The World Blind Union Asia Pacific (WBUAP) Onkyo Braille essay competition is now open to people aged 14 years and above who are blind or vision-impaired.

The contest is intended to promote Braille literacy, encourage the reading and writing of Braille and the cultural and social interaction among people who are blind and vision impaired through their writings.  Entries are divided into two age groups: between the ages of 14 and 25 years and 26 years upwards.

The top five entries will be sent to the WBUAP Onkyo selection committee for final consideration, and any winning Australian entries will be published in Blind Citizens News.

An annual competition, there are cash prizes for the best seven entries received from within the World Blind Union (WBU) Asia Pacific Region. The main prize, the ‘Otsuki Prize’ is $US1000. Other prize categories are for ‘Excellent Works’ ($US 500) and ‘Fine Works’ (either $US300 or $US200) depending on the age group.

Essay topics are:

  • If Braille is still relevant for the blind today, how and what measures ought to be taken to promote its usage?
  • The people/organisations that have helped you to overcome your blindness and be a useful person.
  • If you were to be given three wishes, what would they be and why?
  • The magic of music and what it means to you.

Essays must be between 700 and 1,000 words, presented in hard copy Braille or in computerised Braille if you can provide proof of your Braille literacy. This can be in the form of a letter from your Braille instructor, teacher or other professional who can vouch for your skills.

When submitting your essay to Blind Citizens Australia (BCA), you must also provide:

An electronic photo of yourself, a cover letter stating your full name, address and contact details, and your date of birth, your status ie student, home maker or worker. If a student, state what school you are from including the name, address and email contact for your school.

Note that Otsuki winners of 2018 and 2019 are not eligible to participate.

The competition is made possible by support from the Onkyo Corporation, Japan, a leading manufacturer of audio-visual equipment.

Submit entries to Blind Citizens Australia by May 15, 2020:
Attention: Samantha Marsh
Samantha.marsh@bca.org.au
Blind Citizens Australia
Ross House
Level 3, 247-251 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000