#MyVoteCounts campaign encourages those with disabilities to vote and politicians to listen

With the election just four days away, a locally-born social media campaign has spread and popped up in different parts of the province.

#MyVoteCounts is encouraging everyone, including those with disabilities, to get to the polls.

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The social media campaign, started by LaSalle resident Mary Beth Rocheleau, is encouraging those with disabilities to vote, but it's also an online space where voters can share information on different parties and their platforms.

The campaign also challenges politicians to answer questions surrounding disability services and funding.

"They have to be included — they are citizens of Ontario and they are part of our society," said Rocheleau, whose son has severe autism.

"It's time to bring awareness to the politicians that you have to be accountable to these people."

Rocheleau said uninformed comments made by politicians led her to start the campaign.

Rocheleau wants to see a government that supports the Ontario Disability Support Program, a system that better streamlines childhood services into adult services and a commitment to addressing a crisis in the lack of supported housing.

"Will I ever see my son in supported housing? Probably not and that scares the life out of me," she said.

She notes while it's important to make an informed vote, the ability to make such a vote may be affected by the degree of a person's developmental disability. However, Rocheleau pointed out that people with disabilities should know they are allowed a support person.

First time voting for 40-year-old

Audrey Bajic's son, Sacha, is 40, has autism and has never voted before.

Bajic said she actually never knew her son was eligible to vote because of his disability but after joining the campaign group, she realized he was able.

"It has been really great for me to see the change in the way people look at these issues … The fact that people who have disabilities, who communicate differently, still have something to say," Bajic said.

Talking about her son voting for the first time brought tears to Bajic's eyes.

Her own hope is to see governments provide better, comprehensive programing and funding for people with disabilities.

"People with disabilities are a part of our community and we all need to take care of each other. We just can't look out for ourselves."