2022 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition: Applications are now open

January 21, 2022 10:14 am Published by Aurelien Dayde

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is pleased to announce applications for the annual Holman Prize for Blind Ambition for 2022 are now Open!

Now in it’s sixth year, the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition annually awards three blind people from anywhere in the world, up to $25,000 each to carry out an incredible idea that will involve personal growth and shatter misconceptions about blindness.

The Holman Prize is named for James Holman, a blind 19^th century explorer who is the most prolific private traveler of anyone, blind or sighted, before the era of modern transportation.
The only qualifications to submit an application to win a Holman Prize are that you must be blind or legally blind, be 18 years old by October 1, 2022 and speak English.
When applications open on January 21, all you have to do is make a 90-second video pitching your idea and upload it to YouTube, and fill out the application form on the Holman Prize website. But if you’re not quite ready to upload your 90-second YouTube pitch and fill out the application, there’s no need to worry.

Applications close on March 20 at 11:59 pm Pacific.

Your idea can literally be on any topic, as long as you are the originator and leader of your ambitious Holman Prize objective and you are blind or legally blind: technology, the Arts, Braille, accessibility, transportation, travel, community, learning a skill, teaching a skill, launching a business, providing a service – smashing any boundary and changing perceptions.
You will have until March 20, 2022 to submit your application, but don’t leave it to the last minute: during the application period, you can be collecting as many ‘likes’ on YouTube as possible, so you’re in the running for the “People’s Choice Award. The applicant whose video has the most ‘likes’ automatically goes through to the semi-finals.

Please note: we know just how different applications will need to be during this time of the pandemic. While we recognize this will be a factor for the scope of some peoples’ ideas, we encourage you to think big and imagine your Holman plan without taken the current constraints too much into consideration. We will do everything we can if your idea is successful, to work with you and help you make it happen. Don’t let the pandemic blunt your ambition!
We are thrilled to announce that Waymo is again sponsoring the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition this year. Thank you Waymo for your continued support of this global prize.
Want to see examples of great Holman Prize 90 second Youtube pitches? Check out the 2020 Holman Prize Finalists playlist.

Also Check out our Holman Prize frequently asked questions and if you don’t find your answer there, email us at holman@lighthouse-sf.org we will be glad to give you any further information you need.
Subscribe to the Holman Prize newsletter to receive further updates on 2022 submissions and encouragement from past winners.
Spread the word about the Holman Prize and follow Holman Prize on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We can’t wait to watch your Holman Prize 2022 application videos and celebrate your Holman Prize idea with you.
Should you wish to contact a LightHouse member of staff about The Holman Prize itself, sharing this information or other publicity opportunities, please email Lee Kumutat, Vice-President – Communications: lkumutat@lighthouse-sf.org.