Find support Resources Where can I find an Access Support Worker? What is access support? How do I find someone to support my work? Is there a directory of freelance support workers I can use? I’m looking for an access support worker, but I don’t know where to start. Here at Shape we understand the importance of finding the right support for you and your creative practice. We've created this resource to answer some common questions around access support workers and explore what your next steps might be. In this resource you can find: What is a support worker? How can I find a support worker? Can I afford access support? Do I need an agreement or contract with my access support worker? Can I use digital tools to support my work? Further guidance and resources How can Shape Arts support me? Skip to resource New to Shape Arts? Before you get stuck into our latest resource, learn about all the work we do at Shape Arts and wider programme supporting disabled artists and removing barriers in the sector. What do we do? Learn about all our work at Shape and the history of the organisation About Shape Arts What is the Social Model? Check out our resource on the social model of disability, which informs our work Learn more Resource Hub We've created lots of resources for creatives and organisations, check them out! Explore all resources What is a support worker? Support Worker, Access Support, Personal Assistant or PA are some of the names of this role that are most commonly used. Access support workers are people who take on the responsibilities and duties that present barriers to a disabled person working on a project, functioning as support for their role. What a support worker does is different for different people. Their duties will depend on the disabled person's role in the project and the barriers they anticipate facing. Examples of support: Admin support Note taking Managing applications (inputting and formatting) Interpretation and translation Proofreading Managing communications Organising logistics Personal care Time management Of course access support looks different for everyone, and this is not an exhaustive list. We recommend working with a support worker according to their skills and experience. For some areas of support, they may need certain qualifications or to have passed particular checks, particularly if their role entails any personal care or translation support. It is for this reason that some people use more than one PA to cover separate areas. Back to top Different approaches to finding an access support worker Disabled creatives have found access support in a variety of ways. In this resource below, we share some examples of different ways creatives have been paired with support. These are not the only ways to find support, but some of the strategies used by disabled creatives we've worked with. Back to top Can I afford access support? That depends on why you require access support, what the person will be doing, and for how long. Access support costs can add up. With the right planning and funding in place, these costs don't have to come out of your own pocket. There is government support available through the Access to Work (AtW) scheme, but be aware of long waiting times if you are a new applicant. Disability Arts Online share waiting time estimates on their website. What is Access to Work? Head to our resource with information on the Access to Work scheme. Check out the resource If you cannot access AtW, there might be other ways to fund your support needs. Alternative paths to AtW: Budgeting for access costs in your next funding application Discussing access support with new partnerships and employers - they might have a budget to cover costs We recommend gathering quotes for access costs you plan to fund. This can be helpful when evidencing the amount needed in your budget, and for when you're communicating with partners and collaborators. Back to top Do I need an agreement or contract with my access support worker? Setting out an agreement before working with someone is highly recommended. Having a formal signed agreement in writing can be useful for your records, help clarify the role, and formalise any working relationships during a project. Check out the following resources and blog posts before sending your next contract! Artquest Legal information on all areas of an artist's practice Explore Artlaw Unlimited Tips and guidance from Unlimited Read the blog Back to top Can I use digital tools to support my work? Depending on your needs, you might find that small changes to your workflow, conversations with collaborators or using assistive digital tools can help remove barriers as a creative. If you do not currently have access to funding or support, many digital tools available are free to use or cost a small monthly subscription. Be mindful: Not to share sensitive information If using large language models, check the outputs produced for inaccuracies Check the user settings of applications and programmes before using them Using AI tools to support your work? Check out Episode 2 of the Shape Arts Podcast where the team discuss how creatives can use AI tools in their work. Check it out Back to top Further guidance and reading: We recommend checking out these resources for further information on Access Support Workers, and places to connect with potential people. Back to top Searching for more support? Here at Shape Arts we offer support to disabled artists, organisations and audiences in a variety of ways. Explore the following links on our website to learn more about the work we do to remove barriers in the arts. Artist Resources We have a wide range of free online resources for artists and organisations available to explore. Check out our resources Advice and Guidance We support disabled creatives and provide 1-1 advice and guidance. Explore the artists we've worked with Training and Auditing We provide training and consultancy services for the sector, both in the UK and internationally. Learn more Do you have advice you want to share on finding a support worker? Let us know! Get in touch Back to top Banner image credit: Andy Barker, Shape Open exhibition private view, 2024Banner image description: Two people with their backs to the camera are stood watching a film on a large TV. Wooden spoons are held on screen above an embroidered table cloth. The wall behind the screen is empty and off-white. Manage Cookie Preferences