Communication Contest
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
This contest offers an opportunity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills, which can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience. Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the Communication Contest For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers hearing impaired youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language.
The Optimist International Foundation funds a $1,500 scholarship to any District that meets the minimum participation criteria.
2009-10 Competition
Topic: "The Internet: Cyber Communication - Progress or Problem?"
Who: For young people up to and including grade 12 in the United States and Canada, to CEGEP in Quebec and grade 13 in the Caribbean, who are identified by a qualified audiologist as deaf or hard of hearing and educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean.
How To Enter: Students interested in participating in the contest must submit an audiogram completed within 24 months from the date of contest from a qualified audiologist. Students must have a hearing loss of 40 decibels or more to be eligible to compete. Students or a teacher can contact their local Optimist Club to arrange a local speak-off competition.
Information for Optimist Clubs
The CCDHH Contest planning pages are intended for use by Optimist Clubs in organizing and conducting a contest in their Club. They contain no information on entering the contest and are of no use to students wishing to enter the contest. Additional CCDHH Contest documents can be found at the Programs page on the Optimist International website.
Club Deadline: The deadline for Clubs to submit the Club names of winning CCDHH competitors to the Zone Chair will be announced. The Zone will hold a speak-off and the winner(s) will move on to compete in teh Alberta speak-off.
For Optimists Planning the CCDHH Contest at their Club: All Members can now view and conveniently print the 2009-2010 Club CCDHH Contest Chair Guide.
CCDHH Contest Supplies: Support merchandise for this program can be ordered through the online Canadian Supplies Store operated by the Corall Group.