I stay in touch with a lot of the cast - Jess Fox, Jen Metcalfe and Nikki Sanderson and probably more that I've missed out. It's a cliche, but it really is like a family at 'Hollyoaks.' Rachel Shenton More Quotes by Rachel Shenton More Quotes From Rachel Shenton Everybody should learn sign language or, at least, 'Hello, do you need help? How are you?' Rachel Shenton help need you language Deafness and sign language are extremely close to my heart. Rachel Shenton sign close language heart At first, I simply wanted to get a basic understanding of sign language, but as time went on, I really got the bug and wanted to become proficient so that I could make good use of my skills. Rachel Shenton good language understanding time There are many issues within the deaf community but, for me, none more important than access to education for deaf children. Rachel Shenton me community education children The cause is very close to my heart, and I'm proud to be supporting NDCS in helping deaf children overcome the challenges they face in everyday life. Rachel Shenton face heart life children I always say deafness is a silent disability: you can't see, and it's not life-threatening, so it has to touch your life in some way in order for it to be on your radar. Rachel Shenton you disability life way I'm so excited, and I feel very lucky, as to be working in L.A. is a bit of a dream come true for any actor. I definitely have to have a few 'pinch myself' moments as I'm driving to work in Hollywood! Rachel Shenton feel myself moments work My ideal would be to hop both sides of the Atlantic to work, as I'm sure every actor would. Rachel Shenton actor both-sides sides work Inequality within the deaf and hard of hearing community is something I feel really passionate about and always will do. Rachel Shenton will feel inequality community Millions of children all over the world live in silence and face communication barriers - and, particularly, access to education. Rachel Shenton face communication education children My dad lost his hearing in the last 18 months of his life, and as a result, I witnessed first-hand the effect that this can have on a family. Rachel Shenton result dad family life I'm beyond excited to join the cast of 'Switched At Birth' and to be part of such a great show on a great network. Rachel Shenton beyond great excited birth Living in Los Angeles is pretty cool. Rachel Shenton pretty cool living los-angeles I really enjoy being involved in 'Hollyoaks Later' - it's great. Rachel Shenton really being great enjoy 'Switched at Birth' has an amazing cast, including an Oscar winner and two Emmy nominees. The writing is very innovative, and the show's producers have redefined U.S. TV by launching a mainstream show which includes multiple deaf cast members whose characters communicate only in ASL (American Sign Language). Rachel Shenton amazing winner language writing To be honest, the first thing that hits you when you step off the plane in L.A. is just how eager people are to help you out here - or, at least, that's what I've found. Rachel Shenton help step you people When someone walks into me, whether it's my fault or not, I say, 'Sorry.' Rachel Shenton say someone me sorry I feel that Britain is a rather self-deprecating nation: you're almost considered egotistical to say you're good at anything. Rachel Shenton nation feel good you Due to the closure of many deaf schools in the U.K., deaf children are forced to attend mainstream school. I don't mind this idea: I think it's inclusive, and it better prepares children for life in a hearing world. I don't mind this idea - if that child gets the right support. Rachel Shenton support mind life children I've done my fair share of fundraising over the years, and I know how difficult that can be, so I could only imagine people's reaction when I was asking them to part with their hard-earned cash for a movie. Rachel Shenton know difficult done people