We've been making easy-read information together since 1993. At the time, we both worked for the NHS in Bristol. The long-stay hospitals were closing down, and we were part of the team in charge of user-involvement, consultation, accessible information and complaints.

Pete worked with groups in hospitals and homes, finding out people's ideas and making sure those views were accounted for in plans for their future. Karl was making easy-read information about all the changes, and developing new ways of making information accessible using illustration, symbols, photography and good design. We went on to pioneer a magazine style for audio information, aimed specifically at people with learning disabilities, including the nationally recognised Plain Facts.

During this time we also developed a 'Symbols Directory', and accompanying 'Guide to Using Symbols'. It was the first attempt by a region to develop an agreed set of pictures for easy-read. They were simple black and white line drawings that made the most of black and white print. By the end of the project there were over 1000 approved pictures.

 

 

 

The closure of the last hospital marked the end of our work within the NHS. Since then we have been producing easy-read documents about everything under the sun. And in 2004, we relaunched as Photosymbols, making our own full colour photo library available to easy-read practitioners up and down the country.

Now in it's 4th incarnation, we continue to improve the range and breadth of images, as well as a few new ideas to help make better easy-read. After all, that's always been what we're about.