The following access statement has been created to ensure that, as a disabled person, Mathy’s working environment and practices are accessible and barrier-free. Please get in touch if you need further clarification on any of the below points.

This access statement can be provided as a document prior to engaging services, along with any technical riders (if applicable). Contracts should be drawn up taking both these documents into consideration.

My disability impacts my life daily. There are particular things that I need in order to gain equal access to workplaces and opportunities, and these requests help to enable me to ensure I can contribute to my projects safely and complete the work agreed.

Introduction

I am a freelance Creative Producer and Activist. I regularly work with and for arts and media organisations on collaborative projects and events.

I have a physical disability that affects my muscle strength, mobility and energy levels. My condition is exacerbated by, for example, overexertion, stress, and dehydration, and because of this my condition can change rapidly day to day and even hour to hour.

Access Requirements

To fully support me in our collaboration, please take the following requests into consideration.

Working Days

• My normal working days are Mondays-Wednesdays

• I need greater flexibility around working hours in order to accommodate daily fluctuations in pain and energy levels, and require breaks in order to maximise comfort and capacity to work throughout the day

• Meetings and/or in-person work should only be scheduled within normal working days/hours; longer hours or “out of office hours” will not be undertaken unless agreed in advance

Working Practices

• My energy levels can fluctuate day to day/week to week, so I benefit from having a balanced and well-planned workload, with plans in place should things change

• I appreciate as much advance notice as possible when making and/or changing plans (spontaneous calls or meetings can disrupt my day and energy levels)

• Any meetings should be time-limited, with rest breaks scheduled if necessary, and a clear agenda provided at least two days in advance

• Agreements (e.g. hours, payment, etc.) and timeframes should be communicated clearly and agreed upon prior to work commencing

In-Person Working Requirements

• For in-person/location-based work, I will need a desk and chair, step-free access to locations, and safe storage space for any equipment/belongings I am unable to carry around with me

• If possible, I would also appreciate access to a rest area for managing any symptoms of fatigue and for taking regular screen breaks in the event of a migraine

• For moving around within a location, or in the event of an emergency (e.g. fire alarms), I will need some physical assistance; I am also unable to lift or carry heavy things

Travel

• I am able to drive, but can only travel within 1hr/50 miles of my location in Nottinghamshire

• My mobility means that I usually require a taxi to get from place to place, as I am unable to take public transport independently for safety reasons

• Travel and/or accommodation arrangements will need to be made for any work requiring 1hr+ of travel from my location

Payment, Costs, etc.

Any additional costs incurred by our collaboration (e.g. travel/accommodation arrangements, assistants or support workers, project-specific equipment that needs to be purchased to make the work accessible) should either be covered by your organisation, or factored into payment/reimbursement plans.

Please note that I am unable to take on unpaid work or pro bono work, and will only agree to work for which I am adequately reimbursed.

The Social Model of Disability

I identify as disabled under the Social Model of Disability. I would appreciate any collaborators taking the time to learn about this, in order to avoid unexpectedly encountering ableism at work.

Further Reading

An article on the Spoon Theory (a metaphor about energy often used by the disability community)

An animation about the Social Model of Disability

More information about how to support disabled employees and colleagues in 20 Stories High and Graeae's Access Manifesto