Kids love movies. If you're a young person who can't see or can't see well, audio description provides access to all the visual images of the movies that your sighted peers enjoy.
Some films in movie theaters and certain DVDs have description available; many of those DVDs and the older VHS tapes with description can be borrowed at public libraries or state libraries for the blind. The Young Described Film Critic Contest wants you to experience these films and the description soundtracks and tell us about them!
Young people with a visual impairment have a chance to win prizes for themselves AND recognition for their schools. And the chance to hold the awesome title: Young Described Film Critic of the Year! All you need to do for a chance to win is to write, type or record your own film review of any described movie. Keep it short: 250 words maximum.
There are three age categories: Sophomore (ages 7 to 10), Junior (ages 11 to 14), and Senior (ages 15 to 18). You can enter as many times as you like!
The top nominees in each age category will be invited to an awards ceremony at the American Council of the Blind 2012 convention in Louisville, Ky. during the week of July 8. Special guest award presenters will be in attendance, and while the prizes are still to be determined, we know you won't be disappointed!
Deadline for entries: June 8, 2012
How to Enter
You can enter online at www.listeningislearning.org/get-involved_events-and-contests.html, or send your written entry in regular or large print or braille via e-mail or postal mail (submissions from outside the United States are fine) to: ACB-Young Described Film Critic, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201; e-mail [email protected]; or phone (202) 467-5083.
You will need to include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address; your age category -- Sophomore (ages 7 to 10), Junior (ages 11 to 14), or Senior (ages 15 to 18); the name of your school and which class you're in; the school's address and phone number; and, of course, your review. For "Top Tips for Writing the Ultimate Film Review," visit www.listeningislearning.org/get-involved_events-and-contests.html.