By
Theresa O'Mahony
London
I have been accepted for an M.A. in Public Archaeology at University College London. This is the only program of its kind in the world!
My M.A. dissertation will build on my B.A. dissertation and further investigate the barriers that prevent disabled people from becoming involved in archaeology.
I hope to use this research to suggest approaches for acceptance of disabled people by the archaeological world and society as a whole.
I need your help! I am asking for help in raising £19,000. This amount includes £9,000 for my UCL university fees and £10,000 for my living and travel expenses in London for the 13 months of the course.
My name is Theresa. I am a long time London resident and a champion for the rights of disabled people to be able to participate in all areas of society, especially archaeology.
I am a disabled mature archaeology student at UCL. I am expecting to graduate in June of 2015 with a first class honours BA in archaeology.
I have participated in archaeology in the lab and the field.
In the past I have done part-time paid work, but because of my failing physical abilities I cannot work and study for the MA at the same time.
Me at the 2013 excavation at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland
Disabled people interested in participating in archaeology today, have an upward battle for acceptance. Inclusion does not come readily.
I am currently working on my undergraduate dissertation which focuses on the barriers visibly disabled people encounter in the archaeological world. These barriers can discourage many disabled people from pursuing archaeology.
I have been accepted to study for an M.A. in Public Archaeology at UCL. For my M.A. I hope to expand my research to examine negative attitudes encountered by those with invisible disabilities, such as deafness.
For me, my research is not just a dissertation, but also a cause. I believe that through my research I can formulate approaches to combat negative attitudes encountered by disabled people in the archaeological world and in society as a whole!
By partnering with me and helping me to continue my research you will enable all who are disabled to progress nearer to equality, in archaeology, the workplace, and within society at large.
If I reach my minimum goal of £1,000 this will help to pay part of my university fees at either UCL.
If I hit my full target of £19,000 I will be able to completely pay my UCL university fees and cover my books, university supplies, public transport costs, and living expenses in London. Additionally, they will help cover some costs associated with my support workers who assist me at UCL by doing physical tasks that I am unable to do.
£1,040 on monthly medical treatment to keep me walking
£1,500 on a mobility scooter and its ongoing maintenance
£1,500 on travel and accommodation costs for myself and my helpers, without them I cannot do my fieldwork as I fall over quite a bit.
I will post funding progress reports on my Twitter account @archaeology4al
You don't need to give money to help me succeed! Please share this project with anyone you think would support us – on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, by email, telephone, or in person.
Any money you do give will be a great help! Making the world a more equal place for disabled people is a cause that benefits us all. Please sponsor me and help make this happen!
Select this reward if you just want to donate to the project without receiving a reward.
7 claimed
A personal Thank You email from me to you!
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 April 2015
The above reward and an electronic photograph of me at my BA Graduation holding my dissertation.
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
All of the above and a handwritten postcard from London.
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
All of the above and an electronic copy of my BA dissertation.
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
All of the above and either a meeting for coffee/tea at the British Museum for those in the London area or a virtual coffee meeting over skype for those outside of London.
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015