Mission Statement
The Disabled Archaeologists Network (D.A.N.) is a coalition of disabled archaeologists committed to providing an open and welcoming space to all disabled and disability-questioning people. The D.A.N. operates under the premise that disability is a social, political, and intersectional lived experience. We are building a community where disabled archaeologists can access an international network of fellow archaeologists in professional, compliance, and academic archaeology.
By and For Disabled ArchaeologistsD.A.N. is open and welcoming to all disabled and disability-questioning people using identity-first or person-first language. We adhere to an expansive definition of disability and are not limited to people with professional diagnoses. Disability here is inclusive of a range of identities and experiences, including but not limited to people with physical, sensory, cognitive, psychiatric, non-apparent, and non-visible disabilities; chronically ill, neurodivergent, Deaf, Blind, Autistic, and Mad people; and people with and without diagnosis-status.
Building Community and Fostering BelongingD.A.N. aims to foster a sense of belonging and community for disabled archaeologists. Fill out our Membership Form to join our listserv and learn more about accessible community events (virtual and in-person), sponsored panels and sessions at conferences, and mentorship opportunities.
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Our Values
Disability |
Intersectionality |
We understand ourselves to be disabled not just by our bodyminds, but by a society that does not support or always understand our bodyminds. We believe disabled people are inherently valuable and that disability is a central facet of human variation and lived experience.
EquityOur commitment to equity is a commitment to action and to dismantling structures of oppression. We acknowledge that social systems and structures perpetuate and exacerbate bias and present barriers to equity in our professional networks.
Belonging & InclusionWe affirm that it is not enough to be included in an oppressive system; therefore, we commit to amplifying disabled people’s voices, clearing barriers, and appreciating each other for our uniquely situated attributes and experiences.
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We recognize the intersectional nature of the obstacles to individual and community success and collective liberation. We honor the diverse identities and lived experiences with which our disabilities intersect.
AccessibilityWe commit to holding ourselves and others in positions of power accountable for creating, maintaining, and promoting accessibility in archaeological classrooms, research sites, and workplaces to foster disabled archaeologists’ capacity for self-determination.
Disability JusticeWe commit to actualizing the principles of disability justice as our guiding political and ethical framework to catalyze social change in our international archaeology community.
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Join Us or Get in Touch
If you are a disabled archaeologist, we encourage you to fill out our membership form. Membership is free!
If you would like to get in touch with D.A.N. leadership, please email [email protected].
If you would like to get in touch with D.A.N. leadership, please email [email protected].