When Shanelle Lawrence launched Deaf Voyage VI in February 2023, she made history as the first deaf person to own and operate a tour company in the U.S. Virgin Islands and opened the door to a more inclusive travel experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.
A native Virgin Islander, Lawrence returned home after studying hospitality and culinary arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a mission to share her culture through a Deaf cultural lens — one grounded in visual communication, accessibility, and genuine connection.
Drawing on her family’s long-standing involvement in local ferry services, taxi operations, and guided tours, Lawrence combined generational knowledge with her own lived experience to build something uniquely community-driven. Her company, Deaf Voyage VI, offers a range of immersive tours on St. Thomas and St. John, all conducted in American Sign Language. From historical and cultural walks in downtown Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay to scenic nature trails, beach excursions, and food-centered market visits, the tours are designed not only to inform but to empower guests through barrier-free experiences.
While Deaf Voyage VI centers on deaf travelers, its tours are open to everyone. Many hearing participants, including family members, CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults), ASL students, and curious travelers, join the experience. Communication is handled visually and directly without interpreters. Lawrence leads each tour using ASL, supported by maps, photos, gestures, and written materials when needed. The result is an environment where deaf guests feel fully seen while hearing participants gain insight into Deaf culture and communication.
The impact of Deaf Voyage VI has reached beyond its guests. Lawrence has sparked conversations within the local business community about what true accessibility looks like. This includes not just ramps or captions but environments where communication differences are respected and welcomed. She has seen local vendors and tourism professionals begin to learn basic ASL, incorporate more visual tools, and express an openness to engaging with the Deaf community in meaningful ways. Her work has also inspired young Deaf Virgin Islanders by showing that entrepreneurship and leadership are possible, even in spaces where Deaf representation has historically been lacking.
Launching a business in a hearing-dominant environment has not come without challenges. From the absence of interpreters at official meetings to the need to constantly educate others about Deaf culture and communication norms, Lawrence navigates an often-inaccessible system with determination. Still, she credits the support of the local Deaf community, visiting allies, and her growing network of supporters as the fuel that keeps her mission alive.
Deaf Voyage VI has received recognition from local tourism agencies and continues to build partnerships aimed at making the Virgin Islands a more welcoming destination for deaf travelers. Looking ahead, Lawrence hopes to expand the business to include other islands such as St. Croix and to introduce ASL immersion retreats, cultural exchanges, and training programs for future deaf guides.
Lawrence encourages local businesses and residents to be part of the shift toward inclusion. Learning a few basic ASL signs, using visual tools like written notes and clear signage, and simply being open and patient can go a long way in making deaf visitors feel welcome. She also invites local partners to collaborate on accessible excursions or spread the word about Deaf Voyage VI as a unique and meaningful tourism experience. For those ready to engage more deeply, even small steps can help build a more inclusive Virgin Islands.
For Lawrence, the work is deeply personal. Every tour she leads affirms that representation matters and that inclusion, when rooted in respect and intention, can transform not just a single experience but an entire industry. With Deaf Voyage VI, she is not just offering tours. She is building a movement toward greater visibility, equity, and belonging.
To learn more about Deaf Voyage VI or to book a tour, visit https://sites.google.com/view/deaf-voyage-vi/home or email directly at DeafVoyageVI23@gmail.com
