Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

08/28/2026

: Meet David Adetola

This week, we’re featuring David Adetola, Project Coordinator and Communications Officer with Wavefront Centre.

David joined Wavefront Centre four months ago and supports both Community Outreach Services and Communications. He is currently assisting with the Digital Literacy Project and taking on a summer role as Communications Officer.

What David enjoys most about his work is the opportunity to learn, gain valuable experience, and continue developing his professional skills.

A fun fact about David? He is a huge football, or soccer, fan and watches the sport as much as he can!

Please join us in celebrating David and the contributions he is making across our teams.

08/27/2026

: The people behind the connection

As part of our year-long celebration of Wavefront Centre’s 70th anniversary, we’re recognizing the people whose work helped make communication more accessible.

This photo, taken between 1984 and 1987, shows two members of the Western Institute for the Deaf’s Message Relay Centre team at the West 7th Avenue office in Vancouver. Working around the clock, specially trained relay operators connected people using TDD/TTY technology with voice telephone users, making conversations possible across British Columbia.

Behind every relay call was a dedicated person helping break down communication barriers—one conversation at a time.

Do you remember using the Message Relay Centre or have memories of the early days of relay services? We'd love to read your stories. Please like, comment, and share.

08/26/2026

One-size-fits-all earplugs are not your only option.

Custom hearing protection is shaped to fit your ears and can be designed for:
• Concerts and festivals
• Musicians and performers
• Motorsports
• Power tools and yard work
• Other loud workplaces and activities

Musicians’ earplugs are designed to lower sound more evenly across frequencies, helping music sound more natural while reducing exposure.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/lTtY50ZCJ1f

08/26/2026

Tinnitus can feel more noticeable at night, especially when the room is quiet.

The Sound Oasis Sleep Sound Therapy System offers soothing sound options that can help create a more calming bedtime routine. Sound therapy may help mask ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds and support relaxation before sleep.

It is a practical option for anyone looking to add gentle sound support to their evening routine.

Shop online: https://ow.ly/z3S050ZCIXJ

08/24/2026

Emergency information must reach everyone.

This article highlights the serious consequences when emergency alerts, evacuation services and public briefings are not accessible to Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing people.

Wavefront Centre calls on governments and emergency management organizations to work directly with the community to ensure accessible communication is built into every stage of emergency planning and response.

In an emergency, equitable access to information can save lives.

Janice Lyons was upstairs in her Summerland, B.C., home when there was a flash at her doorbell, which lights up in her Deaf household in place of a chime.

08/24/2026

Access ASL has moved in City of White Rock.

The City of White Rock’s Access ASL service has relocated from the Finance Department to the Kent Street Activity Centre, where it will be available in a busier, more community-facing location.

Kent Street Activity Centre
1475 Kent Street, White Rock

Access ASL provides on-demand ASL-English interpreting by secure video for short, everyday interactions with City staff.

The service will continue at Kent Street Activity Centre until the end of September 2026 as part of Wavefront Centre’s Access ASL pilot.

Thank you to the City of White Rock for continuing to explore how Access ASL can support greater communication access in the community.

https://ow.ly/1fop50ZCIUN

08/21/2026

Feature Friday: Meet Darshan Kaur, Program Coordinator with Wavefront Centre's Community Outreach Services

For the past seven years, Darshan has supported senior clients by connecting them with volunteers and organizing informative workshops and social events. Her work helps seniors feel supported, connected, and less alone when completing everyday activities.

Darshan loves meeting and building relationships with wonderful senior clients. She also enjoys using her “organizational wizardry” to keep everything moving, even when it feels a little like walking a tightrope!

Fun fact: Darshan loves dragon boating and paddles every week.

Thank you, Darshan, for seven years of dedication to Wavefront Centre and the seniors in our community!

Learn more about our Seniors Outreach services:
https://www.wavefrontcentre.ca/services/seniors-outreach/

08/20/2026

: Portable technology, lasting impact

As part of our year-long celebration of Wavefront Centre’s 70th anniversary, we’re sharing the innovations that helped transform communication access.

This photo from October 1979 shows Doug Clifton, an equipment technician at the Western Institute for the Deaf, demonstrating a Porta Tel at WID's West 7th Avenue workshop in Vancouver. The portable text telephone allowed Deaf people to communicate over conventional telephone lines by typing messages, an important step toward greater independence and connection.

Innovations like the Porta Tel helped expand access long before smartphones, text messaging, and video calls became part of everyday life.

Do you remember using a Porta Tel or other early communication devices? We'd love reading your stories. Please like, comment, and share.

08/20/2026

A direct line to better hearing!

Mount Pleasant Audiology now has its own direct phone number, making it easier to book an appointment, ask a question or connect with our hearing healthcare team.

Have you noticed changes in your hearing or find conversations harder to follow? A comprehensive hearing assessment can help you better understand your hearing and the options available.

Call Mount Pleasant Audiology directly at 236-521-6159 to book an appointment.

08/19/2026

Heading to the pool, lake or beach this summer?

Remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering or taking part in water activities unless your hearing care provider has confirmed that your specific devices are designed for that use.

Store them somewhere dry and secure, not loose in a towel, pocket or beach bag.

If your hearing aids get wet, do not use a hair dryer or place them near direct heat. Contact your hearing care provider for advice.

Read more here: https://www.wavefrontcentre.ca/client-resources/hearing-aids/summer-hearing-aid-care-tips/