Imagine not being allowed to play on the same sports team or participate in the same school activities as your peers because people make assumptions about you that are wrong. Imagine not being able to work in the same place, or even at the same wage, as other people simply because you were born “different.” Though these scenarios may seem impossible in today’s world, they’re just some of the unfair challenges kids and adults with developmental disabilities face every day.
Negative assumptions about people with developmental disabilities can prevent them from being included in their communities. In order to challenge those assumptions and build inclusive communities that welcome people of all abilities, the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities invites the public to create an original video or video slideshow no longer than 30 seconds, based on the topic “Count Me In!” The winning video or videos will be featured in the DDC’s upcoming public awareness campaign on community inclusion. In addition to being part of this important campaign, the winner or winning team will also receive a $500 cash prize.
Entries should be full of powerful and positive images that put a surprising and fresh spin on the public’s view of people with developmental disabilities and what they can do. Submissions by youth, young adults, and inpiduals with disabilities are especially encouraged. The contest is only open to New Hampshire residents. Those interested in participating may submit entries between Sept. 12 and Nov. 1. For full contest rules, release forms, and more information on how to enter, please visit countmeincontest.com.
