About Us

About Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

The Need for Community and Connectedness
All of us as human beings have a deep inherent need to connect with others, and access to communication is the key to remaining connected to our friends, families, and communities.

This universal need to be connected through communication is why the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility was created.

What is Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility?
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, formerly known as, Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is a British Columbian non-profit organization dedicated to creating a society in which people who are Deaf, Deafened, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing (collectively referred to as “Deaf and Hard of Hearing”) are able to fully participate.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals continue to face daily challenges in all aspects of their lives and contend with issues of exclusion in the workforce, in education, and in public life because of communication barriers. Wavefront Centre provides supportive programs and services that focus on the strengths and talents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals rather than barriers.

We work to create opportunities for individuals to gain employment, connect with their friends and families, participate in communities, and create multiple successes. We also provide public education to increase awareness and understanding of Deaf and Hard of Hearing issues.

Our Mission
Wavefront Centre’s mission is to create a society in which people who are Deaf, Deafened, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing (collectively referred to as “Deaf and Hard of Hearing”) are able to fully participate.

Our Vision
Wavefront Centre’s vision is a compassionate and inclusive British Columbia where all Canadians - Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing - can communicate fully and freely with each other and have equal access to their communities.

Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is a Canadian registered charity. Charitable registration number: 108200098RR0001

Communication Devices Showroom

Wavefront Centre's Communication Devices Showroom is the only place in British Columbia that displays a large range of devices and provides one-on-one consultations to assist individuals in becoming comfortable with their devices. Wavefront Centre’s Communication Devices Specialists go beyond selling a product. We can assist you with house calls to install devices, meetings with your employers and therapists to ensure that safety and communication needs are accommodated, and community presentations to raise awareness about new technologies.

Although hearing aid technology has advanced significantly, hearing aids are not a complete solution. Having additional communication devices is an important element of being able to fully address the impact of hearing loss or deafness.

Wavefront Centre’s Communication Devices Showroom located at our 2005 Quebec Street location displays a variety of assistive listening and alerting devices to optimize communication and safety at home, in the workplace, and in social environments. These devices include:

 

  • Personal amplifiers
  • Infrared systems for the television and radio
  • Amplified telephones
  • Visual alerting systems for the home