Access To Work slowdown is putting jobs at risk for disabled people
Thu Feb 05 2026
Disabled people are waiting up to 30 weeks for a decision on whether they'll get a grant to support them at work and wait times are getting longer. We hear from three people who have been affected: Danielle Verity, a visually impaired NHS psychologist has had her grant reduced causing her career stress and worsening mental health. And George Baker is waiting for a new agreement which means he presently has no money and his support worker, Lauren, is kindly, unsustainably, working for free with the hope it will be sorted out soon.
One of the biggest challenges for neurodivergent people is the impact of everyday noises like air conditioning or chatter from people on mobile phones. Emma speaks to autistic journalist Keira Edwards about her new podcast It's So Loud In Here, coming soon to BBC Sounds.
Also, neurodivergent journalist, Hayley Clarke, joins Emma to talk about pre-loved clothes selling websites and how one mum is calling for a filtered category so you can find accessible or adapted clothes easily.
Presented by Emma Tracey
Sound mixed by Dave O'Neill
Produced by Emma Tracey and Alex Collins
Series producer is Beth Rose
Editor is Damon Rose
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Disabled people are waiting up to 30 weeks for a decision on whether they'll get a grant to support them at work and wait times are getting longer. We hear from three people who have been affected: Danielle Verity, a visually impaired NHS psychologist has had her grant reduced causing her career stress and worsening mental health. And George Baker is waiting for a new agreement which means he presently has no money and his support worker, Lauren, is kindly, unsustainably, working for free with the hope it will be sorted out soon. One of the biggest challenges for neurodivergent people is the impact of everyday noises like air conditioning or chatter from people on mobile phones. Emma speaks to autistic journalist Keira Edwards about her new podcast It's So Loud In Here, coming soon to BBC Sounds. Also, neurodivergent journalist, Hayley Clarke, joins Emma to talk about pre-loved clothes selling websites and how one mum is calling for a filtered category so you can find accessible or adapted clothes easily. Presented by Emma Tracey Sound mixed by Dave O'Neill Produced by Emma Tracey and Alex Collins Series producer is Beth Rose Editor is Damon Rose