Calling all Braille Writers
The Onkyo Corporation, The Braille Mainichi Newspaper and the World Blind Union-Asia Pacific (WBUAP) have much pleasure in announcing the start of the Seventh WBUAP Onkyo Braille Essay Contest for people who are blind or vision impaired in the Asia Pacific Region. The contest aims, among other things, to promote Braille literacy and to encourage the reading and writing habit among people who are blind or vision impaired in the Region.
Who can participate?
Participation is open to all people who are blind or vision impaired from two age groups: (1) between 14 and 25 years and (2) 26 years and above.
What can you write about?
Your essay must address one of the following three topics:
1. How has Braille changed the lives of the people who are blind or vision impaired, in particular my daily life?
2. In what ways have Braille and audio devices enriched my daily life?
3. How can Braille help a person who is blind or vision impaired to become a successful musician?
Your essay is to be submitted in Braille in English. Computerised Braille can be accepted if the Judges can verify that the person is Braille literate. Your essay must be original and one contestant may only submit one entry.
The length of your essay must be between 750 and 1000 words when it is converted into print before being lodged with the WBUAP. Essays that are too short or too lengthy will not be considered.
A maximum of the five best entries from Australia can be lodged with the WBUAP.
Who are the Judges?
There are four Australian Judges for the Australian entries: Frances Gentle, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children; Josie Howse, NSW Department of Education and Training; Gillian Gale; and Stefan Slucki, Royal Society for the Blind of South Australia.
How will the essays be judged?
In determining the best five entries, the Judges will consider three things:
1. the story line closest to one of the three topics chosen;
2. the impact and credibility of the person’s experiences; and
3. the accuracy and neatness in the person’s use of Braille (a secondary consideration).
What will the winners receive?
The names of winners will be announced by early November 2009 after the contest sponsors are satisfied with the results. WBUAP will then forward the prizes to the national judging committee for presentation to the winners. Cash prizes range from USD1000 and a trophy for the overall Otsuki Prize, to USD500 and a trophy for Excellent Works, and USD200 for Fine Works.
What is the deadline for lodging essays?
Your essay must to be lodged by the deadline of 10 May 2009. Late entries will not be considered.
How do I lodge my essay?
Your essay must be accompanied by the following details:
- Full name – as shown on birth certificate, passport or legal documents;
- Age – attach confirmation from someone in authority, eg from your school, college, organisation;
- Proof of gender – send an electronic photo
- Occupation – student, homemaker etc
- Name, address and email of the national organisation you belong to (eg BCA, BWA of SA) or the school/college you attend
- Phone, fax and email details
Email your essay with the above information to scarter@rsb.org.au, or post your Brailled essay with the above information to Sharyn Carter, Executive Assistant, Royal Society for the Blind, 254 Angas Street, Adelaide SA 5000.
If you would like a copy of the full contest terms of reference or need any other information, please do not hesitate to contact me (although I’ll be on leave to 30 March).
Happy writing!
Margaret Verick
Children’s Committee Coordinator
& ABF Project Officer
National Disability Services (NDS)
Ph: (02) 6283 3214
Fax: (02) 6281 3488
Email: margaret.verick@nds.org.au
Web: www.nds.org.au