Paramedic Graduate's Groundbreaking Work in Deaf Awareness Training Leaves Lasting Legacy
A Paramedic Science student who brought British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf awareness training to hundreds of fellow students has graduated.
Daniel Hunt organised the training after learning about the life-threatening communication barriers faced by deaf people in healthcare settings.
He wanted future paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists, and midwives to have basic sign language skills to communicate more effectively with deaf patients and improve care. Over his three-year degree, Daniel partnered with the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in Bristol to deliver dozens of professional training sessions—led by deaf instructors—for more than 500 students at UWE’s Glenside campus.
Thanks to his efforts, deaf awareness training is now a permanent part of the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme—believed to be the only one in the UK with this requirement.
Now working as a paramedic for South Western Ambulance Service, Daniel said:
“In healthcare, especially in emergencies, patients are already in crisis. Not being able to communicate makes it worse. This training makes a real difference for both the clinician and the patient.” “When we first introduced the training, it quickly became popular. Delivered by deaf trainers and organisations, it had a real impact. UWE has now made it a permanent part of the programme, with plans to expand to midwifery and optometry courses too. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
Daniel, who is not deaf, became interested in BSL through his love of languages. At university, he founded the BSL student society, which quickly gained popularity. He then reached out to the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People for help delivering training.
The 38-year-old from Fishponds left school with no GCSEs and worked as a postman for 10 years—delivering mail to Glenside campus before becoming a student there himself. He graduated with first-class honours at Bristol Beacon, cheered on by family.
“It’s never too late to retrain,” he said. “People told me I was too old for university, but with determination and support, it’s achievable. University wasn’t just about academics—it was also a great social experience.”
Mark Gill, Community Development Officer at CfD, said: “Dan is deeply committed to improving the experience of deaf people in healthcare. His work has already made a lasting impact and will continue to guide future care.”
Julian Simpson, former course leader at UWE Bristol, added: “Dan’s contribution has enhanced not just our curriculum but our culture. He understands that true healthcare goes beyond clinical skills—it's about connection and compassion. His legacy is a model for what all healthcare practitioners should strive to be.”
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Paramedic Graduate's Groundbreaking Work in Deaf Awareness Training Leaves Lasting Legacy
A Paramedic Science student who brought British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf awareness training to hundreds of fellow students has graduated.
Daniel Hunt organised the training after learning about the life-threatening communication barriers faced by deaf people in healthcare settings.
He wanted future paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists, and midwives to have basic sign language skills to communicate more effectively with deaf patients and improve care.
Over his three-year degree, Daniel partnered with the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in Bristol to deliver dozens of professional training sessions—led by deaf instructors—for more than 500 students at UWE’s Glenside campus.
Thanks to his efforts, deaf awareness training is now a permanent part of the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme—believed to be the only one in the UK with this requirement.
Now working as a paramedic for South Western Ambulance Service, Daniel said:
“In healthcare, especially in emergencies, patients are already in crisis. Not being able to communicate makes it worse. This training makes a real difference for both the clinician and the patient.”
“When we first introduced the training, it quickly became popular. Delivered by deaf trainers and organisations, it had a real impact. UWE has now made it a permanent part of the programme, with plans to expand to midwifery and optometry courses too. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
Daniel, who is not deaf, became interested in BSL through his love of languages. At university, he founded the BSL student society, which quickly gained popularity. He then reached out to the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People for help delivering training.
The 38-year-old from Fishponds left school with no GCSEs and worked as a postman for 10 years—delivering mail to Glenside campus before becoming a student there himself.
He graduated with first-class honours at Bristol Beacon, cheered on by family.
“It’s never too late to retrain,” he said. “People told me I was too old for university, but with determination and support, it’s achievable. University wasn’t just about academics—it was also a great social experience.”
Mark Gill, Community Development Officer at CfD, said:
“Dan is deeply committed to improving the experience of deaf people in healthcare. His work has already made a lasting impact and will continue to guide future care.”
Julian Simpson, former course leader at UWE Bristol, added:
“Dan’s contribution has enhanced not just our curriculum but our culture. He understands that true healthcare goes beyond clinical skills—it's about connection and compassion. His legacy is a model for what all healthcare practitioners should strive to be.”
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