This session led by facilitators from the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes will provide a foundational understanding of lived experiences of deaf people. The aim is to offer insights on creating an affirming space that actively engages deaf people and their multiple identities and backgrounds in organizational and community settings. Together, the facilitators and participants will address common barriers related to attitudes and biases that deaf people often encounter. The goal is to provide participants with a starting point for understanding barriers in systems and identify strategies for transforming policies and practices that shape systems. Participants will be able to implement improved practices in areas such as effective communication, accommodations, and the creation of inclusive environments that recognize and value the contributions of deaf people.