This article was initially published online by Rappler on 25 June 2025.
As someone who has long advocated for the dignity of Filipinos on the autism spectrum, I viewed the recent national elections through a unique lens — not just as a voter, but as a parent, and as an ally of a community that is far too often overlooked. The participation of adults on the spectrum in the electoral process is a powerful statement. It disproves the tired stereotype that they live in their "own world." On the contrary, they care, they show up, and they want their voices heard.
Our political landscape is a noisy one. Even before the official campaign period began, social media had become a battleground of slogans, memes, and commentary. Filipinos passionately analyze candidate interviews, pick apart platforms, and share videos that stir national pride. Yet amid the noise, there is a deafening absence of candidates with a strong background in serving the disability community and a lack of platforms that address their needs.
It is not enough to say that people with disabilities were left out of campaign speeches. Worse, in recent years, the very language of politics has become a breeding ground for ignorance and disrespect. Words like “bobo,” “lutang,” “autistic,” and “special child” are tossed around as insults — weaponized in partisan skirmishes, normalized in everyday banter. These slurs reinforce damaging stereotypes and deepen the alienation of people already marginalized by society.
Despite the noise, the stigma, and the barriers, many adults on the autism spectrum cast their votes last May. Some did so independently, lining up at precincts, enduring the crowds, and navigating the process with determination. Family members or caregivers accompanied others, aware of the many ways the voting experience can overwhelm or confuse. But how many more would have voted — could have voted — if our electoral processes were truly disability inclusive?
For many in the autism community, voting is anything but simple. Long lines, sensory-overloading environments, and poorly designed ballots all pose challenges. Add to this a lack of trained poll workers and inaccessible information, and the experience becomes discouraging, if not impossible.
Beyond the physical and procedural hurdles lies a more subtle but equally critical barrier: political literacy. Understanding complex platforms, navigating jargon-filled websites, and watching debates that fail to consider cognitive processing differences. As a result, some vote based on name recall, family preferences, or incomplete information, not out of apathy, but due to a lack of support and accessible resources.
If we genuinely believe in a participatory democracy, then we must act now.
We need universally accessible voter education programs that cater to the needs of the neurodiverse. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) must work with disability advocates to develop accessible, autism-friendly materials. These could include illustrated guides, plain-language versions of platforms, and videos with captions, voiceovers, and visual aids.
We need poll workers trained in autism sensitivity. Kindness and patience go a long way, but training goes further. Poll staff must be equipped to respond appropriately to non-apparent disabilities and to support voters who may need a little extra time or explanation.
We need early assisted-voting and distance-voting options to be proactively promoted for those with disabilities. These are necessary accommodations that uphold the right to vote for all.
We need accessible campaign materials. Political parties and candidates must be held accountable for inclusivity. Platforms should be communicated in clear, simple language. Campaign videos should include subtitles and visual aids to enhance comprehension. Inclusion is not a favor — it is a democratic obligation.
“The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members,” Gandhi once said. I believe the true strength of our democracy lies in how it listens to and uplifts those who have been left out. Inclusion is about extending the reach of participation to everyone, regardless of ability.
I am a mother of three. My eldest is an adult on the autism spectrum. And as I watched the elections unfold, I was reminded that votes are not just choices — they are declarations of hope, dignity, and belonging. I cast mine for leaders who see the unseen, who amplify the unheard, and who understand that disability is not a deficit, but simply a different way of engaging with the world. We owe our fellow Filipinos on the autism spectrum more than accessibility on election day. We owe them a political culture that values their voice, respects their presence, and believes in their capacity to shape our nation.
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About the author:
Mona Magno-Veluz serves as the National Spokesperson of the Autism Society Philippines. She is a mom to three kids, with her eldest, Carl, on the autism spectrum. She creates content and talks publicly about history and disability inclusion. Find her on Instagram @mightymagulang.
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