Photosymbols is a small, creative team with a big mission - to make the world easier to understand for people with learning disabilities. We work closely with people with lived experience to create inclusive, respectful imagery that helps people make sense of life. We’re based across the UK, united by shared values and a love for what we do.
Karl Seymour
Karl is a Co-Founder of Photosymbols and the original mind behind the idea of a photo-based image library for Easy Read. Drawing on his experience as a graphic designer and accessible information specialist in the NHS, he saw how people often connected more easily with photographs than with traditional symbols. That insight led to the creation of Photosymbols in 2003. Since then, Karl has helped shape the visual language of Easy Read in the UK. Today, he leads on strategy and innovation, including the development of our AI-powered platform, EasyMaker.
Pete Le Grys
Pete is a Co-Founder of Photosymbols and leads on involving people. He works closely with our team of Expert Advisers with lived experience of disability and travels across the country to meet with groups and individuals, making sure our work stays grounded in the real issues people face. He’s currently leading engagement across the UK – and internationally – as part of our Newton project, involving people in shaping our AI Easy Read technology. Pete also plays a key role in developing and delivering our training – if you’ve taken our Foundation Course in Easy Read, you’ve probably met him already.
Martin Wood
Martin is our Principal Architect & Software Engineer. He designs and builds the technology behind Photosymbols and EasyMaker. Based in Cardiff, he’s the person who turns the team’s ideas into reality – from major new tools to small refinements that make things easier for users. Nothing seems impossible in Martin’s hands. His calm, thoughtful approach allows us to keep improving the user experience while making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Holly Yuille
Holly is our Content & Operations Manager. She heads up the creative team, co-ordinating the work of our Photographer and Symbol Designer to plan new images and bring them to life. She manages the Photosymbols image library, arranges and oversees shoots, and meets with groups to ensure our work stays grounded in real experiences. Holly also contributes to our training, creating thoughtful tutorials that reflect her incredible attention to detail. Her background includes accessible communication, rights-based advocacy, and hands-on support for adults with learning disabilities.
Sarah Salmean
Sarah is our Customer Care Officer and the friendly voice on the end of the phone. Originally from Edinburgh, she joined Photosymbols in April 2025 and has quickly become a valued part of the team. Sarah answers calls, responds to support tickets, places orders, and helps customers with queries large and small. She’s already brought fresh ideas and thoughtful insights to the role, helping us strengthen the way we support our community.
Steve Shepherd
Steve has been part of Photosymbols for over a decade and now joins us full time as our in-house Photographer & Video Content Producer. He captures the real people behind our symbols and ensures our library is always growing in quality and representation. He also supports training, social media and video content across the business.
Kat Wong
Kat joins our team in May 2025 to take on the vital role of Symbol Designer & Resident Artist. Based in Manchester, she brings a wealth of experience working with marginalised groups, alongside exceptional skills in image editing, illustration, generative AI, and visual storytelling. Kat works under the direction of Holly and alongside Steve as part of our creative team, helping to shape and improve the Photosymbols image library with care, clarity, and imagination.
Expert Advisers
We work closely with a brilliant team of Expert Advisers who have lived experience of disability, learning disability, mental health and being autistic. They help guide and shape everything we do at Photosymbols. From giving feedback on new images, advising on clothing and styling for photo shoots, to helping us think through big topics like AI and representation – their insight is at the heart of our work. We meet with them regularly, and their voices are key to making sure our work stays respectful, inclusive and grounded in real-life experience.