Quotes from Rachel Shenton

I'd love to do something hard-hitting, like a lawyer or a policewoman, something like that. That would be nice.

When someone walks into me, whether it's my fault or not, I say, 'Sorry.'

I feel that Britain is a rather self-deprecating nation: you're almost considered egotistical to say you're good at anything.

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!

When you're an actor, it's really great to be busy - that's what we all want!

There are plenty of good drama schools and academies helping children and young people to learn to sing, dance, and act.

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.

I've been involved in the deaf community for years, and my friends in the community that are actors or performers get very frustrated when they see hearing people portraying a deaf role.

There are things like the importance of having a showreel, a headshot, a cover note, a tailored CV - these are all really important when you are trying out for roles.

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.

I've seen a lot of people in my life base their self-worth on what job they book or don't book, what car they drive, or whether they can afford a house deposit or not.

'Hollyoaks' really is such a great place to work, and there was nothing bad whatsoever about my time there. I loved my job, I loved everybody that I worked with, and I was blessed with great story lines.

I'm hoping I can fill a gap by helping to advise people on acting mechanics - the kinds of things that, looking back, I would have really benefited from as a teenager.

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.

'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).

There are many issues within the deaf community but, for me, none more important than access to education for deaf children.

Inequality within the deaf and hard of hearing community is something I feel really passionate about and always will do.

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.

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.

I'm extremely proud of 'Hollyoaks.' No one could be flying the flag more happily.

With the right support, a deaf child can do exactly the same as a hearing child, yet constantly, they're being failed.

In the deaf community, there is exactly that - a community. It's like nothing I see in the hearing world. It's old fashioned, I guess, and beautiful.

Everybody should learn sign language or, at least, 'Hello, do you need help? How are you?'

We value 'stuff' quite highly. Why? Because that 'stuff' apparently matters. Not only that, we use it as a measure of how successful we are, and as a result of that, having more of this 'stuff' often determines how people treat us.