WE’RE STILL HERE!

"WE’RE STILL HERE!" is PHI's annual awareness campaign, held annually the second week of October. The campaign was established in 2007 with the goal of educating the healthcare community and the public that there are survivors of polio still in need of health care and still making the world a better place for all people with disabilities.

2024 Campaign

PHI’s 18^th annual post-polio awareness campaign will take place October 13-19, 2024. We are once again inviting you to help contribute to another successful campaign. Spread the word about the late effects of polio and remind the world that WE’RE STILL HERE!

This year’s theme is "Beyond Barriers: Celebrating Access and Achievement." Let’s celebrate the victories we’ve achieved while also shedding light on the work that remains to be done on our quest towards greater accessibility.

Many polio survivors remember the days before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when lack of accessibility made everyday activities such as going shopping, using public transportation or attending classes a challenge. The passage of the ADA marked a pivotal moment, promising equal access and opportunities for all. However, despite enormous progress, barriers still exist – physical, social, and attitudinal – that continue to impact the lives of those with disabilities.

This contest invites you to share your own stories about accessibility. We want to hear about the activities and places that were previously inaccessible in your life that you can now enjoy thanks to improved accessibility standards. Whether it's enjoying a concert at a newly accessible venue, exploring a historic site with wheelchair ramps, or participating in recreational activities designed with inclusivity in mind, we encourage you to capture these moments through photography and share your experiences. On the flipside, perhaps you’ve encountered places where barriers to accessibility still exist. Feel free to write about how you are working to challenge these barriers and improve access for all.

How to Enter:

1. Capture the Moment: Take a photograph that vividly portrays the activity or location you are enjoying, thanks to improved accessibility features.
2. Tell Your Story: Accompany your photo with a brief narrative (100-200 words) detailing how improved access has made a significant impact on your ability to participate in this activity or visit this location.
3. Submit Your Entry: Email your submission to info@post-polio.org (Subject: WSH 2024) OR mail it to our office at 50 Crestwood Executive Ctr #440, St. Louis, MO 63126. Include your name, mailing address, phone and/or email.

Judging Criteria:

• Relevance to Theme: How well does your photo and story exemplify the influence of accessibility on your life?
• Creativity and Originality: Is your photo visually captivating and does it tell a unique story of achievement?
• Emotional Impact: Does your narrative evoke a sense of empowerment and triumph?
• Overall Quality: The clarity, composition, and technical quality of your photo, as well as the coherence and impact of your story.

Prizes:

• First Place: $200
• Second Place: $50
• Third Place: One-year membership to PHI

Deadline: All entries must be submitted by October 9, 2024, to be considered.

Post-Polio Health International will feature select submissions on our social media accounts and website during “WE’RE STILL HERE!” week. We will also highlight the best submissions in the fall issue of Post-Polio Health.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of perseverance and the transformative power of accessibility laws. Together, let's document the journey "Beyond Barriers" and inspire others with your stories of achievement and inclusion.