🎬 Over 25% of Americans have a disability—is your media content reflecting that reality? Join Influence Women global director Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org in this conversation with disability rights advocate Shauna Amick of Joni and Friends as she shares how filmmakers, podcasters, writers, and producers can create authentic film and television that represents and resonates with people with special needs. Find out practical ways to cast roles for actors with disabilities and include them in writing rooms and production roles, plus gain principles for respectful communication with families affected by disability.

Shauna is a mother of three, including Sarah, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Her powerful testimony will challenge and encourage media professionals as well as parents of special needs children.

👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! It’s a great place to connect with others of faith and purpose as you pursue your dreams in the industry. Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/

🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 

👉 Subscribe to the Influence Women Podcast Available on all your favorite podcast platforms!

Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You’ll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. 

Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org

Follow Influence Women Global

Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/

Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com 

The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today’s Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today’s digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. 

Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com 

**More About this Episode** How to Create Inclusive Media for People with Disabilities | Shauna Amick, Joni and FriendsShauna’s passion for the inherent worth and dignity of every human life was deeply solidified when her third child was diagnosed with Down syndrome, a near-fatal heart defect, and a slew of other genetic abnormalities. As a speaker, author, and disability rights advocate, Shauna shares the gift of viewing challenges through the lens of God’s Word and does so with incredible transparency and vulnerability. Despite the many trials of life, Jesus remains the anchor of her soul. 

Shauna became part of Joni and Friends over 16 years ago as a desperate mother in need of help and hope. She has been a staff member for 14 years now, currently serving as the Director of Direct Response and Radio Channel Marketing. The testimony she and her daughter, Sarah, share shines a spotlight on the never-ending love of Christ. 

Shauna is heard by over one million listeners each week as she encourages radio listeners alongside Joni Eareckson Tada. Shauna has also lent her voice to Focus on the Family, Life Matters with Brad Mattes, Women of the Word Christian Conferences, the Dear Mom Conference, the Life Counsel Bible, and Real Families, Real Needs: A Compassionate Guide for Families Living with Disability. 

Find out more about Joni and Friends here: joniandfriends.org 

Listen to Shauna’s story: Real Families, Real Needs: https://joniandfriends.org/4-minute-radio-program/shauna-amick-real-families-real-needs/ 

00:00 Kathleen Cooke welcomes Shauna Amick, Podcaster/Author/Disability Rights Advocate – Joni and Friends01:07 Shauna’s story as a mom with a Down Syndrome child02:27 Shana’s work with Joni and Friends02:29 Shauna shares about her calling as a mother first04:39 Pressured to have an abortion, Shauna chose life instead07:07 Representing disability in film and television11:10 Communicating with parents of special needs15:20 Casting TV and film roles with disabled persons24:25 Resources from Joni and Friends for parents of special needs and filmmakers