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 PageTeaching 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 ....
VideoWhat 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. ....
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. ....
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? ....
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: ....
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. ....
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 ....
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 PageNonverbal Communication
Tips to communicate with those who use alternative ways to communicate and prevent confusion and potential challenging behaviors in the process. ....
PDFTeaching 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 ....
VideoThere'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 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. ....
PDFA 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. ....
VideoEngaging Church Leadership
How to talk to church leadership and get them excited about disability. ....
Video PDFTeaching 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! ....
Video5 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 Page
Become 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 ....
VideoBecome 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 ....
VideoTen 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. ....
PDFTeaching Kids about Disability: Learn Some Sign Language
Learn some sign language…that way you can say ‘hi’ to someone who is hearing impaired or deaf. ....
VideoBecome a Sensory-Friendly Church: Introduction
Gain understanding, awareness, and empathy for the 16.5% of the population with sensory processing issues. Learn the simple steps to make your whole church and ministry events sensory-friendly. This introductory video explains the basics of sensory processing and what causes under- and over-responsiveness, hypersensitivity, overload, meltdowns, and shutdowns and even more importantly, how to cre ....
VideoThanksgiving / Fall themed American Sign Language vocabulary
Learn over 25 fall themed ASL words and phrases for thanksgiving. ....
Video25 Church Signs in ASL
Learn 25 basic American Sign Language signs related to church. Learning signs will help you engage with Deaf members of your church and Change your church culture from not only being accessible, but inclusive! ....
VideoThere's This Kid...ADHD
Have you ever found yourself thinking "There's this kid..." in your ministry? Share this resource on ADHD, a common hidden disability, with your children's ministry volunteers and church staff. ....
PDFBecome a Church that Welcomes and Embraces People with Disabilities
Let Joni & Friends help you identify and remove barriers that impact people with disabilities. Develop 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. ....
Video PDFAdditional Resources
The Gospel In 3 Words
Have you ever heard the “Gospel” and wondered, what is it all about? Simply put, the Gospel is the good news about Jesus. It is a simple yet powerful message. It is a message that has the power to change our lives. A message that can save us from the mess that we often find ourselves in. A message that can give our lives purpose. That is why we have created this series titled, The Gospel In 3 ....
Web PageAn Introduction to Special Needs Children's Ministry
This exciting new introduction course will cover important topics including: -A biblical view on disability. -Inclusion Models and Accessibility. -Curriculum Adaptation. -Building Relationships with Families. -Discipleship and the Gospel. -Serving Alongside Friends with Disabilities.....
Web PageVolunteer 101 Training
FREE disability ministry volunteer training resource complete with a leader's guide, videos, supplemental resources, notes, fill-ins, and a quiz. Everything you need for a 101 level volunteer training! ....
Web PageTeaching Empathy to Young Children
We can teach children to respond to their peers with Christ-like empathy! Our first step, though, is to teach our kids how to recognize that their friend is needing them to empathize. Recently, Reach Hurting Kids Institute partnered with Maegan Hall to create a fun, friendly video for kids that explores the topic of empathy. In this resource, Maegan’s friend, Zadie, wonders how she can help her ....
Engaging Volunteers at Your Church
Everyone who comes through the church doors should feel welcomed and included. But when a new family at your church includes children or adults with disabilities, how do you gather and train volunteers to meet their unique needs?....
Web PageAutism and the Church, An Introduction
The number of children with ASD is continuing to grow. The disability impacts not only the child, but the family as well. Many families look to community organizations, such as churches, as a support system. It is important for churches to be prepared to support the entire family. The church can create a safe and supportive environment that welcomes the family in, while providing the needed suppor....
Web PageWhy Every Church Needs People with Disabilities
Fundamentally, it’s not just people with disabilities who need the church. It’s the church that needs people with disabilities. Without them, the church is incomplete. Remember, “We are all needy, and we are all needed.” ....
Web PageA Practical Guide to Special Needs Children's Ministry
This is the second in a three part certificate track in Special Needs Children's Ministry. Part 2 will give you hands-on, practical guidance and tools for use in your ministry including: -Planning and Getting Started, -Training/Awareness. -Models of Ministry. -Ministering Beyond Sunday Morning.....
Web PageSix Steps to Offering Specific and Practical Help to a Family Living with Disability
How do we best serve families affected by disability beyond Sundays? ....
Web PageLet Your Light Shine
Our Shine On contrubutor Ability Ministry created this devotional resource for our Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine Kings and Queens to use leading up to the 2023 prom. Files include: Printable leader's guide, PDF printable devotion, promo video, intro video, memory verse sign language video, 6 daily devotional videos, social media graphic package, printable word search, printable coloring ....
Web PageWelcoming People with Disabilities in the Church
In this course you will learn to identify and remove barriers that impact people with disabilities and get hands-on practice to be able to: -START a Special Needs Ministry. -RECRUIT Passionate Volunteers. -ENGAGE Church Leadership. -ADAPT Curriculum and Teaching Methods. -MANAGE Challenging Behavior. -MODEL Inclusive Ministry.....
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