Joni and Friends
Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada in 1979, Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. We provide practical help and the saving love of Jesus as we mobilize the global church to reach and serve people living with disability. Learn more Joni & Friends.
Contributed Resources
Videos
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.
Structuring your Disability Ministry and building a disability ministry that lasts.
How to talk to church leadership and get them excited about disability.
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…
Let Joni and 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…
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…
What does it look like to mature and grow in disability ministry with churches that have different styles, sizes and budgets?
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!
When you talk to someone who is blind, it’s easiest to look them right in eyes – just like you would anyone else!
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…
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…
Clear steps to removing seen and unseen barriers within your church.
Learn from Proverbs 17:17 on how to be a true friend and not make fun of others!
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…
Discover what makes your friend affected by autism unique!
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…
If you see a service dog (wearing a working vest), don’t pet her unless you ask.
Do you know someone who has Down syndrome? Include him or her in your circle of friends—they make great friends!
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.…
“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…
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…
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!
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…
Learn some sign language…that way you can say ‘hi’ to someone who is Deaf or hard of hearing.
External Resources
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…
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…
How can we as a church best serve families affected by disability beyond Sundays?
Downloadable Resources
Create inclusive ministry environments for all ages.
Engaging young adults with disabilities into the life of your church.
Navigating challenging behaviors in special needs ministry.
Recruiting and training volunteers for disability ministry.
