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Latest News Join us on facebookAre you on facebook? Why not join us. We've set up a Photosymbols facebook page and we hope lots of you will want to become fans. You'll find the latest news and discussions about easy read, unique pictures from behind the scenes, plus a chance to tell us what pictures you'd like to see in the next edition of Photosymbols. (January 2010)  New pricesWe have updated the prices on our website for customers who have to pay VAT in the UK. The new rate of 17.5% started on 1st January 2010. There is no change for customers who don't pay VAT. (January 2010)
 Reporting Hate CrimePhotosymbols have been used in a new pack about reporting Hate Crime. The Reporting Book and Report It Form are now available from local police forces up and down the country, and are specially designed to make it easier for people with learning disabilities to report hate crime incidents. (September 2009) Read more...
The Disability Hate Crime Reporting pack was developed by PIP Pack in action for True Vision. It was launched in July 2009 at the House of Lords. People with learning disabilities have been a part of it's design since the start.
Police forces will be making contact with local groups and working out the best way to get packs to the people who need them. They'll also help people learn about keeping safe, and how to report a hate crime.
You can take a look at the Reporting book and Report It form on the downloads page.
Anyone wanting to use the form should contact their local police force and ask for a free copy of the Disability Hate Crime Reporting Pack. Local police have been advised to work with people with learning disabilities and health and social care partners to distribute the packs effectively. They will want to hear from you.
For more information, contact info@pippackinaction.co.uk
 Photosymbols 3Photosymbols 3 is now available to order, with special upgrade prices for our existing customers. Single Users can upgrade for just £120+vat. Read more... (March 2009)  Better HealthWe have just finished an easy read booklet to find out how the NHS can work better for people with learning disabilties. The booklet and form are a crucial part of information gathering for NHS South West, and follow on from the NHS Review led by Lord Darzi, the Minister for Health. You can view a PDF on our examples page. (July 2008) See examples...  Supporting Cornwall People FirstCornwall People First (CPF) have a new look and a new website. It shows the wide range of work they are doing to make Cornwall a great place for people with learning disabilities. (May 2008) Read more...
Photosymbols helped CPF develop their new look, and set up a photoshoot to produce images for the website with a local flavour.
We've been supporting the changes in Cornwall over the last two years, and have enjoyed working with CPF and the Partnership Board. Our work has included easy read design, photography training, graphic facilitation and setting up a local picture bank.
We wish CPF the best of luck with their new website. Click here to check it out (opens in new window).
 2012 paralympic games campaignMencap have launched a new campaign to allow athletes with a learning disability to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. (May 2008) Read more...
Athletes with a learning disability were banned from taking part after Sydney 2000 after a small number of athletes had competed in the learning disability division who did not have a learning disability.
As a result, the learning disability classification was suspended from the Paralympic Games until a number of conditions could be met.
In June 2007, it was announced that these conditions had not been met. Athletes with a learning disability would not take part in the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.
The decision will be reviewed again this year, and Mencap hope that the ban will be lifted to ensure that athletes have sufficient time to train towards London 2012.
You can support the campaign by writing letters of support to your local MP, by supporting athletes, and by raising awareness of sporting opportunities at all levels for people with a learning disability. Click here to find out more on Mencap's website.
 'We're All The Same' projectWe've had a lot of fun recently, working with the WATSame (We're All The Same) project in Coventry! The project was set up to promote a positive image of disabled young people, and give young people with and without learning disailities the chance to meet each other and make new friends. (April 2008)
Read more...
Photosymbols produced a series of photos, posed for by the young people in the group. They also modeled for a fashion show run by the University Students Union, and recorded their own song. Click here to have a listen to it on their MySpace page (opens in new window).
A lot of our work is about presenting positive images of disabled people, yet it is not often we get to see such a successful, genuinely inclusive group. The project has done a lot to tackle negative attitudes through integration.
Too many young disabled people miss out on the opportunities to mix with non-disabled people their own age, and to enjoy friendships with them. The project allows attitudes towards disability to be explored in a relaxed environment, at a natural pace, being together and enjoying the same things.
Let's hope projects like this catch on all over the country!
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