Switched at Birth; Bringing Awareness to Deaf Culture
Jayde Eubanks
“You took home someone else’s baby. And another family took home yours.” This shocking exchange between the Kennish family and a geneticist changed the lives of Bay Kennish and Daphne Vasquez, the main characters of ABC’s hit show “Switched at Birth.” Bay Kennish, a fifteen year old wealthy, private school student discovered that she was of no relation to the family that had raised her. One day in class, Bay and her fellow classmates were required to do a blood lab. Bay’s results did not make sense. According to her lab results, Bay’s blood type was AB, which is incompatible with both of her parents’ A blood type. It was not possible for Kathryn and John Kennish to be Bay’s biological parents. So, like any family would, Bay and her parents proceed in taking a DNA test, which only confirms the prognosis. Later, when the family goes to a genetics center, a geneticist explains that the hospital of Bay’s birth had made a terrible mistake. The day Bay was born, she had been switched with another baby. So, where was this other child? Daphne Vasquez, the Kennishes biological daughter, lived not far from them, in a low- income neighborhood with her grandmother and single mother, Regina Vasquez. The families made arrangements to meet to clarify what they should do about the switch, but upon meeting Daphne, the Kennish family find that she has been deaf since the age of three, as a result of contracting meningitis. This is where the story begins.
I would love to tell you every detail of the show’s plot line, but that would be spoiling it for those who are now interested in watching the show. Here’s what I will tell you...the show involves many twists and turns. I have never missed an episode. My mom began watching “Switched at Birth” with me about a year ago and now, she can’t wait for it either. Most of the time, she is the one to remind me that another episode is airing that night. I believe that “Switched at Birth” has also been very educational. I have learned basic American sign language (ASL), which I find to be an especially beautiful language. It’s incredible to watch people talk with their hands. Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks so. Victoria Fimple, a “Switched at Birth” viewer, states, “Sign language is amazing and so much more effective. You can see the emotions on someone’s face. I started watching “Switched at Birth” because I wanted to learn sign language, which is a huge part of the show. I’ve learned to sign a lot of words and phrases.” She continued to describe why she loves the show saying, “Daphne was my favorite character at first, but as I continued to watch the show Bay’s strength inspired me. The show is very raw and real, which might be helpful to teenagers suffering through difficult situations.”
Amanda Surmeier also had something to add about the Bay- Daphne relationship. “I like “Switched at Birth’s” story line because Bay and Daphne started off not knowing each other, but learn they are practically sisters.”
Hailey Coleman states, “I find “Switched at Birth” extremely interesting because of the whole, of course, switched at birth situation. Bay and Daphne were brought into completely different families and had the switch not happened, they could have had completely different lives. Also, I find it fascinating how the writers worked sign language into the show. It brings a whole new perspective to people who watch “Switched at Birth”. It is incredibly unique.”
“Switched at Birth” has allowed many people to learn sign language as well as keeping people entertained. This show makes people more aware of deaf culture. The struggles the hearing impaired face and the effort they must put into fitting in with society is truly inspiring. “Switched at Birth” has taught me so much in the past four years. I’ve learned to sign, I’ve learned important lessons, and most importantly, I’ve learned that your family is not always biological.
“Switched at Birth” airs on Tuesdays at 9/8 central on ABC Family.
