2013 “LD Superheroes and Superpowers” Art Competition

We hear it from our community all the time. I may have trouble reading, but I’m really good at _______. Or, I’m no math whiz, but I’m a superstar at _______. And how about, I have a lot of trouble organizing information in my brain. Wouldn't it be amazing if I could _______. There’s no question that individuals with learning disabilities (LD) face unique challenges, and they often discover unique strengths that help them work around those challenges. Likewise, we're willing to bet that many people with LD (and we're not just talking about kids!) imagine what it would be like to have super strengths and superpowers that could help them overcome LD-related obstacles. In fact, we’re literally putting money on it! Enter our “LD Superheroes and Superpowers” art competition for a chance to win a cash prize up to $400.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is calling for paintings, drawings, poems, songs, animations, and more that portray the strengths of children, teens, and adults with LD. Ask yourself: If you were a superhero, what special abilities would you have? If superheroes aren't your thing, think about your talents (traditional or non-traditional) — what makes you unique? Or, what superpowers do you wish you had? This can be depicted visually, through the written word, song, or any other medium that best suits you.

Six prizes will be awarded. One participant from each age category will be awarded $400, and the first runner-up from each category will be awarded $100 each. Prizes will be awarded for outstanding works in each of the following categories:

• Children: 4–12 years old
• Teens: 13–17 years old
• Adults: 18 and older

To enter, please send NCLD the artwork(s), a photo of the artist, a short paragraph (three to five sentences) written by the artist that explains how the submitted work relates to the “LD Superheroes and Superpowers” theme, and a completed submission and release form. See below for more details on submission requirements and process.

Entries must be received no later than Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Winners will be notified by August 19, 2013.



Rules and Requirements Winners must provide relevant documentation of a specific learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia) prior to receiving the award. Please note: Conditions including AD/HD, Asperger’s Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders, Cerebral Palsy, and psychiatric conditions alone do not qualify a student for this award. Applicants with these conditions are welcome to apply but must also provide documentation of a specific learning disability.

Entries must include:

1. A work of art, photograph, poem, essay, short story, video, website link, blog, or other form of multimedia;
2. A photo of the artist. High-resolution digital photos in JPEG or TIFF format are preferred, but not required;
3. A brief statement (3-5 sentences) written by the artist explaining how their submission relates to the “LD Superheroes and Superpowers” theme; and
4. A completed submission and release form.

Works can be submitted in the following manner:

• Artwork – on paper, canvas, or poster board, no larger than 22” x 28”; can be a drawing, painting, collage, etc. Any medium can be used: paint, cloth, crayon, etc. Art may also be submitted in digital format (high-resolution JPEGs preferred).
• Poetry – on regular 8 1/2” x 11” paper, poster board, or in digital format.
• Essays and short stories – on regular 8 1/2” x 11” paper or in digital format and should be five (5) pages or fewer in length.
• Songs/Videos – on CD or DVD, or by providing a URL link.
• Personal Web site and blog – URL link(s) should be sent with a short description of their purpose and content.
• Miscellaneous multimedia – contact NCLD before submission to discuss terms and submission instructions.

Each entry must be accompanied by a completed submission and release form. If you are mailing or faxing your submission, download the form here. Please indicate the ages of all participants and their Twitter handle if they have one. Entries submitted without a completed release form will not be considered. All submitted work becomes sole property of NCLD. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of participants, submissions will not be returned.

Please submit all entries through one of these channels:

• By mail:

  National Center for Learning Disabilities
  Attn: NCLD Art Competition
  381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401
  New York, NY 10016

• By fax: 212-545-9665
• By email: Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla , with subject line “Art Competition Submission”

If you have any questions, or for more information, please contact Jillian Levy at 646-616-1202 or Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla . The deadline for all entries is Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

See past winners of NCLD’s art competition.