Shayan and Kimberly Keramati wanted to bring back the
spirit of Deaf culture to Martha’s Vineyard that was known as the “Deaf Island”
back in the 18th century. They decided to host the first Deaf Island
Disc Golf tournament in July 2002 at Riverhead Field Disc Golf course at Oak
Bluffs.
The tournament grew successfully over couple years and attracted several
of deaf visitors and players from all over the states to come to the island.
Some came just to compete, some came just to socialize and go off to explore
the island’s Deaf history and its local delights.
Martha's Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL) is a sign
language once widely used on the island from the early 18th century to the year
1952. It was remarkable for its use by both deaf and hearing people in the
community; consequently, deafness did not become a barrier to participation in
public life. In a section (village) of Chilmark town called Squibnocket, one
out of four people are deaf. This was highest concentration of deaf people on
the island that time.
Deaf fact - On April 5, 1714, Jonathan Lambert was the first case of deafness recorded on the island.