All too often, multimedia CD-ROMs and websites seem to involve simply translating a book or catalogue to the new medium. Okay, sound effects and links are added, but the failure to exploit and test the limits of the media is very apparent.

No such accusation could be thrown at Born with a broken tongue, the prize-winning entry by Dubliner Martin Casey to Europrix MultimediaArt `98. The creation is firmly based on his own personal experiences of growing up with a speech stutter, and uses the medium in a original, intentionally frustrating way to help convey some of his experiences of stuttering.

Casey's aim is to promote a greater awareness and tolerance of stuttering. "In my experience teachers have turned a blind eye to individuals who stutter," he says. "They would rather ignore the problem and let the individual sit in a corner.

"Through letting the individual off from reading, speaking and participating in the classes, it gives the impression that the individual is mentally deficient, incapable or just downright stupid, and unable to complete basic tasks which come so naturally to others," he adds. "If the teacher acts like this, what do you expect from the students?"

Casey grew up in South Africa, so his experiences are not based on the Irish school system. Nevertheless, his message cuts across national boundaries in response to a problem felt everywhere. His parents came from Dublin, and he came to Ireland full-time in 1990. Since then he has earned graphic-design qualifications from Waterford and Limerick ITs and an MA in interactive multimedia at the DIT, which he finished this year. The Europrix entry was part of his MA work.

Casey firmly blames teachers for the fear and shame he experienced growing up, not his parents. "My parents were very understanding and supportive, and did not run away from the problems caused.

"I don't think parents are to blame - they need support and I would hope that trained individuals - teachers - would have minimal knowledge to support the parents."

"So hopefully this multimedia piece can help teachers to be aware of the problems that can be caused if they stick their heads in the sand."

The competition, the first official Europe-wide awards for creativity in multimedia, attracted entries from 26 countries.