‘Access to Work’ is a success story. It’s a leveller. It’s essential.
It’s the government scheme that enables many D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to do their jobs — so employers don’t pay more to employ them. Access to Work funds support workers, BSL interpreters, drivers, equipment and essential access. Without it, Extraordinary Bodies could not exist. None of our shows would have been affordable. ‘Take Up Space’ could not have been created.
Right now, long delays, reduced awards and increased rejections — is threatening decades of progress in disability inclusion across the arts.
“Unfortunately, the gains we made as D/deaf and disabled artists, people and communities 30 years ago are under severe threat. Dominant narratives around assisted dying and attacks on benefits are taking hold. The battles we thought we’d won are being stoked up again, and inclusion, access and justice are at stake. We must ally together to prevent these dangerous shifts in rhetoric and policy.”
Jamie Beddard, Diverse City Joint Artistic Director
What is happening?
Today, this employment support is under threat. Thousands are waiting months for decisions. Some have lost support altogether, undoing years of progress in inclusive arts.
These statistics and this table were compiled by Decode. Decode is a partnership between Disability Arts Online and Cathy Waller Company which empowers disabled creatives to navigate through the Access To Work application process.
What you can do?
Get Support
Join Access to Work Collective: advice, action, advocacy, share.
- LinkedIn Group – where you can post questions and get advice from others. LinkedIn Group
- Free resources to contact your MP, post on social media and a full campaign briefing. Free Campaign Pack
- Get advice – use form to have zoom informal support chat and signposting on Access to Work challenges you may be facing. Advice Request Form
- Share experiences – If you’re open to sharing your experience with press, media outlets and on social media for the Access to Work Collective, fill out our form. Share Your Access to Work Experience
- Read Decode: The Realities of Access to Work → Decode
Share and talk about #TakeUpSpace
Post on your socials, send it through WhatsApp groups, and help the message travel.
Bring the film to your community
Invite your local cinema, theatre, arts centre or festival to screen the short film before trailers, before a live show, or as part of a discussion event.
Download assets for venues and organisations
Coming soon — a pack of social posts, stills, copy and guidance.
Help build momentum
Share the film widely and amplify why employment support and accessible creative space matter for Every Body.
Tag us so we can grow the movement together
@diverse_city · @extraordinarybodies · #TakeUpSpace Access to Work Must work.
