Disabled creatives like me are behind many of your favourite shows – so why has our work support been withdrawn? | Annalisa Dinnella
Cuts to the Access to Work scheme will mean no more contributions to shows like Sex Education, Call the Midwife or The Hack. It will be devastating to lose such talent When Chris McCausland won Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, he held his trophy aloft and said: “It’s for everyone out there that thought and got told they couldn’t do something. It just shows with opportunity and support and…
The Access to Work scheme, which provides funding for disabled creatives, is facing cuts that could have a devastating impact on the industry. This scheme, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, helps cover the cost of reasonable adjustments for disabled individuals in the workplace. With the cuts to the scheme, shows like Sex Education, Call the Midwife, and The Hack may see a significant reduction in their ability to support talented disabled writers and creators.
Chris McCausland, a successful Strictly Come Dancing champion, recently expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and support he received. In his Channel 4 Alternative Christmas Message, he highlighted the importance of the Access to Work scheme, warning that its lack of funding could prevent others from achieving their dreams.
Annalisa Dinnella, a television writer, points out that these cuts would be a loss to the industry and to the many disabled creatives who have been able to use the scheme to bring their unique perspectives to their work.
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