Community

Community Research Program

At Wavefront Centre, our Community Research Program focuses on advancing knowledge and solutions to improve communication accessibility for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.

By engaging in collaborative research with academic institutions, government agencies and community stakeholders, we lead innovative research aimed at breaking down communication barriers, influencing policies and making changes that directly improve the lives of the communities we serve.

Our Services Include

The Built Environment

Our research focuses on the intersection of communication accessibility and the physical spaces people navigate daily. This includes developing solutions for accessible public spaces such as transit systems, theatres, and educational institutions.

Communication Accessibility

Our research in communication accessibility focuses on both in-person and virtual environments. We explore the latest assistive technologies that improve communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. In the virtual space, we investigate
barriers and facilitators to virtual communication services, including sign language interpreting and captioning. By gathering insights from service users, interpreters, and captioners, we aim to improve the delivery of virtual communication services and recommend enhancements to increase accessibility

Employment and Education

We study the challenges faced by Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals in workplaces and educational institutions, focusing on creating inclusive environments that provide equitable access to communication. Our research informs policies and programs that promote accessibility in recruitment, workplace culture, and educational practices

Emerging Technology

We explore new advancements in accessibility technologies, such as speech-to-text apps, real-time captioning tools, virtual remote sign language interpretation, and AI-driven communication tools. By staying at the forefront of technological innovation, we aim to offer solutions that improve both personal and public communication experiences for the communities we serve

Hearing Health

Our research aims to identify ways to make it easier for people with hearing concerns to reach and use services and supports that promote hearing health. Based on our collaborative research, we seek to empower healthcare professionals to facilitate better access to hearing health services and ensure timely interventions for their clients.

Our Impact

Wavefront Centre’s research directly informs the creation of new programs and services, while improving existing ones to better serve our communities. We are committed to research approaches that prioritize the perspective and lived experiences of the communities that we serve. Our work supports policy recommendations at local, provincial, and national levels, promoting systemic change in areas such as healthcare, education, and public services. By fostering partnerships, sharing our findings, and advocating for increased accessibility,
we strive to ensure communication access is a priority in all aspects of life.

Together, we work toward a future where communication is accessible for everyone.

Contact Us

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Have questions or need support?

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Prefer to call? Reach us at:
Mount Pleasant: 604-736-7391
Kitsilano: 778-329-0870
Tri-Cities: 604-942-7397

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