Thank you so much for signing 1AC-CESISBILITY’s petition in support of speech and debate reforming to be more equitable for disabled participants. Our petition now has over 200 signatures!  We have an exciting update to share with you that you can participate in. On August 7 - August 8, 2021, 1AC-CESSIBILITY is hosting a free online exhibition tournament that puts into practice the things we want to see change. If you are a high schooler, you can enter the tournament for free, independent entries are welcome as well. If you are graduated from high school or an equivalent age, you can sign up to volunteer as a judge.  This tournament is the perfect way to ease into the season: we do not require memorization in speech events, offer impromptu, and provide generic cases for LD (March-April Topic). It is also a great place to send novices to learn how to do the activity in an understanding environment or for seasoned varsity competitors to experience something truly unique. You can register (for free!) on Tabroom via this link ( http://1accessibilitytournament.tabroom.com ). It will be run online via NSDA Campus. We are offering Original Oratory, Impromptu, Collapsed Interpretation (Humorous, Dramatic, Program, Oratorical, Duo ALL acceptable), and Lincoln Douglas Debate.  At this tournament, we have a few key details that are totally innovative you might be interested in. Cost- it is free to enter Accommodations- everyone must fill out the participant form which inquires about accommodations Sitting- everyone in ALL events (yes speech too) is allowed to give speeches seated. Do not use the chair as a prop. Scoring- speech will be rated on performance points FIRST and comparative in round rankings as a secondary tiebreaker Breaks- we have designed the schedule to provide ample break time Spreading- please get your opponent's permission to spread and have a version of your case that is an appropriate length for non-spreading debate Redo Rounds- The purpose of redo rounds is to resolve equity concerns. If something upsetting happens or you feel suddenly unwell during a round, email the tournament with the subject REDO ROUND [YOUR NAME] with a very brief explanation of why you need the redo round. See the invite for more details. Good Citizen Awards- If you feel another competition has been kind or had a particularly moving speech, fill out this form , let us know what they did and they will get an award Relax- judges will be informed to generally take it easy on all the nitty-gritty regulations making this the perfect tournament for newcomers! You can read more about the tournament on our website ( https://www.1ac-cessibility.com/tournament ), on Tabroom ( http://1accessibilitytournament.tabroom.com ), or in the invitation which is attached. Feel free to email us at one.ac.cessible@gmail.com with any questions and invite your colleagues! Best, Alanna Cronk Founder of 1AC-CESSIBILITY