ASP self-advocates flexed their right to vote in #Halalan2022

The 2022 Philippine National Elections were preceded by a flurry of activities to help prepare adults on the autism spectrum to exercise their right to vote. The Autism Society Philippines started in 2021 with a Voter Education Webinar for Neurodiverse Filipinos, conducted together with the COMELEC Vulnerable Sectors Office and the Commission of Human Rights. The ASP also participated in various focused group discussions on how the voting experience could be improved for people on the autism spectrum. Atty. Jovencio Balanquit and Dr. Maureen Mata of the COMELEC VSO were instrumental in improving the voting experience for PWDs.

The ASP followed up with the release of infographics with reminders and instructions for election day and with the dissemination of tools to help with a trouble-free voting experience. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shared, "The Autism Society Philippines cascaded our announcements and materials through our nationwide network of self-advocates and parents, via our clusters and chapters. We celebrate how the updated processes implemented by COMELEC have improved our experience. No ASP families have escalated any untoward incident related to the elections."

Here are some ASP SACi members flexing their inked fingers.
(Collage by Pia Cabañero)

According to Pia Cabanero, ASP Self Advocate Circle VP for Communications, "For marginalized communities such as the people with disabilities sector (to which people on the autism spectrum or PWA belong), their votes matter in finding reliable public servants that aim to push for initiatives that will empower them in the coming years. A lot of us in ASP SACi gave our votes to people who have our best interests at heart. No matter the outcome, our decisions in the voting polls reflect the kind of leadership we aspire to have, for our betterment."

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Posted in: 4pwas,election,elections