Current:Home > Finance'Mommy look at me!': Deaf 3-year-old lights up watching 'Barbie with ASL' -NextFrontier Finance
'Mommy look at me!': Deaf 3-year-old lights up watching 'Barbie with ASL'
View
Date:2025-04-13 19:10:12
A video of a "profoundly deaf" toddler encountering the magic of "Barbie with ASL" is going viral.
Thanks to American Sign Language interpreter Leila Hanaumi and the film's resolve to take more steps towards inclusivity, those too young to read, like 3-year-old Riley of Virginia, or those with disabilities hindering them from reading, have been brought into the "Barbie" experience.
The ASL version of the film, released on Max Dec. 15, offers a unique viewing opportunity for the Deaf community to enjoy with family and friends, Warner Bros. said in a statement.
But most of us don't realize how significant it actually is.
Captions, while helpful, aren't fully inclusive. "[ASL] is not just English on your hands," Riley's mother, Christina, told USA TODAY Wednesday. "It's a different language."
Baby's first cubicle:Mom calls out Fisher-Price for 'annoying' phrases on 'Like A Boss' activity center
3-year-old Riley experiences 'Barbie with ASL'
When Christina saw "Barbie" being released with an ASL interpreter on screen, she knew she couldn't pass up the opportunity for her daughter to experience it. Though she was hesitant because of the film's rating, they gave it a go.
Since Riley is a fan of the song "Pink" by Lizzo, Christina thought they'd at least watch that part together, but then she saw the way her daughter lit up as she watched the interpreter and decided to let the film roll on.
"I was curious to see how much Riley would look at the interpreter, so the first time we watched, I watched Riley's eyes closely to see where they went," Christina said.
At Riley's age, adding captions to a film won't work. An ASL interpreter is the way she can watch a movie.
"Even as Riley grows up and is able to read, having an ASL interpreter on screen means Riley is able to view the movie in her preferred language," Christina shared.
Riley wears cochlear implants that give her access to sound, but sign language is the only language fully accessible to Riley. Since ASL is Riley's first language, her family began learning it when Riley was just a few months old.
"Now, it's part of our daily lives," Christina said.
The messages that stuck
Not only was Riley engaged while watching "Barbie with ASL," she started picking up new signs from the interpreter, Christina said, and was singing along "almost immediately."
There is one line from the movie that Riley often quotes.
It's the scene where Margo Robbie (Barbie) is sitting at the bus stop alongside Ann Roth ("The Woman on the Bench"), Barbie tells the woman, "You're so beautiful," and Riley always responds, "I know it!" with Ann Roth.
"It's really special to see, and such a great message for Riley and all women and girls," Christina said.
There is no better feeling, Christina said. The movie is fully accessible for Riley, just as it is for her peers.
The brand's slogan "Barbie is for everyone," seems to ring true here, Christina shared.
"'Barbie' certainly is for Riley and her Deaf community."
veryGood! (38823)
Related
- US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
- Israel widens evacuation orders as it shifts its offensive to southern Gaza amid heavy bombardments
- Jingle All the Way to Madewell’s Holiday Gift Sale with Deals Starting at Only $20
- These 15 Holiday Gifts for Foodies Are *Chef's Kiss
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Los Angeles police searching for suspect in three fatal shootings of homeless people
- Former U.S. Olympic swimmer Klete Keller sentenced to three years probation for role in Jan. 6 riot
- More than 100 Gaza heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks
- Carolinas bracing for second landfall from Tropical Storm Debby: Live updates
- One homeless person killed, another 4 wounded in Las Vegas shooting
Ranking
- Breaking debut in Olympics raises question: Are breakers artists or athletes?
- Italy reportedly refused Munich museum’s request to return ancient Roman statue bought by Hitler
- Elon Musk sends vulgar message to advertisers leaving X after antisemitic post
- Wu-Tang Clan members open up about the group as they mark 30 years since debut album
- Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
- Travis Kelce stats: How Chiefs TE performs with, without Taylor Swift in attendance
- Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
- Travis Kelce stats: How Chiefs TE performs with, without Taylor Swift in attendance
Recommendation
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
Report: Contaminants being removed from vacant Chicago lot where migrant housing is planned
Elon Musk sends vulgar message to advertisers leaving X after antisemitic post
Colombian navy finds shipwrecked boat with over 750 kilos of drugs floating nearby
Audit: California risked millions in homelessness funds due to poor anti-fraud protections
Run to J.Crew for up to 96% off Dresses, Cardigans & More Jaw-Dropping Deals
Florida’s Republican chair has denied a woman’s rape allegation in a case roiling state politics
Texas must remove floating Rio Grande border barrier, federal appeals court rules