The Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing empowers young people who are deaf or hard of hearing to share their voices, ideas, and experiences with their communities. By speaking or signing before an audience, participants build confidence, leadership, and communication skills that can only be developed through real-world presentation opportunities.
Modeled after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, this unique program gives hearing-impaired youth the opportunity to compete through either spoken presentations or sign language. In addition to showcasing their talents and perspectives, participants can earn scholarship opportunities, with the Optimist International Foundation providing a $2,500 scholarship to all qualifying Districts that meet the minimum participation requirements.
2026-2027 Topic: “How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me”
To be eligible, a contestant must:
Be enrolled in and attending school in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean, and be in Grade 12 or below (U.S. and Canada), CEGEP (Québec), or Grade 13 or below (Caribbean).
All contestants must submit an audiogram conducted by a qualified audiologist within 24 months of the contest date. The audiogram must verify an uncorrected hearing loss of at least 40 decibels. This documentation is required for participation.
Students whose hearing loss is permanently corrected should participate in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest instead.
How To Enter:
Students interested in participating should submit through their local Optimist Club. To find the Optimist Club nearest you or obtain local contact information, email the Programs Department at programs@optimist.org.
(Please note: We are unable to connect contestants with their local Optimist Club until October 1, the official start of the new Optimist International contest year.)
The deadline to enter is determined by the sponsoring Optimist Club and varies by area. Please contact your local Club for specific entry deadlines.
Clubs and Districts seeking additional information, resources, and contest materials for the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing please visit www.optimistinfo.org and click on Signature Programs Materials.
