Accessibility goes beyond ramps and elevators—it’s about removing barriers in every area of life, from physical spaces to digital platforms and inclusive communication. True accessibility means ensuring everyone can participate fully and independently.
However, for many persons with disabilities, life is a mix of barriers, challenges and triumphs, navigating a world that often overlooks their needs.
EDF is inviting photographers, both amateur and professional, to participate in our Photo Competition focusing on accessibility and the daily challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Capture moments that highlight the barriers, solutions, and personal stories related to accessibility and the experiences of persons with disabilities.
Whether it’s a portrait, a streetshot, or an innovative approach, your photographs and their stories can inspire change and raise awareness. Participate!
Prizes
The three final nominees will receive:
- 1st place award: 500 euros
- 2nd place award: 300 euros
- 3rd place award: 200 euros
Submit your entries
Please read carefully all the conditions and documents required to participate in the competition below.
The entries can be submitted by emailing them to Natalia Suarez, EDF Senior Communications Officer (natalia.suarez@edf-feph.org). All submissions are due on the 30th March 2025 23:59 h CET
Who can apply?
EU/EEA citizens or residents from all ages and there is no entry fee. Participation is individual, not as an organisation.
What can you submit?
All participants must submit the following three requisites:
- One original single high-resolution photo (300dpi) with image description.
Allowed: editing, filters, camera built-in effects.
Not allowed: Collages (more than one photo), watermarks, text, or other elements added to the photo. - A short description in English including the author’s name, and the city and country where the photo was taken.
- A signed copy of the Rights Authorization document.
- Two signatures are needed, one from the person who took the picture and one from the person(s) appearing IN the picture. Participants taking a photograph of children, ensure that they obtain and provide us with the written consent of that child’s parents/guardian.
Photo Competition 2024 – Rights Authorization (Word document)
Copyright
All entries must be original work and the participant must either be the sole owner or the transferee of the copyright. By entering the competition, participants retain full copyright of their images.
However, participants also grant the European Disability Forum the right to publish and exhibit uploaded photographs.
How will the photos/ materials be selected?
All photos are checked to make sure that they meet the competition rules before being accepted and shortlisted. Once a photo has been reviewed, participants will receive an email with notification of whether it has been accepted or rejected. All pictures may be included in an online album and used for EDF social media channels and communication campaigns.
Jury
The jury will be composed by a member of the EDF Board Committee, a member for EDF Accessibility Expert Group, two members of EDF staff, as well as two art/photography professionals. The entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Quality of the picture
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Relevance to the theme
Entries that are offensive, defamatory or obscene, or that disclose unnecessary personal information will also be rejected from the competition.
Selection of winners
There will be a selection of 20 finalists which will be exhibited online and in social media. The jury’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered in on its decision. At the end of the jury selection period, the winners will be notified by email.
Acceptance of Competition Rules
By entering the competition, the participants agree to be bound by the Competition Rules, including acceptance of granting copyright to EDF.
Cheating
Fairness and respect are the basis of the competition. Any participant reasonably suspected of cheating, will be disqualified from the competition and their entries removed. No correspondence will be entered in on this matter.
Documents
These documents are downloaded directly to your computer: