Family Network TV is a labor of love crafted by a Tennessee grandmother of a boy with cerebral palsy with a heart for the world. Family Network TV will be the first internet based network with programming specifically focused on the needs and interests of the disability community, particularly families with children with disabilities and adults with disabilities.

Susan Stephens, founder and president of Family Network TV, with the help of families and individuals impacted by disabilities, is launching the first internet-based network with programming squarely focused on topics that will empower, enhance, educate and engage people with disabilities and the families who raise them. Within Family Network TV, Stephens says she plans to incorporate online radio programming as well, similar, "but on an even higher caliber" to networks such as BlogTalk Radio.

While Stephens is not the parent of a child with a disability or special needs, she is the doting grandmother of a boy with cerebral palsy. Grandparents are supposed to enjoy the fun that their grandchildren have to offer, but the day-to-day care and concern are typically left with the parents. Susan has not taken a back seat to dealing with her grandson’s specific needs, however. In fact, she's taken on the title of 'special needs grandma' with pride.

"Ever since his diagnosis at age 2, I've been working toward providing resources, encouragement and support to other families around the world raising children with special needs,” she said.

Susan has tried multiple methods to fulfill this quest and now she's ready, willing and able to announce the birth of her collaborative brainchild, Family Network TV. Utilizing internet television and online radio, Family Network TV is actively reaching out to a worldwide audience, as far as Australia for now but not stopping until all hands reach around the globe.

Family Network TV's show lineup includes a variety of shows that feature stories of interest to parent advocates, youth and adults with disabilities perspectives:

"Dare to Be Rare" – filmed in the Australian rain forest
"The Imperfection Connection"
"BUTTERFLYWHEEL Effect"
"It's A Matter Of Law"
"Siblinghood"
"Abilities Expo"

“Family Network Radio, hosted by Tara Ecklund, will feature families and medical professionals as guests allowing listeners to ask questions live on the air. Tara will also feature the host of our upcoming shows on Family Network TV. BUTTERFLYWHEEL Effect hosted by Monica J. Foster, motivator, advocate and consultant, will feature guests from around the world encouraging a “life beyond limits," she said.

Lauren Henry, Founder of “With a Brush of Love, Inc.” will interview guests on her show as she shares her research about the effects of color on emotion and features interviews with top psychologists who specialize in this and other fields of study that interest people with disabilities.

Join the Family Network TV Facebook Fan page and be entered to win weekly giveaways beginning in October building up to the Network’s premiere in January 2011. A Mexican Rivera Cruise for 2 will be awarded to a lucky winner.
On September 16, Family Network TV's Facebook fan page launched. By mid-October, the website launches to the world along with Family Network Radio.

In mid-January 2011, the first season will begin with a packed lineup. And don't forget about the Mexican Riviera cruise. Participants can enter to win by “liking” the Family Network TV fan page on Facebook. Family Network TV is committing to donating 10% of its annual proceeds to Grant Angel Wishes and Travel. Grant Angel Angel Wishes and Travel Foundation, was created specifically for the purpose granting wishes for children who have life-threatening conditions and other children and adults with disabilities or have major health needs, while also supporting other foundations and non-profit organizations and granting scholarships to young fine arts students and athletes through a program that teaches to pay it forward and bless others.

Family Network TV is a cross-disability and special needs multimedia community for people with disabilities of all ages and the family members who love them.