Churches
Our comprehensive suite of resources is built to help your church gain the knowledge, strategies, and faith-driven skills to build and maintain a disability-inclusive environment. No matter what stage your church is at—from seeking the latest materials for a long-standing program to learning more about disability in general—you’ll find countless resources to fit your needs.
Videos & PDFs
Learn Basic Church Signs in ASL
Learn basic church signs in American Sign Language. Learning these signs will help you engage with Deaf people in your community and help. ....
VideoLearning American Sign Language: Church vocabulary (Part 2)
Welcome back to our 3 part series on ASL church vocabulary. Learn basic church signs in American Sign Language. Learning these signs will help you engage with Deaf people in your community and help your church go from just accessibility to inclusiveness. ....
VideoRoutine
Examine the need for routine that many individuals with disabilities have, and learn ways to provide instruction and care accordingly. Also included is an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the video. ....
Video Web PageSensory Tools: Fidgets
Learn how to choose the best fidgets for church. Discover who needs a fidget and how fidgets can help many people increase their attention, concentration, focus, and learning while decreasing anxiety and extraneous movement. Handpicked and field-tested by an experienced Occupational Therapist, these fidgets are effective, quiet, portable, durable, budget-friendly, and easy to sanitize. Training ....
VideoTeaching Kids about Disability: Stand in Front
When you're talking to a friend with a disability, remember to stand in front. Your friend won't be able to see you if you’re behind them! ....
VideoIntro to training
Preparing our minds and hearts to minister to people with disabilities and their families in the most effective way possible. ....
VideoWrestling with God Curriculum
Troubling circumstances tend to do one of two things to people. Either it will draw people closer to God or drive them further away. When people face troubling circumstances it is only natural that they have more questions than answers in their lives. While working through these tough questions it can feel like people are wrestling with God. ....
VideoLearning American Sign Language: Church vocabulary (Part 3)
Welcome back to our 3 part series on ASL church vocabulary. Learn basic church signs in American Sign Language. Learning these signs will help you engage with Deaf people in your community and help your church go from just accessibility to inclusiveness. ....
VideoAccessibility
Help your church build relational ramps, making your community accessible to those with disability. ....
Video Web PageConsistency Within the Church Structure
The importance of consistency in the church environment, staff and behavioral redirection. ....
Video Web PageBecome a Sensory-Friendly Church: Sound
Sound can enhance learning and create an inviting atmosphere, but the wrong sound can prevent people from attending your church or ministry events. Gain awareness and understanding for people with auditory processing issues and learn simple steps to create a welcoming environment for discipleship and ministry. Video 3 of 6 ....
Video PDFWhat is Special Needs Ministry?
Finding a church that is welcoming to people with disabilities can be very difficult. Joni & Friends hopes to equip churches around the world to disciple people affected by disabilities! ....
Video PDF7 Ideas to Help Memorize Scripture
Let’s prioritize making Scripture available and accessible to all, including those in your children’s ministry and disability ministry settings. ....
PDFFinding Sign Language Christian Interpreters For Your Church
Learn some simple steps and ways you can find local American Sign Language Christians interpreters for your churches. This simple guide can be a starting point to help you and your church search and recruit interpreters. ....
VideoWhy Your Church Needs a Mental Health Champion
A mental health champion can play a key role for churches looking to have an intentional strategy for welcoming and including families impacted by mental illness into the life of the local church. ....
VideobEfriend is...
We train churches and communities on how to host bEfriend, our model of community that connects adults with & without disability in mutual, freely given friendship. Meet one of our bEfriend pairings, Karla & Sarah! ....
VideoTeaching Kids about Disability: Disability Awareness Training Stations
Fun activities for experiencing life with various disabilities. ....
PDFAccessibility and Inclusiveness in the church
Accessibility and inclusive are not extra work, being accessible and inclusive is biblical. ....
VideoThe Five Stages of Culture Change
What does it look like to mature and grow in disability ministry with churches that have different styles, sizes and budgets? ....
Video PDFThe Church is Not Complete Without People with Disabilities
People of all abilities need a church where they can fully belong. Joni and Friends works to equip and mobilize churches to welcome and embrace people of all abilities by removing barriers and creating a church culture that sees all people as indispensable parts of the body of Christ, created in God’s image, and worthy of dignity and respect. ....
VideoSensory Tools: KickBands
Discover why every church needs to have inexpensive noise-reducing headphones readily available. Auditory hypersensitivity and auditory defensiveness can prevent people from attending church because of the anxiety and pain sound can cause. Noise-reducing headphones reduce auditory distractions and lower overall noise volume, while still allowing the person to hear their surroundings. By providi ....
VideoTeaching Kids about Disability: Autism
Discover what makes your friend affected by autism unique! ....
VideoUnderstanding Autism
A guide to understanding autism and answer to four questions about autism: What Is Autism? How Common Is Autism? How Does Autism Impact Participation at Church? What Can You Do? ....
PDFWays to Communicate with a Deaf Person
A comprehensive guide to effective communication with Deaf individuals. Packed with practical tips and insights, this resource aims to bridge communication gaps and foster understanding. Join us in creating a more inclusive world by accessing this valuable tool today! ....
Video PDFTop 10 VBS Tips
As you consider VBS this summer, take steps to better welcome, include, and enfold those experiencing disability. Here are 10 helpful tips: ....
PDFSensory Tools: Get Started
Discover how to create a simple sensory tool kit to benefit a wide range of sensory processing issues at church, such as difficulty with attention, staying seated, fidgeting, anxiety, sensory overload, sensory-seeking behaviors, and overall calming. This video series will show you how to use these tools effectively to address some of the most common behavior-related sensory processing issues. Havi ....
Video PDFTeaching Kids about Disability: Cerebral Palsy
Start with "Hello!" Maddy, who has cerebral palsy, shares about a time when a girl named Rosie made her feel loved and included at school. Just a simple hello made all the difference for Maddy, so next time you see someone alone, go and say hi – who knows what will happen! ....
VideoApproaching Disability
Discussing the right mindset to have when ministering to people with disabilities as well as an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the training video. ....
Video Web PageTeaching Kids about Disability: Invisible Disabilities
Sometimes disabilities are inside of our bodies, not on the outside. Learn how to be a good friend to someone who has diabetes, an invisible disability. ....
VideoSensory Tools: Headphones
Discover why every church needs to have inexpensive noise-reducing headphones readily available. Auditory hypersensitivity and auditory defensiveness can prevent people from attending church because of the anxiety and pain sound can cause. Noise-reducing headphones reduce auditory distractions and lower overall noise volume, while still allowing the person to hear their surroundings. By providi ....
VideoSensory Tools: Self Control Strategies
Everyone wants to be in control, including kids! Control Is My Goal is a children’s book that teaches children how to control their own bodies and emotions. Learn how to use self-regulation strategies using simple sensory tools. Try one strategy or try them all. Help children choose the self-regulation strategies they need to gain focus and self-control. Relax and enjoy a calming experience ....
VideoEmotional-Behavioral Disorders
The strengths, needs, and other important information about Emotional-Behavior Disorders as well as an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the training video. ....
Video Web PageTeaching Kids about Disability: Don't Make Fun
Learn from Proverbs 17:17 on how to be a true friend and not make fun of others! ....
VideoBecome a Sensory-Friendly Church: Sight
The wrong lighting and visual clutter can prevent people with sensory processing issues from attending your church or ministry events. Discover how to use lighting and visual cues to create a welcoming environment and encourage learning for everyone. Training Video 2 of 6 ....
Video PDFWhat Language Should We Use?
What language should our churches use when it comes to disability? Should we use the term special needs? ....
VideoChanging Church Culture
Without a fundamental culture of inclusivity, “disability ministry” can actually cause even more isolation and distance people with special needs. So, how does a church culture go from excluding people with disabilities to embracing them as equal members of the body of Christ? ....
Video PDFRemoving Barriers
Clear steps to removing seen and unseen barriers within your church. ....
Video PDFCommunication Part 2
Take a look at the best ways to meet an array of communication needs. Also included is an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the video. ....
Video Web PageDisciplining Kids in Foster Care: Unit 3
Welcome to unit 3. By the end of this session you will be able to, understand the unique circumstances of children in foster care impacts discipline, know key principles for disciplining kids in care and be able to avoid retraumatizing children in foster care when they struggle with their behavior. ....
Video PDFNonverbal Communication
Tips to communicate with those who use alternative ways to communicate and prevent confusion and potential challenging behaviors in the process. ....
PDFBiblical Terms in American Sign Language: Part 1
Exciting News! The Deaf Millennial Project has just launched Part 1 of our new video series, teaching biblical terms in American Sign Language! We're committed to making church spaces more accessible and inclusive for the Deaf community. Begin your learning journey today and help us foster inclusivity! ....
VideoTeaching Kids about Disability: Get Close!
When you say hi to someone in a wheelchair, walk right up to them like you would anyone else (it’s nice to get close). Remember, you can’t catch a disability! ....
VideoLearn Basic Church ASL Signs
This is video number three in our series. As always, learning more basic sign language will allow you to engage with Deaf people in your community and church. ....
VideoLook Back, Look Up, and Look Forward
Deaf Millennial Project shares one best approach in starting a Deaf discipleship group. A simple tool that will engage and disciple Deaf people for Christ. ....
VideoBecome a Sensory-Friendly Church: Touch
Touch, textures, and temperatures are very important sensory areas to consider in church and ministry events. Common things such as greetings, seating, clothing, meals, communion, and baptism can be extremely difficult for people with sensory processing issues. This training will help increase awareness and understanding in order to anticipate needs and create a welcoming environment. Video 4 o ....
Video PDFThere's This Kid...Anxiety
What is anxiety and what does it look like in a Sunday School classroom? Use these tips and strategies to help students with anxiety feel comfortable enough in your classroom to absorb gospel truths. ....
PDFTeaching Kids about Disability: Offer to Help
A great way to be a friend is to ask if someone if they need help. How about offering to open the door or helping someone with their things! Also learn a great verse, Philippians 2:4 ....
VideoDiscipleship in Disability
A breakdown of what is a disciple, differences in the Body of Christ and how disciples make disciples - all through the lens of disability. ....
PDFAutism
The strengths, needs, and other important information about autism as well as an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the training video. ....
Video Web PageFinding Sign Language Christian Interpreters For Your Church
One of the most frequent questions is, "How do I find local Christian ASL interpreters?" Deaf Millennial Project is helping churches learn some simple ways to find local American Sign Language Christian interpreters. ....
VideoCommunication Part 1
Take a look at the best ways to meet an array of communication needs. Also included is an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the video. ....
Video Web PageTeaching Kids about Disability: Make Eye Contact
When you talk to someone who is blind, it’s easiest to look them right in eyes – just like you would anyone else! ....
VideoTeaching the Concept of Salvation
How you teach the concept of salvation may look very different depending on your audience. Here you will find a few ways of presenting this lesson that will appeal to various age groups. ....
PDFTeaching Kids about Disability: It's Okay to Ask Questions!
See someone with a disability? It's okay to ask questions! People with disabilities are usually happy to answer your questions. Learn some great tips when asking someone about their disability and learn a wonderful verse to go along with it, Matthew 7:12 ....
VideoBuilding a Disability Ministry that Lasts
Structuring your Disability Ministry and building a disability ministry that lasts. ....
Video PDFAdapting Curriculum & Teaching Methods
Sometimes, all that’s required for someone to access God’s Word is a teacher who’s willing to put in a little effort and a few simple adaptations. This video will give you eight simple tips that can help unlock the rich beauty and truth of Scripture for those with special needs in your church. ....
Video Web PageLearning American Sign Language: Church vocabulary (Part 1)
Learn basic church signs in American Sign Language (ASL) Learning these signs will help you engage with Deaf people in your community and help your church go from just accessibility to inclusiveness. ....
VideoDown Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, & Cerebral Palsy
The strengths, needs, and other important information about Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and Cerebral Palsy as well as an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the training video. ....
Video Web PageDealing with Challenging Behaviors
“Behavior modification” can sound intimidating and unattainable, but with a few key tips and perspectives we can face challenging behavior head-on with greater confidence, and ultimately, share the gospel more effectively! ....
Video PDFSensory Tools: Weighted Items
Experience the sensory benefits of using weighted items in your church like this portable, easy-to-clean weighted wrap. Weighted items can promote calming and even help prevent a meltdown. They are also effective in reducing extraneous movement and enhancing learning. This training takes the mystery out of how to use weighted items at church. Training Video 6 of 8 ....
VideoUnderstanding Kids in Foster Care: Unit 1
In today's video we will take a deep dive on understanding kids from care. By the end of this unit you will know some key facts about the foster care system, understand that many kids in care have experienced complex trauma, and recognize how this affects their feelings and behaviors. ....
Video PDFNext Steps: Unit 5
Let's recap! We have learned so much about trauma, how to form a trauma informed ministry, how to love on children in foster care and tips on how they can thrive within your ministry ....
Video PDFTeaching Kids about Disability: Smile Don't Stare
Meet Naomi, Joni and BoBo as they walk through how to be kind to someone living with a disability! You can be a blessing by simply giving a smile to someone with a disability. Rather than stare…Smile! ....
VideoHelping with Life Transitions
Engaging young adults with disabilities into the life of your church. ....
PDFSensory Tools: WiggleSeats
Know someone who can’t sit still or stay seated? Wiggle seats allow a person to move while staying seated and they are portable, so they can be used in chairs, the floor, or even a pew. Discover all the ways to use a wiggle seat to promote learning with increased focus and concentration. Wiggle seats are an excellent alternative seating solution for churches, as they are simple, effective, qu ....
VideoA Beginner's Guide to Trauma-Informed Children's Ministry
This Beginner's Guide to Trauma-Informed Children's Ministry describes the widespread impact of childhood trauma, offers a research-based framework for constructing a trauma-informed children's ministry, and provides eight practical tips for helping children feel safe, in-control, loved, and valued in their church community. ....
PDFGospel & Disability (Spanish Translation)
A short clip from our recently completed Spanish language training video series. Watch this brief clip from the "Gospel & Disability" episode. ....
VideoAutism and Church Attendance
Did you know that families of kids with autism are 84% less likely to attend a worship service in a calendar year compared to families unaffected by disability? Why is church such a problem for these families? Learn from Dr. Steve how your church can wrap around these families! ....
VideoEngaging Church Leadership
How to talk to church leadership and get them excited about disability. ....
Video PDFConnecting with Kids in Foster Care: Unit 2
Welcome to unit 2. By the end of this unit you will learn the importance of supporting healthy relationships, how to be a warm and caring presence and how to be able to connect with foster children in a personal way. ....
PDF VideoBiblical Terms In American Sign Language: Part 2
Exciting Update! The Deaf Millennial Project has released Part 2 of our fantastic resource: a video series teaching biblical terms in American Sign Language! This is another step towards making church spaces more accessible and inclusive for the Deaf community. Start learning today and help us create a more inclusive worship experience for all! ....
VideoTeaching Kids about Disability: Kids With Down Syndrome
Do you know someone who has Down syndrome? Include him or her in your circle of friends—they make great friends! ....
VideoEffective Ministry to Kids and Youth in Foster Care: Intro
A four-unit mini course to help equip churches to serve children and youth in the foster care system. Through this course, participants will gain a vision for reaching kids in the foster care system, understand the challenges that kids in foster care face at church, connect and build trust with kids in foster care, de-escalate conflicts and discipline with love, and create a supportive ministry en ....
Video PDF5 Steps to Starting a Special Needs Ministry & Disability Ministry Models
This video provides five tangible steps any church can take towards providing meaningful support to people of all abilities. Also included is a document describing disability ministry models. What is a “ministry model?” A good ministry model enables people to encounter Christ. These suggested ministry models for disability ministry are built under the assumption that a unified church (disabled ....
Video PDFJesus & Hospitality
Highlight the vital role that Jesus plays in disability ministry, and how a little hospitality can go a long way. Also included is an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the training video. ....
Video Web PageDisability Etiquette
Disability etiquette helps you to focus on the person, not the disability. Begin by using “people-first language,” putting the emphasis on the individual, not on the disability. It’s a subtle difference but speaks volumes! ....
PDFDisability and the Gospel
All of humanity is beautiful and broken, in need of the good news of God’s saving grace. ....
Video Web PageBecome a Sensory-Friendly Church: Smell & Taste
We don’t often consider how our church smells and how that may affect people with sensory processing issues. It is important to consider all areas of the church, including kitchens, sanctuaries, fellowship halls, and bathrooms. Issues around sensory processing can cause problems with attending fellowships, meals and even gatherings such as worship. By becoming a sensory-friendly church, we ca ....
Video PDF PDF10 Tips for Helping Kids in Foster Care Succeed at Church: Unit 4
In this final session you will learn practical tips for helping children in the foster care succeed at church. You will learn, child - centered language, setting learning goals, meet individual needs and so much more. ....
Video PDFBecome a Sensory-Friendly Church: Movement & Body Awareness
Simple solutions for anyone with the wiggles. Discover how to provide easy alternative seating and movement opportunities for your church or ministry events to help people with the need to move. Also discover how weighted items and heavy pressure can reduce anxiety and help with calming. Video 5 of 6 ....
Video PDF PDFTen Tips for Pastors
Pastors have the privilege of modeling the heart of God for people who are impacted by disability in a variety of ways. ....
PDFUnderstanding “Deaf” Terminology
This resource covers some important jargon that focuses on Deaf communities and the appropriate terminology used when discussing the topic of Deaf people. ....
Video Web PageTeaching Kids about Disability: Service Dog
If you see a service dog (wearing a working vest), don’t pet her unless you ask. ....
VideoFamily
Ways your church can come alongside families and caregivers to help bear each other’s burdens, as well as an informational sheet to be filled out during or after the training video. ....
Video Web Page5 Tips for Hosting a Sensory-Friendly Worship Service
We are all designed to worship our Creator — through prayer and service and praise — both as individuals and as the church family. But sometimes corporate worship services can be challenging for those with sensory-processing differences. ....
PDFAdditional Resources
