Looking at a challenge from a new perspective can lead to innovative solutions.
As both a part-time Support Worker in a D/deaf home and a medical student, Tom can see each side of the communication barrier between medical professionals and D/deaf people. Working at Wilbury Gardens over the past 18 months has inspired him to highlight the importance of learning British Sign Language (BSL) amongst his peers in the medical field.
BSL Society
As a result, Tom has created a BSL Society at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. He’s enlisted fellow medical students to teach them essential signs and increase deaf awareness. The group learns key signs, has practice sessions, quizzes and homework. Their dedicated Instagram account features ‘Finger spell Friday’ and shares posts about the signs they are learning.
Added to this, Tom organises social gatherings where society members come together and practice their signing. They also attend local Deaf social events and fundraising events.
Research by the RNID suggests that more than a quarter of people with hearing loss come away from their GP unclear about their diagnosis – while nearly a fifth are unsure about their medication.
Expanding nationally
Tom has also been in touch with other universities nationally to expand the cause and ask them to set up their own societies, providing his resources and templates. He hopes that there will be widespread sign societies in medical schools so that all doctors will be able to communicate with their D/deaf patients better.
The potential reach of this is vast and could have a long-lasting impact on the accessibility of NHS services.
In addition, Tom has contacted Deaf Organisations such as the RNID and Sussex Deaf Association to seek their support in spreading awareness. He is also ordering bespoke merchandise to advertise his campaign, aiming to highlight the need for inclusivity beyond the medical field.
Grateful and proud
Home Manager at Wilbury Gardens, Ezdra Harris, says: “We are immensely grateful and proud of Tom’s initiative and his efforts. It is so important that health professionals understand the consequences of the barriers deaf people face when accessing health care settings.
“Tom feels that if doctors had some basic signing to greet patients it would put people at ease. This would be such a breakthrough! He is truly making a difference and this really embodies excellence in accessibility.”
Excellence in accessibility award
At our 2024 Heroes Awards, Tom won the Excellence in accessibility award. The winner of this award is a team or team member who works incredibly hard to ensure that nobody misses out on anything due to different accessibility requirements. Demonstrating empathy and understanding how things would feel from someone else’s perspective are the driving forces behind the outcomes this team member/team produces for people we support.
Ezdra Harris added: “I am beyond thrilled that Tom received the recognition he so deserves, for a cause that is so close to our hearts here at Wilbury Gardens. It is inspirational how dedicated Tom has been in his free time, which for a medical student is very limited! Well done Tom – keep going with spreading Deaf awareness amongst the wider teaching hospitals!”
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