Martha's Vineyard 

In our CI class, I was able to attend a class trip to Martha's Vineyard in the spring of 2023. Martha's Vineyard, a beautiful island off the coast of Massachusetts. The island is a unique place in American history as a once-thriving community where American Sign Language (ASL) flourished. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a high prevalence of hereditary deafness among the island's population led to widespread bilingualism in both spoken English and ASL. This remarkable linguistic environment fostered a tight-knit community where deaf and hearing individuals communicated seamlessly, making Martha's Vineyard one of the few places in the world where deafness wasn't a barrier to full participation in society. Although the decline of the deaf population and the advent of modern communication technologies have altered the linguistic landscape of Martha's Vineyard, its legacy as a symbol of deaf culture and linguistic resilience endures, contributing to the ongoing evolution and appreciation of ASL in the United States. In my CI class, My team and I dug into the Lambert family tree and partnered with companies to support the Deaf community. The Lambert family has deep roots in Martha's Vineyard. For generations, they've been part of the island's rich history and culture. From fishing to farming, the Lamberts have contributed to the vibrant community life on the Vineyard. Their connection to Martha's Vineyard stretches back through time, woven into the fabric of the island's stories and traditions. Whether it's attending the annual agricultural fair or sharing tales at family gatherings, the Lamberts embody the spirit of Martha's Vineyard, cherishing its beauty and embracing its unique way of life.We taught basic sign language to these companies for better communication with the Deaf community. The Deaf community has taught me a lot over the years, not just about being inclusive but also about their language and culture. Deaf culture is different from what we're used to, so understanding it can be tough if you're not fully into their way of speaking/signing. When I spent a week in Martha's Vineyard, I got a deep dive into Deaf life/culture and had to communicate only through sign language. It was defiantly a learning curve at first, but super rewarding at the end. I had so many opportunities that I would have never gotten if I hadn't gone to Martha's Vineyard. The Deaf community means a ton to me, and I'll always do my best to give back since they've shaped me into the signer I am today.