SCHOOLCHILDREN across Worcestershire who suffer from visual impairments or learning difficulties are being invited to take part in a national story competition, sponsored by a local firm.
AltFormat, a UK lobbying group which is working to improve the reading opportunities for all print disabled children - those who struggle to read and write - is giving schools and their students across the county the opportunity to win thousands of pounds worth of laptops, iPods and specialist software to help improve the educational opportunities of this group of children.
Backed by Sir Steve Redgrave and sponsored by Worcester developers Dolphin Computer Access, the AltFormat Story Competition is open to all dyslexic and visually impaired children in years three to 11.
Sir Steve, who is dyslexic and has a 13-year-old dyslexic daughter, said: "We are inviting these children to let their imaginations run wild, safe in the knowledge that their entry will be judged on it's creative merits and not on spelling and grammar."
The competition is co-supported by the RNIB, British Dyslexia Association, SightSavers International and new campaign partner Dyslexia Action.
The nine winning writers will be invited with their family and teachers to an official awards ceremony in the House of Commons hosted by AltFormat campaign supporter and Worcester MP Mike Foster.
Sir Steve will present the winning students with their prizes.
Noel Duffy, chairman of AltFormat, said: "We know that schools' IT budgets are limited and that there are many competing priorities within them.
"That's why we hope that teachers and parents will join Sir Steve's campaign and write to their MPs about improving the accessibility of the school curriculum, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.
"In the meantime, the Altformat Story Competition is a great opportunity for dyslexic and visually impaired children to show how fantastically creative they can be."
Information on how to enter the 2008 Altformat Story Competition is available on the Altformat campaign website at www. AltFormat.com The competition's closing date is Tuesday, March 18.
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