A filmmaker, whose older sister has Down syndrome, is confronting the misuse of the word 'retarded' and exploring the history of how the medical term has evolved into a hateful insult in her upcoming documentary, which aims to change the way people think, speak and act. Amanda Lukoff, from Arlington, Virginia, teamed up with her husband Danny Egan for their film The R-Word, which is in pre-production while they try to raise $200,000 for the documentary on the crowdsourcing website IndieGoGo. The director and producer, who was inspired to create the movie by her sister Gabrielle, has already signed on cast members including Scrubs actor John C. McGinley and Glee actress Lauren Potter, who has Down syndrome. 'To full understand how and why the R-word came to be, we have to start at the beginning, so I am setting out on a journey to find out how, when and why the R-word became a part of popular culture,' Amanda says in the trailer for the documentary. Scroll down for video . Tight-knit: Amanda Lukoff (left), pictured with her siblings, was inspired to create her documentary The R-Word after growing up with her sister Gabrielle (center), who was born with Down syndrome . Amanda, who plans on starting principal photography this month, has already raised nearly $25,000 since starting the campaign in March. Although she still has 25 days to reach her goal, she notes on the page that she will make the documentary whether or not she meets her fundraising target of $200,000. In the preview clip, Amanda explains that, while she was growing up, she knew her sister Gabrielle 'was different, even special' because of her intellectual disability. She adds that her sister's refusal to let her Down syndrome define her has been a source of inspiration for her in her own life. 'I have also realized that everyone is not as sensitive to my sister's difference as I am,' she says. Sisterly support: Amanda and Gabrielle can be seen speaking at a podium during a private event . Celebration: Gabrielle was photographed happily dancing at Amanda's wedding to her now husband Danny Egan . After years of being confronted with the misuse of the word 'retarded' when she was 'on the bus and at school, at work and parties, on TV and in movies, in music and books, and most recently all over social media' Amanda says she realized that other people were 'probably experiencing the same thing'. 'I wanted to know how a term once used as a medical description for individuals with intellectual disabilities became a derogatory word used to put people down,' she says. With her film, Amanda is looking to see if the word 'transcends American society' and will explore the lasting effects it has on people with intellectual disabilities, as well as their friends and families. Spreading the word: Amanda can be seen giving a presentation about her documentary . Think first: Amanda's says she wants to change the way people speak . Amanda explains that she hopes to empower people and also encourage others to think before they speak. 'We want to show people that the word [retarded] actually has a big impact when we use it,' she tells The Mighty. 'It’s not a light-hearted joke that some people believe it to be.' The money Amanda receives in donations will go towards filming, travel, animation and editing, among other things. But the amount of money she raises will only determine how quickly the documentary will be created. 'The film will be made no matter what,' she says.
Amanda Lukoff, from Arlington, Virginia, teamed up with her husband Danny Egan for their film The R-Word . She was inspired by her older sister Gabrielle, who was born with Down syndrome . The documentary is in pre-production until she raises $200,000 for its creation . Scrubs actor John C. McGinley and Glee actress Lauren Potter, who has Down syndrome, are among the films cast members .