Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 28, 2003

GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON DISABILITY SPONSORS ANNUAL POSTER AND JOURNALISM CONTESTS

Jefferson City, MO --  “Inclusion Benefits Everyone”—that is the theme of the 2003-2004 Missouri Poster and Journalism Contests sponsored by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Governor’s Council on Disability.  Students are asked to think about the inclusion of people with disabilities in their community and school activities; to think about any barriers, both physical and attitudinal, that may keep people with disabilities from being fully included; then to design their own personal plan for full inclusion, showing how inclusion benefits everyone, both with and without disabilities.  The students are then asked to write a report telling the Governor’s Council on Disability about their plan for inclusion or design a poster depicting their plan.

The purpose of the contests is to reward excellence in art and journalism while increasing disability awareness among Missouri’s youth.  The contests are open to all Missouri students in grades 7 through 12.  Contest flyers were distributed to schools, Centers for Independent Living and other organizations that work with Missouri’s youth in September.

Cash prizes will be awarded in both the Poster and Journalism Contests.  Additional prize drawings will be held for those not receiving top honors.  If you would like to receive a contest flyer you may contact Donna Borgmeyer at the Governor’s Council on Disability at (800) 877-8249.

The deadline for submitting entries is March 15, 2004.