ABC Family's 'Switched at Birth' presents all American Sign Language episode - a first for mainstream television

Carlton's students rally to save their school in a story inspired by the real-life 1988 Gallaudet University protests

In an all-new episode of "Switched at Birth" told entirely in American Sign Language, 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. on ABC Family.

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.

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" 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," "Caroline in the City") as Kathryn Kennish; Lucas Grabeel ("High School Musical") as Toby Kennish; Sean Berdy as Emmett Bledsoe; and Gilles Marini ("Brothers and Sisters") as Angelo Sorrento with guest star Marlee Matlin ("The West Wing").