The interest and the work developed by the MARQ for bringing the archaeological heritage of the province closer and achieve the full integration of peopleespecially of those with disabilities, has been recognised by the Spanish National Organisation of the Blind -ONCE- in Alicante. The deputy for Culture Juan Bautista Roselló collected on 11 January the distinction that this social institution awards to the museum as a tribute to the work it carries out.
The event was attended by the director of the ONCE in Alicante Salvador Galvañthe director of the ONCE Educational Resources Centre in Alicante Cristina Pérezthe president of the Territorial Council of the ONCE in the Valencian Community Enrique Linthe General Councillor of the ONCE Ana Canoas well as councillors from the city council.
Pastor pointed out that for the provincial institution this is a source of satisfaction, because this distinction recognises the work, effort and determination of MARQ to ensure that people with visual, hearing, sensory, physical or mental disabilities feel fully integrated into society and the cultural and leisure activities it undertakes.
The Archaeological Museum of Alicante is collaborating with the ONCE Educational Resources Centre of Alicante since 2006 in the implementation of initiatives aimed at the visually impaired public, adapting their exhibitions and developing educational activities and workshops aimed at promoting the integration of pupils with disabilities to enjoy the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions and educational programmes of the cultural complex.
In addition, as a result of this collaboration, the following have been carried out training courses museum staff aimed at improving the attendance of this group in the museum and at improving the several didactic guides for temporary exhibitions have been produced in Braille. as that of "Artifex. Roman engineering in Spain". (2007), "Coins. All sides of history". (2008) o "Hermitage. Treasures of Russian Archaeology". (2011).
Likewise, since last year the archaeological site of Tossal de Manises has been equipped with a exact replica of "The Staff and the Sword". The piece, found in 2005 in the forum of this city, is accompanied by a descriptive text in Braille that allows the visitor to learn about the work, its history and its origin through touch.
This recognition reinforces the will of MARQ and its archaeological parks to eliminate barriers and continue to be a 'Museum for all', a cultural centre with contents and facilities open and accessible to all types of visitors, the President pointed out.
The day was also attended by awarding prizes to the winners of an essay competition convened by the ONCE, the reading of various texts alluding to braille and the performance of three pieces of music.
The National Organisation de Ciegos Españoles -ONCE- in Alicante has acknowledged the interest and the work carried out by the MARQ for bringing the archaeological heritage of the province closer and achieve the full integration of peopleespecially those who have some kind of disability. The deputy for Culture Juan Bautista Roselló this afternoon, during the celebration of the commemorative acts of the "World Braille Day"This social institution has awarded this distinction to the museum as a tribute to the work it carries out.
