What does it mean to have a 'deaf center/heart'?

Having a 'deaf center/heart' refers to prioritizing the needs of the deaf community. This concept emphasizes a commitment to understanding, respecting, and addressing the unique cultural, linguistic, and social needs of deaf individuals. It means that decision-making processes, services, and community planning are centered around what benefits and supports the deaf community at large.

Prioritizing the needs of the deaf community involves being aware of issues such as access to education, communication, advocacy for rights, and the promotion of deaf culture. This approach fosters an inclusive environment that empowers deaf individuals and ensures their voices are heard and valued in various contexts, whether in policy-making, community building, or social initiatives. It fundamentally recognizes the importance of placing deaf individuals and their experiences at the forefront of discussions and actions that affect them.