Wavefront Centre expands audio accessibility in performance venues with support from The Slaight Family Foundation
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is proud to announce the expansion of audio accessibility technology in live performance venues across Canada, beginning in British Columbia and Ontario, made possible through the generous support of The Slaight Family Foundation.
Through this initiative, participating venues are now offering accessible listening via Bettear, an innovative assistive listening system that allows people who are Hard of Hearing to stream high-quality, low-latency audio directly to their smartphones.
Audience members can listen through Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants, or headphones using their own devices, without the need for specialized receivers.
“Accessibility is not an add-on, it’s a responsibility,” said Andrea Bull, CEO of Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility. “With the support of The Slaight Family Foundation, we can scale proven, user-centred solutions that remove barriers and ensure people can fully participate in cultural, community, and civic life. Audio access means belonging, and that should be built into every public experience.”
Audio accessibility now available at 6 new venues across Canada
Over the past year, Wavefront Centre has collaborated with venues, audiences, and technology partners to pilot and grow innovative assistive listening solutions.
Audio accessibility is now available at:
- The Westdale, Hamilton, ON
- The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
- Kay Meek Arts Centre, West Vancouver, BC
- City of Niagara Falls, ON
- BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts, North Vancouver, BC
- Player’s Guild of Hamilton, Hamilton, ON
Highlights from Wavefront Centre’s recent event at The Westdale Theatre demonstrating accessible audio with Bettear.
“The response has been incredibly positive,” said JoAnn Bentley, Director of Accessibility Services at Wavefront Centre. “People love the ability to stream clear, personalized audio directly to their own devices, and venues are excited to adopt hybrid models to include emerging technologies like Auracast that are shaping the future of inclusive sound.”
Venues participating in the initiative report positive responses from audiences and staff alike
“Live performance is all about connection, and audio accessibility is essential to that experience,” said Melissa Duchak, Executive Director, at Kay Meek Arts Centre in West Vancouver, BC. “By partnering with Wavefront Centre we’re removing barriers for our audiences and ensuring more people can fully enjoy the performances in the Grosvenor Theatre.”
“This technology allows us to meet audiences where they are, using devices they already rely on,” said Niki Poirier, Theatre Manager at The Westdale in Hamilton, ON. “It’s simple, intuitive, and makes a meaningful difference for patrons who are Hard of Hearing. We’re proud to be part of this expansion of accessible arts experiences.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this option to residents and families who need hearing support at our facilities in Niagara Falls,” added Mayor Jim Diodati, City of Niagara Falls, ON. “All patrons should be able to enjoy programming and events and access to meetings and services and this will help ensure that’s possible at City Hall and our MacBain Community Centre.”
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of Wavefront Centre and The Slaight Family Foundation to advancing access, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities. It also demonstrates how philanthropy, community partnerships, and technology can work together to strengthen accessibility in public spaces across Canada.
How it works
Instructional slides at participating venues will highlight the ease of access.
Audience members simply open the Bettear app on their smartphone and connect their hearing aids, cochlear implants, or headphones via Bluetooth.
With one tap, they can join the venue or event audio stream and receive clear sound directly from the sound system, while adjusting the audio to suit their personal listening preferences to their hearing aids, cochlear implants or headphones
About The Slaight Family Foundation
The Slaight Family Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen communities and advance access, inclusion, and opportunity across Canada. Established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in healthcare, at-risk youth, international development, social services, culture, and disability inclusion. Gary Slaight serves as President & CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation.
Including this support, the Foundation has committed more than $293 million to strategic initiatives that improve lives and expand access for communities across Canada.
