Joni and Friends
Joni & Friends brings practical help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world. Learn more Joni & Friends.
Contributed Resources
Videos
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…
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…
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…
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…
How to talk to church leadership and get them excited about disability.
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…
Structuring your Disability Ministry and building a disability ministry that lasts.
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…
“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…
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…
Do you know someone who has Down syndrome? Include him or her in your circle of friends—they make great friends!
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!
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…
Learn from Proverbs 17:17 on how to be a true friend and not make fun of others!
If you see a service dog (wearing a working vest), don’t pet her unless you ask.
What does it look like to mature and grow in disability ministry with churches that have different styles, sizes and budgets?
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.
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!
Clear steps to removing seen and unseen barriers within your church.
Discover what makes your friend affected by autism unique!
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.…
Learn some sign language…that way you can say ‘hi’ to someone who is Deaf or hard of hearing.
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…
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.
