“How to Change the World with Optimism”
Topic for the 2023-2024 School Year
This Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) 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 and Ohio District fund a $3,500 scholarship.
Who: The contest is open to young people through grade 12 in Ohio. Students must submit the results of an audiogram completed no longer than 24 months prior to the date of the contest by a qualified audiologist. Students must be certified to have an uncorrected hearing loss of 40 decibels or more, which must be supported by the audiogram in order to be eligible to compete. Students with permanent correction should compete in the Optimist International Oratorical contest.
When: The deadline to enter the club contests are decided by each participating club. The district finals will be held at the 3rd Quarter District Conference on May 4, 2024 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Dublin, Ohio. The winner of the district contest will receive a $3,500 scholarship and a plaque.
How to Enter: Interested students should contact their local Optimist Club.