Filipino young artist Erin Tejada. (Photo Courtesy: Awesome Spectrum Arts)

There is a strong advocate for disability inclusion in the world of artistic expression in Navotas City. 

Erin Roleda Tejada, a 19-year-old artist, is making a name in the arts while bearing the flag of the Filipino nation. 

Tejada was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was one and a half years old. ASD is a developmental disability affecting the way a person communicates and interacts with others. 

Tejada, however, proved that disability does not equate to inability. What she lacked in cognitive skills, she made up for with her creative prowess. 

Her love for the arts paved the way for Tejada to become the youngest awardee of the 2023 Paralym Art World Cup. 

Erin’s Journey to the Manger 

Back in 2023, Erin created an artwork entitled “Journey to the Manger” depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. 

This nativity scene symbolizes the refuge found in the manger. 

For Tejada, art is the manger that she found amid the stream of stigma and misconceptions against individuals on the autism spectrum. 

It was also the same manger that brought her to the pinnacle of success. 

Erin Tejada receives the Paralym Art Award during a ceremony in Tokyo, Japan.  (Photo Courtesy: Awesome Spectrum Arts) 

Out of 488 entries from 23 different countries, Tejada received the Paralym Art Award in recognition of her outstanding artistic talent. 

“I am grateful to Paralym Art World Cup 2023 for recognizing my talent and providing an opportunity for people with disabilities to share the beauty of the world that we see,” Erin said.

The Paralym Art World Cup is an international avenue for people with disabilities to come together and express their artistic talents. It is an inclusive platform for differently-abled artists to celebrate their diverse creative potentials as one community. 

Each year, the event designates a different theme for the artwork. In 2023, the artists were challenged to express what the word ‘journey’ means to them. 

The collection of Paralym Art that will be curated per the conduct of the World Cup aims to provide more social support to persons with disabilities towards finding their own space in the artistic world and being part of the larger inclusive community. 

Navotas City, meanwhile, is proud of Erin’s achievement. 

“Isang malaking karangalan bilang Navoteño ang mapabilang at magwagi sa prestihiyosong  Paralym Art World Cup. Ito ay isang kaganapan para sa mga taong may kapansanan upang ipahayag ang kanilang mga talento sa sining,” the city government said.

(Translation: It is a huge honor for a Navoteño to be part of and win an award in the prestigious Paralym Art World Cup. This is an event dedicated to persons with disabilities to express their talents in arts.) 

Erin’s humble beginnings

This is not the first time that Tejada’s artwork has been recognized. As a matter of fact, there are countless times that Erin has been given the opportunity to showcase her artistry. 

In line with the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December 2023, Erin was one of the featured artists of the “Diversity in Hues” exhibit in Makati City, along with other differently-abled artists. 

Tejada also became part of the “Samot-Saring Obra ni Juan Para sa Batang Lansangan” art exhibit for a cause that was organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in September 2023. She was joined by other accomplished neurotypical local artists.

Meanwhile, prior to joining the Paralym Art World Cup, Tejada shares her artworks online through the page Awesome Spectrum Arts. This serves as her digital journal dedicated to children and her fellow youth with ASD and other disabilities. Through this platform, Erin is also able to share a glimpse of her creative process as an artist. 

(Photo Courtesy: Awesome Spectrum Arts)

Tejada actively engages in causes that speak volumes about her advocacy to help build an inclusive world for persons with disabilities. These include fundraising art exhibitions inspired by the various cultural landscapes of countries she has visited. 

A closer look at Erin’s artwork. (Photo Courtesy: Awesome Spectrum Arts)

Erin’s way forward 

“In a world where everyone is included, it will have more smiling people. The colors will be brighter, especially if everyone comes together.” 

This is how Tejada views a future where everyone’s talents are seen and heard, despite any developmental differences. 

For her family, especially her parents, the passion she has for the arts is a powerful tool to inspire other people on the spectrum to establish their individuality. 

“It’s a reminder na hindi dapat mawalan ng pag-asa sa ano mang sitwasyon. Minsan ang ating sitwasyon becomes a blessing. Yung talent na naibigay kay Erin through painting is a source of blessing for her, a source of inspiration and I hope that this would also bless other people,” said Alvin Tejada, the proud father. 

(Translation: It’s a reminder not to lose hope regardless of your situation. Sometimes, our situation becomes a blessing. The talent that was given to Erin through painting is a source of blessing for her, a source of inspiration, and I hope that this will also bless other people.) 

Erin aspires to continue advocating for inclusivity through her artistry. Her story can truly open more doors for persons with disabilities living in the unseen corners of society. (JMP/PIA-NCR)