Sealey is the artistic director of Graeae, the UK's flagship disabled-led theatre company, and was awarded her MBE for services to disability arts thanks to a career spanning 20 years' working with deaf and disabled artists.

Hemmings is the creative talent behind the internationally renowned Greenwich+Docklands Festivals (GDIF) and is famed for being at the forefront of a ground-breaking development of a new body of outdoor performances by deaf and disabled artists.

Speaking at the GDIF before today's London premiere of The Iron Man, which she has directed, Sealy said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work collaboratively with leading deaf, disabled and non-disabled artists to create a unique, unforgettable spectacle to be enjoyed by millions across the globe."

Hemmings added: "I feel both excited and privileged to have the chance to work with artists and Paralympians on a Ceremony, which, perhaps uniquely, has the power to transform perceptions."

These latest appointments now complete the selection of artistic directors for the London 2012 Ceremonies, and follow the appointment of filmmaker Danny Boyle as artistic director of the Olympic Opening Ceremony and leading choreographer Kim Gavin for both the Olympic and Paralympic Closing Ceremonies.

The artistic directors are supported by a team of executive producers to oversee all four Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, including film director Stephen Daldry, designer Mark Fisher, Grammy and BAFTA award nominated television director Hamish Hamilton and International Ceremonies producer Catherine Ugwu.

Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said: "Bradley and Jenny are the perfect team to lead the artistic direction of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

"They are respected in the arts world for bringing disabled and non-disabled performers together to create spectacular shows.

"With just over one year to go, I'm confident that the London 2012 ceremonies are in good hands."

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