It is believed that the society was originally founded in 1876 as the Wakefield Deaf & Dumb Society and re-established in 1901. Unfortunately much of our history has been lost over the years due to trustees moving on and refurbishment of the building we occupy.

In July 2000 the constitution was adopted to drop the word dumb and bring the constitution up to date with today's political jargon.

Wakefield City & District Society for Deaf People as it is now known occupies a property in a high-class area in Wakefield. The building was built in 1792 and is an old Georgian house, it became a listed building in July 1953.

Originally the meetings were held in a YMCA room and research shows the society entered into a mortgage agreement for 7 South Parade in 1921.

The Charity's objects are to promote religious, social, industrial and general welfare of Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deafened, Hard of Hearing people and co-operate with other organisations having similar objects and aims.

Missionaries lived at the premise until late 60's and welfare officers looked after deaf people and the building. Until 1998 the society has always managed by hearing people with interests in deafness. In 1999 the society appointed its first deaf chairperson. The society now has a full deaf committee and makes decisions on access issues for deaf people as well as managing a team of staff & volunteers.

The Technical Aids Service was set up in 1995 as part of the N.H.S. and Community Care Act 1990, to improve provision for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired.

The Technical Aids and Information Service exists to provide environmental equipment to people with hearing and speech /or speech impairment to reduce risk, prevent the need for care outside the home and to maximise a person's ability to function independently within their home.