By one estimate, more than 40 million Americans with disabilities are eligible to vote in this election.

But some of them say they feel excluded from the process.

It's not just hurdles at polling places that keep them from voting independently and privately.

Many say candidates don't address their needs and concerns.

Blair Waltman-Elexen of Austin PBS looks at one group trying to boost

both accessibility and visibility.

This voter rally in central Austin looks a lot like many others that have been taking place around the country.

Attendees enjoy snacks, experts field questions about the voting process.

When are you going to go vote? How are you going to get there? And just generally try to get people excited about the election.

But this group also faces some very specific challenges,

and they have particular issues that they want lawmakers to address.

You go to vote at a polling site and you bring a person of your choosing to serve as an

assistant, but you're turned away by poll workers. What do you do?

This rally is being hosted by Rev Up Texas, a nonpartisan coalition that aims to empower people with

disabilities to be more involved in electoral politics.

Bob Kafka is a longtime advocate with ADAPT, a local disabilities rights group.

We went from the street protesting to legislation, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities

Act, and now we are starting to move to be much more visible at the ballot box.

Since then, it's grown. There are over 20 state coalitions across the country.

But there's also been an increase in ballot access obstacles.

According to the Brennan Center, at least 30 states have passed voting restriction laws

since the last presidential election.

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