Freelance Access Advisor
University of Atypical for Arts and Disability

University of Atypical is excited to recruit new regional Access Advisors to support arts, cultural, community and heritage organisations across Northern Ireland. Advisors will support organisations as they develop and implement an Accessibility Improvement Plan.

We are seeking exceptional people to work with us in a sustained freelance capacity for at least one year as part of our ongoing major Paul Hamlyn Foundation-funded programme, the Arts and Disability Access Awards. The roles may continue beyond that time subject to funding and contract renewal. We seek to identify advisors who identify as d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent who can bring their lived experience to this role as part of a disabled-led programme.

At this time, we are seeking 1 Access Advisor in the Belfast area. However, we also want to interview more widely across the region for an additional 3-4 suitable candidates to keep on a list for future freelance Access Advisor work, when this work arises.

The regional Access Advisors will support arts, cultural, community and heritage organisations across Northern Ireland, by helping staff to evaluate their current organisational accessibility, and supporting them as they develop and implement an accessibility improvement plan.

They will be matched with 2-3 venues in their area. They will meet regularly with organisations they are paired with, to guide them through training, consultation and planning to improve their engagement with d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people.

This role involves such tasks as providing guidance and recommendations about accessibility; co-creating and supporting delivery of Accessibility Improvement Plans with partner organisations; keeping accurate records of progress, and reporting to the Access and Inclusion Manager within a specified timeframe.

The programme has already been running for 6 months. Successful applicants will join an existing team of experienced Advisors, who will offer help and guidance. The Access Advisors will also receive training in accessibility best practice, and will attend regular meetings to share knowledge and provide peer support.

This is a home-based freelance position with some requirements to travel. We will pay agreed travel expenses.

Salary: £15 per hour on a freelance contract. Hours per week will fluctuate, but the estimated commitment is between 16 and 21 hours per month.

Hours per week: 5.00

To apply, contact us on 02890239450 or at applyto@universityofatypical.org.

About the Organisation

University of Atypical for Arts and Disability is the lead sectoral organisation in arts and disability in Northern Ireland. We are disabled-led and take an empowerment-based approach towards d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people’s involvement in the arts, as audience members and creative practitioners.