The week of Sep. 8-12, 2025. was recognized as Disability Voting Rights Week. The nationwide event encouraged individuals with disabilities to vote, update their voter registration, and raise awareness about the existing barriers that may prevent them from making their voice heard in the election process.
In recognition of this week, Ability360 hosted an event on Monday, Sept. 8 in partnership with Maricopa County Elections that welcomed individuals with disabilities to come together to understand their voting rights and accessible voting. Attendees are able to partake in demonstrations on how to use accessible voting devices and ask questions they may have about voting in Maricopa County.
Angelica Bland, the Communications Coordinator for the voter outreach team at Maricopa County Elections, provided education on the services that they provide for people with disabilities and a hands-on demonstration of the election equipment that voters will find at the Vote Centers.
“We have multiple voting options for our voters in Maricopa County, whether that's early voting and they want to request our special elections board, or our large-print ballot, or our braille ballots, those are the early voting services we offer,” Bland said. “We also offer our in-person voting services as well, such as our curbside voting and our accessible voting devices found at every one of our locations in Maricopa County.”
For in-person voting, accessible devices may include a large touch screen tablet where users can adjust the settings to their accessibility needs. The tablet includes a controller containing braille buttons for those who may be unable to access the touch screen, and a headset comes with the tablet to be used as an audible component for those who may be unable to read the screen.
“A lot of our community members do not realize these voting accommodations are available to them,” April Reed, Ability360 Vice President of Advocacy, said. “We want them to be empowered and understand that these accommodations are here for you and you can use them anytime you need them.”
The event allowed individuals to test out the voting devices to allow themselves to be comfortable when it is time to cast their vote. All voting booths are protected by privacy screens so every voter can feel confident and secure in their vote.
As of 2024, there were 40.2 million registered voters with a disability, making up about 17% of the total electorate. Nearly one-third (or about 33%) of all eligible voters either have a disability or live with someone who does.
The event was designed to not only inform community members of the tools that are accessible for them but to reduce any stress related to any former challenges they may have experienced when voting. Both the presentation and demonstration serve as a reminder that every vote counts.
Attendee of the event, Jenny Cosgrove, shared her experience in exercising her rights when it comes to voting and how her disability does not change the value of her vote.
“We are the people whose voices are most ignored, so we have to be loud and give them our voices.” Cosgrove said. “It's vital for us to share what we need and why we matter, and that our differences do not mean anything bad, it just means that we are different.”
Where to register to vote
Voting registration is the first step in getting your voice heard. State/local governments cannot categorically disqualify any person with a disability from voting.
Register by mail: You are able to use the Arizona mail-in register form for local, state, and national elections for the first time or for updating information. You will need to print the “Arizona state registration form” and must postmark it 29 days before election day.
Register online: Arizona is one of the many states that allows you to register or update your voting card online. It is considered one of the quicker ways to register or update any voter information, such as name or address change, and your political party preference. This is offered in both English and Spanish and must be completed 29 days prior to Election Day. You can find more information on registering to vote and updating your voter registration at Maricopa.vote.
Register in person: You may visit your local county recorder's office, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), and public libraries, which will be able to help in the preparation of registering to vote.
How you are protected
The Helping America Vote Act (HAVA) is a law that sets mandatory minimums for states to follow in several key election areas. HAVA requires that states implement the following programs and procedures:
- Provisional voting
- Voting information
- Updated and upgraded voting equipment
- Statewide voter registration databases
- Voter Identification procedures
- Administrative complaint procedures
Accessibility accommodations that are protected under HAVA law at voting polls include:
- Service animal support
- Someone to help you vote (cannot be your employer or union representative)
- Handrails on all stairs at voting locations
- Parking accessible spots
- Voting and election material in large print
- Entrances and doorways at voting locations that are at least 32 inches wide
- Wheelchair accessible voting locations both inside and outside
If you require more information, help, or resources, please contact any of the following groups:
- Maricopa County residents: Maricopa County Elections
- Pinal County residents: Pinal VOTES
- Pima County residents: Pima County Elections
If you live outside of Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties, please find resources at your county’s elections department or visit azsos.gov/elections.