Our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan
Building a More Accessible Future Together
Wavefront Centre is dedicated to eliminating communication barriers and empowering Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Guided by our mission to inspire, educate, and promote inclusion, our Strategic Plan outlines how we’re expanding services, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
Explore how we’re shaping a more inclusive society for all.
Our Background
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility (Wavefront Centre) was officially established in 1956 as the Western Institute of the Deaf, and then in 1989 the name changed to the Western Institute of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to better reflect the true scope and diversity of the community served.
In 2019 after a rebrand, the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility was launched. The current brand reflects its origins and vision and outlook for the future.
Serving over 20,000 clients, with three locations in BC, programming has expanded since 2020, and now Wavefront Centre focuses key services on changing the communication landscape for individuals who have experienced barriers to freely communicate and interact in their communities. Current program areas include Audiology & Hearing Heathcare, Community Research, Accessibility Services and Community Outreach.
As Wavefront Centre embarks on the next journey of continuing its trajectory to eliminate communication barriers for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities and to create opportunities for individuals to gain employment, participate in communities, and increase social connectedness, this strategic plan outlines the road forward for the over the next three to five years.
Our Mission
Why Wavefront Centre is here
Our mission is to inspire, educate, and create positive change in the lives of those we serve while promoting a more accessible and inclusive society for all. At Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
We believe everyone deserves equal access to communication and information, and we are committed to removing barriers and empowering our communities to connect with the world around them.
Our Vision
Where Wavefront Centre is going in 3 years
Wavefront Centre’s vision is to change the landscape of products and services for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, ensuring they have access to innovative solutions that improve communication, connectivity, and overall well-being.
Our Values
How Wavefront Centre behaves
In achieving Wavefront Centre’s vital work, the organizaon, staff, and volunteers uphold the following values:
1. Inclusiveness – We are committed to the practices of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA).
2. Quality – We strive for excellence through innovation and continuous improvement and aspire to best practices in all the work we do.
3. Teamwork – We commit to a culture of collaboration that aims for win-win outcomes.
4. Engagement – We promote full participation for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing in our society.
Strategic Priorities
Wavefront Centre’s strategic priorities are designed to drive the organization forward to achieve its vision and mission over the next three to five years.
Priority #1:
Growth & Diversification
Wavefront Centre is dedicated to providing solutions to significantly more Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals in Canada. To do this, the organization will expand its footprint beyond its current base and expand its range of service offerings.
To do this, Wavefront Centre will:
- Increase in-person and virtual services and supports through the identification of new physical locations, virtual services, and partnerships with other organizations that will offer solutions to the widely dispersed Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals.
- Solidify the financial resiliency of Wavefront Centre through new service offerings.
- Identify and apply for alternative revenue supports that provide opportunities to pilot new programs and services.
- Align with strategic partners to expand product and service offerings that positively impact people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
Priority #2:
Engagement with the Communities We Serve
Wavefront Centre serves the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities by enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. Wavefront Centre has a unique opportunity to engage the communities it serves to advance their social, economic, and employment opportunities.
To do this, Wavefront Centre will:
- Develop a framework for reviewing, updating, and engaging with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities to ensure issues and opportunities are well understood.
- Identify and engage with key individuals and groups that are well positioned and interested in supporting Wavefront Centre in its endeavour to grow and deepen its connections with the communities it serves.
- Collaborate with other organizations and governments to ensure Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities receive the appropriate services and programming to experience barrierfree communications in all aspects of their lives.
Priority #3:
Governance and Operational Excellence
Wavefront Centre is committed to putting in place a robust organizational infrastructure aligned with relevant best practices related to governance, finance, human resources, risk management, and engagement with other organizations to support its mission and vision as a leader in communication accessibility for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community.
To do this, Wavefront Centre will:
- Review, update, and streamline its governance policies and approaches to align with best practices in Canada and around the globe.
- Review and update its internal policies and practices to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, financial sustainability, and alignment with the needs of staff and clients.
- Accelerate its momentum through the foundational enablers of partnerships, technology, brand awareness, and a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).
Foundational Enablers
At the heart of Wavefront Centre are four foundational principles that enable us to operate and achieve our goals.
These four principles are a part of our organizaonal culture and are considered as essenal components of long-term success and sustainability.
Partnerships: Wavefront Centre is committed to be a catalyst of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities to enhance connections for the communities we serve. To do this, we leverage our existing partnerships and continually seek out new partners who are interested to work together to create win-win solutions for linking and supporting our communities across Canada.
Technology: Wavefront Centre is committed to embrace technologies to improve programs, services, and operations. We will stay current in our knowledge about technology solutions that may enhance the lives of the communities we serve.
Raise Awareness: To expand its impact, Wavefront Centre is dedicated to strengthening awareness of its brand and reputation in and beyond BC.
IDEA: (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) – We value the differences, experiences, knowledge, and unique abilities of each individual who works, volunteers, or connects with our organization. Respecting, appreciating, and encouraging everyone is crucial to everything we do. Our goal is to be a leader in IDEA and to promote its importance.
Contact Us
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Prefer to call? Reach us at:
Mount Pleasant: 604-736-7391
Kitsilano: 778-329-0870
Tri-Cities: 604-942-7397
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