Driving Inclusion Through Research & Collaboration
Wavefront Centre’s research projects foster interdisciplinary partnerships that drive innovation in communication accessibility. By connecting researchers, community organizations, and health and social service sectors, we bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
Our projects focus on knowledge exchange, ensuring that research findings directly inform best practices and improve accessibility for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals. Through collaboration, we turn research into action, shaping a more inclusive future.
The Built Environment
We study how public spaces like transit systems, theatres, and schools can be designed for better communication accessibility.
Communication Accessibility
Our research explores assistive technologies, virtual communication barriers, and ways to improve services like sign language interpreting and captioning.
Employment and Education
We identify challenges in workplaces and schools, informing policies that promote accessibility, inclusive hiring, and equitable learning environments.
Emerging Technology
We evaluate advancements like AI-powered tools, real-time captioning, and remote sign language interpretation to enhance communication access.
Hearing Health
We work to improve access to hearing care, empowering both individuals and healthcare providers to ensure timely and effective support.
Our research transforms insights into action, shaping a more accessible world.
Featured research
Research spotlight: Breaking barriers to hearing healthcare
Empowering primary care providers to be champions of better hearing health
How can primary care providers better support patients aged 50+ with their hearing concerns?
Project overview
Wavefront Centre, in partnership with the University of British Columbia, led a three-year research project to improve access to hearing healthcare through primary care. Dr. Brenda Poon and Dr. Lorienne Jenstad collaborated on this initiative aimed to:
- Streamline access – Simplify pathways for older adults to connect with hearing care services.
- Develop educational resources – Educational resources were created to equip primary care providers with the knowledge and tools to better support patients with hearing concerns.
By gathering insights from a literature review, survey and focus group data, this project sought to ensure timely, effective hearing healthcare for older adults.
Impact
Funded by the Vancouver Foundation and Michael Smith Health Research BC, this research resulted in evidence-based strategies that empower primary care providers to play a more active role in addressing hearing health—ultimately improving the well-being of aging populations.
Research spotlight: Advancing virtual communication accessibility
Identifying barriers & solutions for inclusive virtual communication
How can virtual communication services better serve Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals?
Project overview
Launched in 2023, this three-year research project—co-led by Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility and the University of British Columbia—aims to identify challenges, explore best practices, and develop recommendations for improving virtual communication accessibility.
- Research Approach: A scoping review of existing studies, along with firsthand insights from individuals who use virtual communication services.
- Key Participants: Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals, their communication partners, sign language interpreters, and captioners.
- Guidance & Collaboration: An Advisory Committee ensures community-driven research and practical implementation.
Impact
This project is funded by Accessibility Standards Canada of the Government of Canada and will provide essential recommendations to enhance virtual accessibility, service delivery, and inclusive digital communication.
Research spotlight: Building a barrier-free travel & transportation experience
Creating inclusive transportation for Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing travelers
How can Canada’s transportation systems become fully accessible for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and other persons with disabilities?
Project overview
In 2024, Wavefront Centre partnered with the Council of Canadians with Disabilities to explore real-world transportation accessibility challenges and develop community-driven solutions for a more inclusive, barrier-free travel experience.
- Three-Year Study: Launched in summer 2024, this research expands on prior work from 2023, which identified key accessibility barriers in travel and transportation.
- Focus Areas: Examining accessibility in public transportation, interprovincial travel, and transportation hubs.
- Outcome-Driven Research: Findings will shape recommendations for national accessibility standards, ensuring smoother, more inclusive travel journeys.
Impact
This project advances inclusive transportation policies and enhances the independence of travelers with disabilities across Canada.
Research spotlight: Advancing inclusive research practices
Empowering Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Disabled communities in research
How can research on accessibility standards meaningfully include Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and other persons with disabilities?
Project overview
In partnership with the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, Wavefront Centre conducted a community-based emancipatory research study to identify principles, best practices for inclusive, community-based participatory research.
- National study: Examined how accessibility-focused research can better engage and represent people with disabilities.
- Methods: Conducted a literature review, focus groups, and interviews with key stakeholders.
- Key findings: Identified a lack of capacity and opportunities for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities to participate, lead, and develop research.
Impact
This project outlined principles for inclusive, community-based research and developed a framework to enhance meaningful participation in future accessibility research initiatives.
The impacts of COVID-19 on communication accessibility
How did the pandemic affect people with hearing loss?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks, social distancing, and virtual interactions created new communication barriers for individuals with hearing loss. To better understand these challenges, Wavefront Centre, in partnership with the University of British Columbia and the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, conducted a national survey in 2022.
Key findings
- Face masks blocked lip-reading and muffled speech, making conversations more difficult.
- Virtual communication presented both opportunities and challenges for accessibility.
- Social isolation increased for many people with hearing loss due to communication barriers.
Research publications & reports
- Communication with face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic for adults with hearing loss – Poon, B. T., & Jenstad, L. M. (2022)
- Impacts of COVID-19 on Communication Accessibility for Adults with Hearing Loss – Published in partnership with UBC and CHHA
Impact
This research highlights the need for accessible communication strategies in healthcare, workplaces, and public spaces—ensuring inclusivity in future emergency responses and everyday interactions.
Funding & research partners
Funding & Research Partners
Established in 2018 with seed funding from WorkSafeBC, our Community Research Program advances accessibility and hearing healthcare through partnerships and evidence-based research.
Our work is supported by leading organizations, including:
- Accessibility Standards Canada / Government of Canada
- Vancouver Foundation
- Michael Smith Health Research BC
- OCAD University
We collaborate with UBC’s School of Audiology & Speech Sciences and hold a faculty partnership with UBC’s School of Population & Public Health to drive impactful research.
Community Partners
We proudly work with organizations committed to accessibility, such as:
- Council of Canadians with Disabilities
- Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
- United Way British Columbia
- OCAD University
Through these partnerships, we continue to shape policies and practices, improve accessibility standards, and foster a more inclusive society.
Contact Us
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To learn more about our Community Research program, please fill out this form and a member of our team will reach out to you.
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