My Deaf Family "Pilot"

MY DEAF FAMILY is the story of Jared, 15 and his family, The Firls, who live and love like any family except that Jared is hearing and communicates using sign language with his deaf family.
My Deaf Family
Solo One Productions in association with Intersection Productions
Executive Producers
Marlee Matlin
Jack Jason
Donald Bull
Ken Butler Photography
Peter Plumley Sound
Ben Hoedt Associate Producer
Susan Lofgren Sound
Shelia Jacobs Consultant, Translation
Michael Velez Translation

[@reganpiering7307]

this had so much potential to open up the barriers between Deaf and hearing people, in the short time watching I have already learned so much that I didn't know. It was a great opportunity and I'm so upset to see it missed, it would have been beautiful. Not only is it teaching those who don't live it a new culture, but it was genuinely holding my attention and it could've inspired so many people. Applause for Marlee Matlin, though, she did wonderful!

[@cristinaharo5763]

I agree with this comment 100% . This show was a great opportunity to show others the deaf culture and hearing culture mixed.

[@erincull1705]

How is THIS show not aired?! Why is horrible stuff on tv and wonderful educational things are just thrown away. Breaks my heart.

[@hopper1200]

I'm glad to see a reality show about some ACTUAL REALITY!

[@avastreeter7344]

Eve Mattson it only made the 1st episode nothing more

[@valentinrodriguez4708]

I totally agree people always watch Shows like the bachelor or the kardashian's but never the true reality shows

[@punkmomto3]

I absolutely adore Marlee Matin as an actress and advocate for deaf and hard of hearing persons. I wish this show would have been made. I am always happy to see others like myself portrayed as normal and healthy.

[@KettiexD]

"Yes I saw what you said" struck me for some reason

[@KimTenneson]

I'm so disappointed that this show didn't make it. I only just discovered it. Sucks.

[@katyems1237]

Same

[@NaldiSooDiabolic]

Same

[@frankcornstalk7931]

Katy Ems ,

[@MizBryteEyez]

Kim Tenneson I agree, I would have LOVED to have watched this!

[@rhodamunoz3598]

me too! where did it go!!get that show back...quick!!

[@nikkimia2976]

Was the only one getting anxiety when she was driving and signing

[@rosebud7105]

Deaf people are statistically better drivers than hearing people. We are more aware of our surroundings. No need to worry.

[@Supersoccerchic]

Yes! It freaked me out! I mean, I'm hearing and it freaked me out because they weren't steering or anything!

[@justadjustor8993]

@@rosebud7105 Hey thanks for explaining this. It's kind of been in the back of my head and I've been wondering.

[@justadjustor8993]

And the music did not help! 😆

[@alexapoplawsky5274]

IT'S MELODY FROM SWITCHED AT BIRTH AT 3:17 NO WAYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@alexapoplawsky5274]

maddy hawley hai

[@alexapoplawsky5274]

maddy hawley not much hbu

[@littlemen9917]

I love Marlee Marlin she my favorite actor from Switched at birth :)

[@exh-hm2sm]

yessss

[@HeyItsErika]

+Alex Poplawsky yep. Marlee Matlin is amazing

[@milsiu]

This is sooo freaking interesting and such an important awareness for us hearing people to understand that their life is no different than us except their struggle to communicate with people who don’t sign and the discrimination they’re getting. It’s so damn sad that this show only got a pilot I would totally binge watched this.

[@feministfrequency]

Now this is a reality show I can actually get behind.

[@JackyeClayton]

I wish this was a real show...

[@dalereed8358]

Totally agree with you, the cable co won't accept them😥

[@CinthyaNovoa]

Marlee produced a pilot for My Deaf Family, but no network purchased rights to the show for ongoing production. So... this is a one episode reality tv show.

[@mzspargo]

Sad, I would've enjoyed this show.

[@elizabethskeen4276]

mzspargo i would too my best friend is deaf and I would like to learn how it is like to live in a deaf family.

[@Goldfischle]

mzspargo yepp, me too

[@Brinah]

張柳芳 The network is not ready for this kind of diversity. Sad.

[@our3acrehomestead]

Networks agree to shows like Honey Boo-Boo and such, but not to a show like this.

[@finniahppl]

I respect their family soooo much.

[@lindamarie6574]

nice show, too bad the networks would rather air garbage like 'the kardashians'

[@ailinos]

Yep, a real shame.

[@CharGC123]

My thought exactly! Wow!

[@katyems1237]

Ikr

[@NiyaClark1]

Linda Marie 100th ❤

[@lindamarie6574]

you are all great!

[@athousandcandles]

what, this didn't make it to TV??! Nooooo! Pitch it again, please!! This would have amazing results for opening people's eyes to deaf culture and the signing world...

[@krystaljensen5105]

I agree!!! Hearing Culture knows very little about Deaf Culture, and this would be an amazing opportunity for the Hearing Culture to expand a bit more!!

[@rawmark]

It would have made it to tv if it had been pitched after Switched At Birth became a success. Sadly, it was pitched before and there wasn't much interest in a reality tv show about a deaf family. Sad, right? I think Marlee pitched this show to all the major networks too.

[@TheHasbuck]

I am so proud of your parents. They are great parents. They do not think deafness is disability, he said every parents always worry about the children future. I am consider disable, been with 3 terminal cancers, the doctors kept telling me I am dying. But who are they giving you such prediction. I am now 56 years old. I am in pain every single second of my life. I can not walk more than 30 yards. I can not sit up 90 degree, basically I lie down. But I still think still I am content just like your Mom. Send my love to her. My name is Mira Hassan from Jakarta Indonesia. My lumbar spine (1-5) practically touching each other, so it hurts my nerves. I can not eat, only 1 spoon of rice a day and yoghurt. As my pancreas only 1/4 left, bones are just like swiss cheese, worse last 2011 I had thyroid cancer, and they kill my thyroid in the whole body. Yet, my body need it for energy, I have to take thyroid hormone pills every day, other wise I die. And in 1 month I will have to have spine operation to avoid me being paralyzed. I am proud of you too as you sign very well. I have been ASL now through you tube it is not an easy thing to do. You do it very well, All that human think is , ,something which is disability, behind it you are blessed. That the way I think and to make me strong, not to give up. As I count my blessings. Since 3 years ago Scott my husband fell and we found out his got osteoporotic not osteoporosis yet, thank God. But both of us when we have travel to Singapore to the doctors, we both have to use wheelchairs. And we make fun of ourselves. Your brother and sister, I bet there are times they talk to each other signing ridicule somebody who can hear. You will have a great career, life when the time come. I watch your you tube, I could see that. A great number of people will be impressed by you..... wish me luck in studying ASL, it has been more 10 years, but because I have been in coma a lot and in the last 3 years in a row to 2013, for 4 weeks, then 6 weeks and the last 8 weeks. Thank God. God Bless you and Your family. I love all you guys..... Mira Hassan.

[@flicksbyjanna7779]

You are so inspirational! I pray for people like you every night!

[@reynareyes3492]

I am a ASL student and I want to know more about Deaf culture.I wish this serie will be on air.

[@heavenlygal101]

I hope this series does get picked up.

[@harveyabel1354]

+heavenlygal101 Come on, TLC!!

[@gemini3156]

Me too but that was 6 years ago so unfortunately I doubt it...😞

[@katyems1237]

Me too

[@Scrappy527]

This show deserved at least a full season and more. A show with a point and true relevance.

[@eksophia]

I'm so bummed that this didn't make it past the pilot!! C'mon!

[@elizabethskeen4276]

me too

[@jordenfrye4796]

I am deaf, I would like to meet them someday, I love it. I am deaf and my family are hearing, Not easy to communicate but I am proud of myself and i respect their family.

[@sabrinafirl]

You'll meet us someday.

[@jordenfrye4796]

+Sabrina Firl alright awesome

[@jordenfrye4796]

+Sabrina Firl you gotta big already, is that little girl was you? wow!

[@sabrinafirl]

yeah.

[@jordenfrye4796]

Wow hard to believe that! My assume u are around 12 years old

[@srichardsongomes]

What an awesome example of a deaf family! I absolutely LOVE this video and can't believe it's not a television series yet. With much love and respect, CODA Sam

[@MsBartender333]

My daughter is severely hard of hearing in a hearing family. She attends a Deaf school and we are learning ASL. She lives in both worlds. Its hard for her sometimes because she's not sure which world she belongs to...she is going to love this show!

[@niarosa9364]

i don't know how this show didn't get picked up. it's awesome.

[@nighteowl]

I WANT MORE EPISODES!!!

[@SleighJessi]

I'm so sad that this didn't get picked up as a series.

[@yiskashomar6478]

Me too!

[@charliefrazier5746]

I never had the opportunity to see this show, but I cannot believe that it went off the air. There are over 40 million deaf people in the USA alone! How could they just sit there and allow this great show to be taken away? Come on, you guys! Let's get this back on the air!

[@markengland2168]

I am deaf myself. I grew up in a hearing world for the better part of my life-- 16 years-- until I came to the greater Chicago area and re-discovered sign language, and the benefits of having deaf friends close and afar. I have now lived in this region for nearly 14 years-- that's 1/4 of my life. I moved here when I was 16, and haven't left since. I love it here, and wouldn't trade it for anything else. Mind you-- living in a part of the state where NO ONE signs is rough. I so badly wanted to join my own kind, and now here I am. I have made several friends, and gained knowledge of how to do things.

[@Elvi9615]

I want more of this

[@hagimd2]

The lady that is blond is from switched at birth ( Emmett's mom)

[@rose.uganda]

I loved the fact that CSD Fremont is shown in the video. CSD is an exemplary residential school for the Deaf in California that uses the BiBi method of instruction. This video touches on so many issues that the Deaf community experiences every day. Thank you Marlee Matlin for producing this very well done pilot episode.

[@Politicalmuscle]

This is great Bridgetta. I look forward to seeing more...as well as continuing to work with you in the future.

[@norhasmahmohamed9918]

Alhamdulillah...good ..l am a deaf too...l love this..

[@deafchildatplay9488]

This is cool!

[@smohammed6538]

Very inspirational and moving, love how you supports and love your family genuinely

[@youwildbank]

Such delightful REALITY! Thank you so much, Marlee, for sharing this so brilliantly in clear context with the world! This even surfaces many of my feelings from childhood.

[@jacquelinechavez600]

Marlee Matin is in Switched At Birth

[@whatever1210]

I am hearing, but i really don't see what's wrong with this family or any family that has a deaf member or hard of hearing member of the family, they are just like anyone else except they have a different language they speak.

[@KoriJaiden]

exactly Whatever1210! :) They are just like any other family!

[@elizabethskeen4276]

Exactly! I hate it when people look at me strange when i am signing to my best friend!

[@whatever1210]

when I was a kid for some random reason I was put into a deaf school because I was completely deaf in one ear. which in all reality doesn't make me deaf, any who I don't see the deaf as any different than anyone who's hearing. they just "speak" a different language and can't hear or have a hard time hearing.

[@natashyah]

Awesome show. People we can really relate to and a perspective that is glorious to share. Looking forward to MORE like this.

[@rwknoll]

I want to watch more of these! I am a hearing student learning ASL, and I love how this show raises awareness about Deaf culture. I wish this show would air.

[@Gr8CanadianMom]

wow is this where she got the ideas for Switched at birth? Example basket ball, Travis' family not being able/willing to sign.

[@daria5846]

Gr8CanadianMom Travis' case is actually extremely common :(

[@Gr8CanadianMom]

Cinthya Oh... that's very sad. :'(

[@KenlovesJ]

I find it so annoying for shows about Deaf people or Deaf Culture to not innately have captions on the screen. I'm not sure if innately is the correct word for that sentence.

[@aislinngressler6560]

We don't have someone signing on our shows so why should they cater to us? It isn't important that we know everything they sign.

[@KenlovesJ]

I don't understand what you're talking about or who "we" in encompassing. I think that if you have a show about deaf culture then the deaf community shouldn't have to put captions on the screen themselves but it should be a part of the program.

[@KenlovesJ]

I know that. I just get annoyed of the extra work it causes. I feel like it should be standard

[@KenlovesJ]

That's silly. For hearing people, it is very distracting to see the captions because our brains aren't used to having to process both stimuli. I watched a PBS documentary on Deaf Culture and they had voice overs for the signing but no captions for the speaking. Shenanigans, I say!

[@lukeporter4039]

***** ikr!?!?!?!?!? Im hearing and i sometimes wish i was deaf alot of hearing people wouldnt last two months being deaf

[@DivineAndDevoted]

This is just so absolutely beautiful, I didn't want it to end.

[@gogoshire]

Great show. I'd like to see more. I hope that another gets added on KZbin soon or that a network picks it up. Anything with Marlee Matlin is worth watching, and this is an important topic to boot.

[@damarismoton9640]

the blonde lady is off of switched at birth.

[@CinthyaNovoa]

Emmett's mom? Wait. Marlee won't be on the show anymore?

[@rockandrolldude22]

Stars Align what really

[@CinthyaNovoa]

Ben Simon I don't think she'll leave.

[@slukecooper]

Stars Align They were saying "Off" as in "from the show"

[@CinthyaNovoa]

Yeah, I figured that out haha thank you.

[@SuckerMC1985]

Blackhood???

[@nylerb41]

exactly! lol tf he meann

[@irrelevance3859]

Lmfao that sounded so out of place /incorrect

[@Ima2Dori]

Jared, this is an amazing look inside your life as a CODA!! I hope that one of the channels picks this up as a series.....I would love to see more of your family, especially since this will show the ignorant people out there that your life is no different than any family that is hearing. I think it's also important for hearing parents of Deaf children to see that people who are Deaf live the same lives hearing people do and that their children can be SUCCESSFUL in life, using ASL. Best of luck!

[@KathrynStaton]

I have a Masters in Education of the Deaf and am hearing myself. My brother has a unilateral hearing loss which inspired me to earn my degree. I think this show is exceptional. It shows us a side of life that not many people have seen. I think if this show were to air it would educate the public in a way they have not been before. I would watch this show and recommend it to all of my friends. Thank you for educating us!

[@lazygizmo]

i do feel for them when they say they are dealing with hardships but i also see the other side of it. deaf people can be ignorant too. all sooped up on deaf pride that they feel they are being discriminated against from hearing people lack of awareness. like they were talking about how they go out they face ignorance everyday. everyday? well is it really ignorance or just common hearing people having no communication skills with deaf people? like they hold something against them. last time i checked hearing people have no obligation to learn sign. just like everyone in califonia dont have to learn spanish. pride is fine, but to much of it will make you ignorant and pig headed to the people.

[@jenibeanie]

Except hearing people expect Deaf/HOH people to learn how to talk/read lips. Not to mention hearing people can be ignorant when it comes to Deaf people and their culture. I don't blame Deaf/HOH for being frustrated by hearing people.

[@lazygizmo]

hahah oh i know. im hard of hearing, i see it when people are talking to me then i say what? then they say "never mind" then why say anything in the first place?!

[@TheYasmineFlower]

I don't think it'd hurt if there were signing classes at school every once in a while. Like, learning to fingerspell your own name and learning key signs like "Fire", "Police" or signs for any other kind of emergency that may likely happen someday. Especially since it's far more difficult, I think, to translate signing when you don't know anything about it, compared to spoken languages that are closely related. There are words in Spanish that are understandable in English and vice versa, also there are words out of other languages most people know, like in the case of words for emergency situations. Signing, on the other hand, is not as closely related and not as widely understandable. Which is to be read as why I think signing classes in school are important, even if they are only every now and then. Better to know a bit than nothing.

[@lazygizmo]

true dat. im taking sign 1 in collage and its fun. im hard of hearing so i want to learn asl as my second language.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

lazy gizmo I'd need to find a public evening school course for that, but that'd cost. I could ask my mother and sister if they hadn't almost forgot everything again - been some years since those things were really an issue under our roof. Guess that worked because my sister is quite well off with her hearing aid, so she's not in any way dependent on it. As you can probably guess from the foregone text, my sister is hard of hearing, and since I've been watching Switched at Birth I was kinda planning to learning sign language(Not ASL, since I'm not American) so I can hopefully mend a few things with my sis. ... I'm actually wondering if my mom's hard of hearing too... one of her ears doesn't really work.

[@TheBonnie888]

Marlee! Excellent job! Yes! Yes! Let's see more!

[@DeafPoet2]

Hey, this IS great!! Keep it running, make more series like this, about the Deaf world, we are not isolated, we love our Deaf Community, because we feel connected to one another, even tho it's not perfect, just like any other communities, nothing is perfect, but it's our world, part of our life...getting together with our Deaf friends/families at many events. Good luck Marlee and great success, have faith Marlee Matlin!! Love ya Marlee!

[@JayaJTV]

Elijah looked SOOOOO adorable when he signed! It's like listening to a little kid speak a language, it's just as cute!

[@ScrizzDubb]

Marlee Matlin is so amazing it pains me to see her work not being picked up by national television networks. If I were to lose my hearing I don't know what I'd do, but Mrs. Matlin has done more with her life then most people that have their hearing intact. I hope that this series makes it to national television so that the general public can be more aware of the daily hurdles that are overcome by people that are differently abled, and to create better communication between them. Great Show!!!

[@lisaannebevacqua]

I am so excited to see a pilot like this. Please continue to produce it. Thanks so much/

[@rsoubiea]

I feel confident that your show will be picked up soon! It's a wonderful idea to show people how other families with challenges cope. I live in Fremont and I wish you the best of luck.

[@stkhlmxsyndrme]

I wish the best luck to this show. I'm a proud student of ASL, and having a show like My Deaf Family on the air would be wonderful. I'll be keeping my eyes open and my fingers crossed. Good luck!!

[@sarahsellsseashells]

I hope this airs! This would be a wonderful program and I wish more people could see it!

[@sharedaccount4918]

It’s the same as being a deaf kid in a hearing family. It is normal. And I wish this show continued it was so good.

[@larryldmc]

Awsome show, should be on tv already!! I love you Ann and always will

[@nighteowl]

This is beautiful! I want to see the whole show on National Television!! As a hearing woman, I tear up every single time I see the beauty of Sign Language. I am envious of the ability to sign, the culture and the open acceptance. As with every human, there are challenges, but I have never watched someone sign and thought that I am seeing a disability. This show opens the heart and soul to the possibility of hearing people to overcome OUR disability of being unable to sign.

[@naglaaeid4427]

I think you have an amazing and loving family, I am not deaf but I've been trying to learn sign language recently...honestly i was first encouraged by the TV show switched at birth like many other people, but i also love the way deaf people communicate with through sign language I think it's more passionate and deep also because you don't just use your hands but also facial expressions and I feel like it's a more peaceful world with deaf people....it's just beautiful

[@mlighthart]

I hope more videos are made!! this is great!

[@isreyl2878]

definitely would love to see more shows like this !

[@antbekki]

As a CODA, I can definitely identify with Jared. Although times are different (his parents have easier access to interpreters and can make their own phone calls), I recognized a lot of his issues, good and bad. I hope this gets aired on TV. It will definitely help people understand the deaf culture. Good job Ms. Matlin!!

[@annehamilton8190]

Such an amazing family, I commend them. May God continue to bless you and your family Jared, thanks for sharing your story.

[@zoezoet8122]

I love deaf people! They're so open and kind and just.. radiate this nice, friendliness that makes me feel happy! I'm glad I know some words in asl, at least enough to make a conversation.

[@avastreeter7344]

LusciuosTheory Gamer yeah I'm deaf and I go to a deaf school and everyone is really nice

[@cheyenne8111]

PUT IT ON TV!!!!! AMAZING SHOW! I LOVE IT! This is a great video that everyone should see

[@NekoSarine]

this defiantly will help bring awareness to those who don't understand. I find it inspiring when people rise above their differences.

[@littlejen86]

I would love to see this show on television! The pilot did an excellent job of captivating a deaf/hearing household. It is almost like someone is making a television show based off of my life. People always ask me questions about my family life and how I was raised, the curiosity is there for this show to be a hit!

[@smohammed6538]

I admire how you say that you love your parents, it shows that you were raised right, forget the haters, the wife you have someday will be proud of you

[@gracekak]

This show looks SO FREAKING GOOD. I really hope it gets onto television!

[@zoeseagul]

Oh I hope a network will pick this show up...we need to create awareness. Our ASL class was privileged to have an Amazing Professor, fantastic teacher (he is also deaf)...we all love him, and we take with us a whole new world. And I am very proud of all that Marlee accomplished on Celebrity Apprentice, more than money raised she created a spark...Love you Marlee ♥ This show is a open door...someone just needs to pick up the key ♥

[@amandaobannon594]

I would have loved to watch this show and learn more about the Deaf culture.

[@sweetlikez]

Yep!! It's about time we see this happening!! I hope it gets picked up on TV soon!!! Keep them coming!!! I can't wait for the next episode!!!

[@theonlywaterintheforest9448]

I love this show! I studied ASL along with several other languages at university and I wish a show like this had been available. My daughter is 12 and just started ASL as one of her languages in school and she adores it. This show will be so interesting to her! Thank you Marlee Matlin, for all you have done to help us hearing people learn about deaf culture and about ASL :)

[@KellyBelly3245]

This needs to be on tv!! It's a great way to educate ppl about the deaf!!

[@pa4362]

Thanks for sharing !!!! I love your family !!!

[@MyChristine07]

This was great, and needs to be aired.

[@SamanthaLauzonXO]

I think its a great show! Marlee Matlin is an incredible inspiration, not only I'm sure to the deaf community, but to the hearing as well. Can't wait to see more of the show. The family seem like a very "normal" average family, minus the hearing but to be honest, who are we to dictate what exactly is "normal" I wish my mom and dad cared that much about me. To check my home work and invite friends over.

[@ThumbNoddy]

Wow, this is fantastic! Really great insight into a world that not too many people know about. Can't wait to see more :)

[@creolebebe]

I wish there were more of these. I really enjoyed it.

[@kimberlymyspace]

This is a great show !! It should be on for sure!!!

[@acelestre420]

i love this! This should definitely open the eyes of many people! My cousin is def and i lived with her and her 10 def roommates for awhile, it was quite a big change, but they were all pretty awesome people!

[@ptownscout]

Great Show !!!! wish this was on tv.

[@fmconlin]

What a captivating pilot, would love to see this on air!

[@suezart]

Awesome! Get this show on the air! This is so much more meaningful than watching people have a million kids! My daughter is getting a degree in ASL and we now have a deaf roommate - we're both hearing - this would be great for people to see how great the deaf culture is! And to not be afraid of it! Go Marlee!

[@breannajane18]

This is so great! I volunteer at the Florida School for the Deaf and think this show would be amazing on tv!!

[@supersprouse]

This Pilot rocks! I want to see full episodes!

[@breninabag]

Amazing. Hope this show makes it to TV.

[@JerNorm]

I loved this episode. I'm an ASL student and am new to deaf culture. I am loving what I've learned/experienced so far. I think that this show would be a great avenue to expose the hearing world to a part of the deaf community and possibly break down some barriers and uncover some misconceptions. The family seems very likeable. Can't wait for more episodes.

[@nadinecelebrates]

There is only one episode and I need more please. This is great. Great TV. Lets get this on a network. Love the family unit and the love. Its amazing.

[@HawkinsDiving]

Beautiful family! Thank you for sharing your life. From now on I will have more respect to help communicate with the deaf.

[@justd0llii]

I really enjoyed this show and watching, understanding their shoes from where I've been thru also. I love it!! i really hope they would go on National TV!

[@miserablerhurensohn]

Beautiful family and great video.

[@sydneywalker5516]

What an amazing video. I am not hearing impaired and videos like this help me understand better what deaf people go through and how they would better like hearing people to interact with them. Thank you for making this video and sharing it on YT.

[@caitlynnetarbet3305]

I totally agree with you !! I love watching videos like this! It helps me better understand different cultures!!

[@rshelltasman]

We need this show on tv.People are so ignorant about deaf and hard of hearing people.We are not stupid because we don't hear something.We are able and willing to communicate with hearing people as long as they give us the chance to do so.People are so negative theses days that I am really glad I can't hear all the negative hurtful comments they make about others,simply because they are different.

[@giggles91887]

I REALLY hope this becomes a show!!!!

[@left0vercrizakk]

finally!!! Im so happy that this show is in the works!!!

[@titaniclover2]

I can't wait for this show to be on the air!!!! this would be a amazing show.

[@itsSmashedProduction]

Awesome to see that your doing this. Its cool to see what really goes on in the family and to hear what the teenage son has to say about it all. Hope this pilot gets picked up!