Communications Contest For Deaf and Hard of Hearing

2023-2024 Topic: “How to Change the World With Optimism”

Please contact the GATEway District Chair NOW to express your interest:

                  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Optimists could help heal the young suffering from DEAFNESS.  Until deafness is no longer a problem for children, Optimist Clubs sponsor the “Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

              The contest speech is presented orally or by signing.  Winners receive a scholarship to help further their education.

              Optimist International provides guidelines for us to follow when conducting the contest.   We ask that if you plan to have a CCDHH Contest that you follow all the rules as directed.

              Please DO Not  combine the CCDHH Contest with the Oratorical Contest.  Judges and interpreters must come from the deaf community and be able to judge oral and signing speeches. Successful programs usually happen when clubs work with their local school system’s programs for the deaf. A recent Audiogram must be included in student’s contest application.     

             The GATEway District is very proud of our Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Ten years ago we were lucky if we had three participants in the contest. Three years ago nineteen young people entered the contest. We now have divided the District into five areas. Each area has a contest and enters two [signing and oral] winners in the District Contest. Optimist leaders and teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing have and continue to work and support programs that will enhance the lives of the young people.

The area contests are usually held in March.

Fees:  The winning entry from each club must be accompanied by an entry fee check in the amount of Thirty-five dollars ($35), made payable to Gateway District, Optimist International. This fee applies to ALL winning entries advancing to another level of competition. These fees are normally paid by the sponsoring club. 

Online Info: Planning Guide, application, and contest rules can be accessed: click on this link to the OI website. 

Download: the Application and Contest Rules form. 

 

“GATEway Optimists Bringing Out the BEST and Providing a Brighter Tomorrow For the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Youth of OUR District”