Bringing on-demand ASL interpreting to everyday conversations
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is pleased to announce the launch of Access ASL, a new service designed to make everyday communication more accessible for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community members who use American Sign Language (ASL).
Access ASL provides on-demand video access to professional ASL-English interpreters for short, in-the-moment conversations at reception desks, service counters, workplaces, and community locations.
This pilot project is now available at select partner organizations across the Lower Mainland, helping to reduce communication barriers and create more accessible experiences when people are accessing services, seeking information, or engaging with their communities.
“Communication accessibility should be available wherever people live, work, and access services,” said Andrea Bull, Chief Executive Officer of Wavefront Centre. “Access ASL helps remove barriers in everyday interactions by providing immediate access to professional interpretation when it is needed most. We are grateful to The Slaight Family Foundation and our pilot partners for helping us bring this innovative service to communities across the Lower Mainland.”
Expanding access through community partnerships
Participating community service locations include:
- City of White Rock – City Hall, Finance Department, 15322 Buena Vista Ave, White Rock, BC
- Langley City – Timms Community Centre, 20399 Douglas Crescent, Langley, BC
- Wavefront Centre – Mount Pleasant Front Desk & Audiology Reception, 2005 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC
- Wavefront Centre – Kitsilano, 580 – 2184 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
- Wavefront Centre – Tri-Cities, 210 – 2755 Lougheed Hwy Unit, Port Coquitlam, BC
Communication access in the workplace
The pilot is also supporting communication accessibility in workplace settings through partnerships with:
- Canada Post
- Holiday Inn Express Metrotown
- University of British Columbia
These organizations are helping demonstrate how accessible communication can be integrated into everyday customer service, employee support, and workplace interactions.
“Many communication needs happen in the moment and should not require advance scheduling,” said Jo-Ann Bentley, Director of Accessibility Services at Wavefront Centre. “Access ASL was designed to support those everyday interactions, whether someone is visiting a reception desk, asking a quick question, arriving for an appointment, or connecting with a colleague at work. Our goal is to make communication more accessible, seamless, and inclusive for everyone involved.”
Want to see Access ASL in your community?
Access ASL is helping make everyday communication more accessible for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people who use ASL.
Want to see Access ASL offered at a business, workplace, community organization, or service you visit regularly? Wavefront Centre offers Access ASL advocacy cards that you can share with organizations to encourage them to explore accessible communication solutions.
To request some advocacy cards, contact access.services@wavefrontcentre.ca
Bring Access ASL to your organization
Interested in creating a more accessible experience for customers, employees, clients, and visitors? Access ASL can help support inclusive communication in workplaces, public services, healthcare settings, and community organizations.
To learn more about Access ASL, request a demonstration, or explore partnership opportunities, contact access.services@wavefrontcentre.ca
