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In recognition of it’s 20th anniversary, the Alliance for Technology Access is pleased to announce a national contest to build awareness about the potential of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. The following call for entries invites interested students and media designers to create a public service announcement campaign using the theme, "Envision a World in Which..." that highlights the use and value of assistive technology.

A person can be born with a disability or acquire a disability through accident or illness. While the impact of a disability is always felt at the individual level, a key characteristic of a limitation in a core area of life functioning. Assistive technology refers to a braod array of products, tools, and services designed to enhance the functional cability of an indivdual with a disability. Despite a number of federal and state laws promoting the provision of assistive technology devices and services, and a national network of organizations devoted to matching the appropriate assistive technology devices to individual needs, there is little evidence to suggest that everyone who could benefit from assistive technology has access. As a result, many individuals are living with limitations that could be overcome in ways that expand their mobility, ability to communicate, access to information and opportunity, and experience greater independence. To learn more about the potential of assistive technology, click here to access a background document.

By sponsoring a national design contest, The Alliance for Technology Access seeks creative designs for a public service announcement campaign. The theme for the contest is, "Envision a world in which..." Entrants must create an original campaign using two of the three following formats: (1) print ad suitable for use in newspaper, magazine, or billboards, (2) a 30-second audio suitable for radio spot, and a (3) a 30-second broadcast video. All entries must be received by 5 pm (PST) Friday, February 15, 2008. The wining entry will receive a cash prize of $1000 and will be eligible for use a national PSA campaign.

Entries will be judged by a notable panel of advertising professionals and officials from the Alliance for Technology Access. The winning entry will be announced on March 14, 2008 at the Alliance for Technology Access 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration in Los Angeles, CA

For additional information, contact: Russ Holland, russholland@ATAccess.org, 707/778-3011.