Communication Contest for the

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

2025 – 2026

Topic: 
“The Moment I Realized I Belonged – My Definition of Community”

Please contact the GATEway District Chair now to express your interest or any questions you may have about the CCDHH. 

GATEway District Chair:  Mrs. Carole Howell, cahowell44@bellsouth.net, (404) 966-7627                                        

Who is Eligible:  The contest is open to contestants through grade 12 in the United States and Canada, to CEGEP in Quebec and the equivalent in the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Contestants must submit the results of an audiogram (or Cochlear Implant Programming Report) completed no longer than 24 months prior to the date of the contest by a qualified audiologist. Contestants must be certified to have an uncorrected hearing loss of 40 decibels or more, which must be supported by the audiogram (or CI Programing Report) to be eligible to compete. Contestants attending either public school or schools providing special services are eligible to enter if the criteria are met.

Presentation Style:  Contestants may use sign language, an oral presentation, or a combination of to compete. 

Scholarship:  The Optimist International Foundations funds a $2,500 scholarship to any District that meets the minimum participation criteria. 

How to Enter:  Interested students or teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing should contact their local Optimist Club. To find out the contact in your area, please e-mail the GATEway District CCDHH Chair at:  cahowell44@bellsouth.net

Fees:  The winning entry from each club must be accompanied by any 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. The sponsoring club pays these fees.

Deadlines:

CLUB:  Friday, February 27, 2026

ZONE:  Saturday, March 14, 2026 (There must be at least three verbal contestants and three signers in order to have a zone or area contest.)

AREA:  Saturday, March 28, 2026

Contest deadline for submitting contestants’ names, fees, and paperwork to Lt. Governors by Friday, April 3, 2026

DISTRICT CONTEST:

Online Information:  Planning Guide, application and contest rules for the 2025-2026 CCDHH can be accessed by clicking on the links below.

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”