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The Indiana Daily Student

arts

ABC show 'Switched at Birth' educates about deaf culture

Children with disabilities are not typically featured as the lead on modern TV shows, but now, thanks to ABC Family’s new drama “Switched at Birth,” times have changed.

“Switched at Birth,” airing at 8 p.m. Tuesday nights, details the lives of two teenage girls, Bay Kennish, played by Vanessa Marano, and Daphne Vasquez, played by Katie Leclerc. The girls were switched at birth and taken home by the wrong families, only to find out years later who they really are. Now, in addition to the stress of high school and adolescence, the girls and families are meeting for the first time.

However, Daphne is deaf.

The show also stars Sean Berdy as Bay’s boyfriend, Emmett, who is also deaf, along with hearing-impaired actor Lucas Grabeel of Disney’s “High School Musical.”

“The show is bringing deaf culture to the frontlines, making sure that hearing people understand what life is like when you are deaf,” IU student Amberle Baker said. “I think the show will cultivate an interest in learning (sign) language.”

Baker is “severely hard of hearing,” and she said she sees it as an advantage. She said she believes it makes her more flexible to life’s demands.

Baker also said she believes the show has given her the confidence to know she “can still do anything.”

Elizabeth Forsythe is a junior taking classes in American Sign Language, and she said she was surprised by the quality of the show.

“It’s really inspiring to see a show working so hard to break stereotypes and barriers,” Forsythe said. “My favorite part about the show is actually watching the ASL. Obviously, I think it’s an incredible language.”

Daniel Smith, a professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences who is “very deaf” did have one bit of criticism regarding the show’s portrayal of deaf communication.

“She (Daphne) should pick one method of communication and stay with it,” Smith said.

He said he believes that if Daphne is truly deaf, then she should use ASL more.
However, Smith said ”Switched at Birth” is an excellent show and a great opportunity to learn more about deaf culture.

“I know many hearing people are very ignorant about deaf culture,” Smith said, adding that the ignorance is not always their fault.

But a program such as “Switched at Birth” provides an opportunity for the hearing to learn more about the culture.

“The ASL and deaf community is thrilled to have this kind of show,” Smith said.

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