Since 1956: Breaking barriers, building belonging
On February 9, 2026, Wavefront Centre marks 70 years of breaking communication barriers and building connection for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. The idea of supporting access for all began in 1956 as a bold, community-led initiative that has grown into a trusted organization and national leader in communication accessibility.
From the very beginning, our work has been shaped by lived experience. Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members, families, educators, and advocates came together not just to respond to hearing health, but to remove barriers to communication and accessibility, at work, in healthcare, and in everyday life.
“Wavefront Centre has always been about people first,” says Andrea Bull, Chief Executive Officer. “For 70 years, we’ve worked alongside our Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities to ensure access, dignity, and belonging. This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating our past; it’s a commitment to the future we’re building together.”
Evolving to meet community needs
Over the decades, Wavefront Centre has evolved. While our name has changed, from the Society for the Advancement of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, to Western Institute of the Deaf, to Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and finally to Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, our purpose has remained constant: creating connection and breaking barriers for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and hearing communities.
That evolution includes our physical journey, from our long-time home in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood to a purpose-built, accessible facility in Mount Pleasant, designed with accessibility features top of mind, supporting inclusion for people of all abilities in the community.
“For 70 years, Wavefront Centre has been committed to supporting Deaf people and strengthening access to communication,” says Tammy Gray, Manager, Community Outreach Services. “As communities, technology, and understanding continue to evolve, our focus remains on learning, collaboration, and adapting our support. This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect, and to look ahead to how we can continue contributing to access and connection in the years to come.”
“As a community-built organization, our strength has always come from relationships,” adds Gord Pither, Board Chair. “Our 70th anniversary is an opportunity to reconnect, listen, and deepen our engagement with the people who have shaped, and continue to shape, Wavefront Centre.”
A social enterprise with community impact
Today, we serve more than 25,000 clients annually across audiology and hearing healthcare, sign language interpreting, accessibility services, research, and community outreach.
As a non-profit social enterprise, every service, purchase, and donation is reinvested directly into programs that improve access, independence, and connection, ensuring that care for yourself also supports care for your community.
Throughout 2026, we’ll be celebrating this milestone with a series of events, stories, and activities that honour our history and look ahead to what comes next.
Be part of 70 years of access, and the future we’re building together.
