own life, was brought to the forefront, highlighting systemic failures in the support provided to individuals with disabilities in Puerto Rico. The meeting, attended by various stakeholders, aimed to address the urgent need for reform in the services offered to vulnerable populations.

David Figueroa Betancourt, president of the Coalition for Functional Diversity, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of community engagement, noting the significant turnout at the meeting. He expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Janet's death, which he described as a reflection of the broader crisis faced by the deaf community. Figueroa pointed out that despite existing laws designed to protect individuals with disabilities, such as the requirement for sign language interpreters in government agencies, these provisions were not adequately enforced.

The narrative of Janet's life and struggles resonated throughout the meeting. Figueroa recounted how Janet had been seeking help for years, yet the system failed her at critical moments. He raised crucial questions about the services provided to her family, particularly whether they received the necessary support and whether their needs were understood and addressed by social services. The absence of an interpreter during her interactions with the Department of Family was highlighted as a significant oversight that contributed to her tragic outcome.

As the discussion progressed, Figueroa called for accountability from government agencies, stressing that the failure to provide adequate services not only violated legal obligations but also resulted in devastating consequences for families like Janet's. He urged the commission to take decisive action to ensure that such tragedies do not recur, advocating for a comprehensive review of existing laws and their implementation.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity among lawmakers and advocates to create a more inclusive and responsive system for individuals with disabilities. The emotional weight of Janet's story served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic change, leaving attendees with a sense of responsibility to act and a commitment to ensuring justice for those who have been marginalized.