PREVIEW: SWITCHED AT BIRTH Episode Told Entirely In American Sign Language (ASL)

Photo: ABC Family

In an all-new episode of SWITCHED AT BIRTH told entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), the students at Carlton School for the Deaf protest to keep their school open. The ground-breaking episode, a first for a scripted series on mainstream television, will air Monday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

In "Uprising," when news of the school's closing spreads throughout campus, Daphne leads the students of Carlton School for the Deaf in arranging a demonstration to take place on the eve of the "Romeo and Juliet" play, in which Daphne has the lead role. Meanwhile, as one of a handful of hearing students in the school, Bay's attempt to be part of the campaign is challenged.

Watch a sneak peek below:



The storyline was inspired by the real-life "Deaf President Now" protests at Gallaudet University that took place 25 years ago this March.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH is executive-produced by Lizzy Weiss (BLUE CRUSH), Paul Stupin (MAKE IT OR BREAK IT), Becky Hartman Edwards (PARENTHOOD) and John Ziffren (MELISSA & JOEY).

The series stars stars Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez; Vanessa Marano (GILMORE GIRLS) as Bay Kennish; Constance Marie (GEORGE LOPEZ) as Regina Vasquez; D.W. Moffett (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) as John Kennish; Lea Thompson (Back to the Future) as Kathryn Kennish; Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical) as Toby Kennish; Sean Berdy as Emmett Bledsoe; and Gilles Marini (BROTHERS & SISTERS) as Angelo Sorrento with guest star Marlee Matlin (THE WEST WING).

RELATED:
- INTERVIEW: Katie Leclerc Previews SWITCHED AT BIRTH's All-ASL Episode