Fuel stands with Graeae over cuts to Access to Work support

Fuel stands in solidarity with Graeae and its Artistic Director Jenny Sealey – one of our trustees – who has been informed that her Access to Work support will be cut by 50%. 

Jenny, who has led Graeae for 28 years and is internationally recognised as a leading voice in disability arts, has been told that future funding will cover only 10 hours of sign language interpretation per rehearsal week, despite production weeks typically lasting 47 hours. 

This decision comes as 35 disabled artists have reported cuts to their own awards and delays of up to 15 months. The timing is particularly alarming, falling on the same day that Graeae closes its survey gathering evidence for the Public Inquiry into Access to Work (deadline: 23:59, Thursday 26 February 2026). 

Graeae employs around 200 Deaf and Disabled people each year, representing approximately 57% of its workforce. The company guarantees access provision across its activities, regardless of whether costs can be reclaimed. In 2024–25 alone, Graeae covered £198,445 in access costs, reclaiming £86,800 through Access to Work and absorbing the remainder. 

Jenny Sealey OBE has described the decision as “punitive” and “an infringement of human rights,” questioning how she can fulfil her role on an 18-hour weekly interpreter allowance. Executive Director Kevin Walsh has called the suggestion that Jenny struggles to perform her role “ludicrous,” citing her nearly three decades of leadership. 

Fuel believes that access to work is a fundamental right. Disabled artists should not be forced out of their professions by cuts, delays or administrative barriers. 

Learn more here: https://graeae.org/resource/access-to-work-cuts/