Thank you for inviting me to work with you. I have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), which means my energy is always limited and fluctuates daily. I carefully manage my energy and often need to pace myself to function well. I also have an ankle condition that makes prolonged walking and standing uncomfortable, as well as dyspraxia and mild dyslexia, which affect my processing speed, organisation of thoughts, and handwriting.

I’m passionate about my work, and balancing my condition can be challenging. I’m still learning how to manage my expectations of my body, so this guide is as much for me as it is for you.

As we work together, let’s keep checking in. My access needs may change over time, and open communication is key. If I request something new, please don’t be alarmed. I also ask that you don’t require GP documentation as proof of my needs—this process is triggering, exhausting, and unnecessary.

Please respect my autonomy in managing my access needs. I’ll ask for help when I need it, but if you're ever unsure, just ask rather than assume. I appreciate openness, and I don’t mind mistakes as long as there’s accountability and a willingness to learn.

General Needs

Energy Management & Crashes

Occasionally, I experience energy crashes that can last from a few hours to a few days. During these times, I may be unable to leave the house or respond to emails. I can usually reply to urgent communication, but it’s best to build in flexibility for deadlines and meetings in case I need to rest.

To manage my energy:

  • I pace myself carefully to avoid crashes. If I am leading long events or full-day/weekend workshops, I prepare in advance by banking energy.

  • If a crash happens unexpectedly, I may need a short break (e.g., 10 minutes of rest) or, if working from home, a longer break (a couple of hours) before resuming work.

  • If I have a flare-up and an extension isn’t possible, please provide support to help me complete tasks.

Brain Fog

At times, I experience brain fog, making it harder to process information or articulate thoughts. If I seem slow or confused:

  • Speaking a little more slowly and giving me extra time to process can help.

  • I may need a short break or, in some cases, to leave/end a meeting early.

Meeting & Scheduling Preferences

  • Meetings should start and end on time so I can plan my energy accordingly.

  • Where possible, meetings should be under 1.5 hours—if longer, breaks are needed.

  • I prefer to use lifts or escalators rather than stairs.

Dyspraxia & Dyslexia

  • I need a laptop to write—please don’t ask me to take notes by hand.

  • Written communication should be clear and structured (e.g., bullet points rather than dense paragraphs).

  • I may need extra time to process and respond, especially in fast-paced discussions.

  • A written follow-up or summary of verbal discussions helps with recall.

  • I work best in a quiet space when focus is needed.

  • Flexibility with deadlines and workload management is important, as task-switching and organisation take extra effort.

  • Fine motor tasks (e.g., filling out forms by hand) may take longer.

Travel Needs

  • For journeys over three hours, I prefer to rest upon arrival before starting work. Ideally, meetings should begin the next day.

  • I usually need a taxi to different sites unless the location is under a 15-minute walk.

  • In London, I can normally use the Underground as I’m familiar with the system.

  • In new locations, public transport drains my energy and may affect my ability to work.

  • I aim to limit separate trips to different cities in one week and prefer to spread out travel where possible.

  • Travel should start after 9 AM where possible.

  • If accommodation has more than two flights of stairs, I prefer a lift/elevator.

Emergency Contacts

Alex Huntley (Husband) – 07795627477
Senna Smith (Mother) – 07503185388

A More Accessible Future

I encourage you to take what you learn about accessibility from working with me (or others) and apply it to your future work. Making events and exhibitions accessible benefits everyone—not just disabled people, but also your organisation, your wider community, and the movement for a more accessible world. By setting an example, we can push towards lasting change together.

Further Reading & Resources

If you’d like to learn more about accessibility in the arts, here are some great resources:

Thank you for reading. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask—I’m happy to share additional resources.