Co-production
Created with the community, not just for them.
What co-production means to us
Co-production isn't a buzzword for us – it's how we've worked since day one. It means involving people with learning disabilities not as an afterthought, but as partners in shaping what we create.
This isn't about asking for feedback once something's finished. It's about sitting down together at the start, listening to what people need, and building something that actually works for them.
When we get it right, our work is better for everyone. When we get it wrong, our Expert Advisers tell us – and we change it.
Our Expert Advisers
We work closely with a team of four Expert Advisers who have lived experience of disability, learning disability, mental health, and being autistic. They bring very different strengths, skills, and perspectives – and that diversity makes our work stronger.
Michaela
My name is Michaela. I enjoy horse riding, shopping, arts and crafts, seeing my friends, and being a DJ at the Bubble Club. I work at Camden People First, answering the phone and helping in the office. I also speak up for people who cannot talk. Easy Read is much better for me because I cannot read small writing.
Hayley
“Just because I have a learning disability doesn’t make me a bad parent.” I have learning disabilities. I lived in care homes and secure hospitals when younger. Now I live at home with my son and have support in the week. I am an advocate at Opening Doors, a trainer and speaker, and a Photosymbols Adviser. I love Easy Read.
Matt
I’m Matt. I worked with Photosymbols years ago as an actor and returned in 2024 as an Expert Adviser. I live in the West of England with my wife Janette and our dog Desmond. I’m a proud dad and grandad. I review and plan images, giving feedback on disability representation and accessibility. I’m active in disability rights and wrote Keep On, Keeping On about cerebral palsy.
Grace
I’m Grace and I joined Photosymbols as an Expert Adviser in June 2025. I love animals and have three pets: a labrador and two rescue cats. Nature time with my family keeps me grounded. I have made Easy Read for over four years. I suggest image ideas, visualise how they will look, and review images, so everyone can understand information.
Our Expert Advisers meet with us regularly – weekly or monthly depending on what we're working on. They review new images, test our tools, shape our training content, and tell us when something isn't working. They're paid for their time, because this is real work that makes a real difference.
Working with self-advocacy groups
Beyond our Expert Adviser team, we work with self-advocacy groups across the UK on specific projects. When we're developing new features, exploring new topics, or testing new ideas, we go to the people who'll use them.
This has included work with groups in Bristol, Manchester, London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and many other places. Each group brings different perspectives, different experiences, and different insights that help us do better work.
Fair pay, informed consent
Everyone who contributes to Photosymbols gets paid fairly. That includes our Expert Advisers, our actors at photo shoots, and the groups we work with on specific projects.
We also take consent seriously. Before any photos are taken or any input is used, we make sure people understand what they're agreeing to. We explain things clearly, we answer questions, and we work with support workers to make sure everyone is comfortable.
This isn't just about doing the right thing – though it is that. It's about building relationships of trust that last.
Want to work with us?
If you're a self-advocacy group interested in partnering with Photosymbols, or a person with a learning disability who'd like to be involved in our work, we'd love to hear from you.