Inclusivity through science: archaeology and intellectual disabilities

Abstract

The scientific outreach project "Archaeology and intellectual disability: unearthing prejudices" has sought to bring this discipline closer to people with intellectual disabilities through activities in which participants, from different occupational centers in the Region of Murcia and Almeria, have been able to feel like real professionals in archeology. In order to awaken scientific vocations among people of this group, various workshops, several simulated excavations, a travelling exhibition as well as field experiences on a real archaeological site were developed.

This initiative has offered a series of experiences in which everybody was able to perceive a high level of occupational usefulness, performing tasks effectively and incorporating new behaviors that are potentially useful in other areas of their lives. All this with the premise of breaking the social barriers that exist towards this group of individuals and bringing archaeology and the study of our origins closer to people with intellectual disabilities who are often excluded from scientific disciplines.