Joni & Friends

Navigating challenging behaviors in special needs ministry.....

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! ....

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?....

Define different types of disabilities you may encounter.....

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?....

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.....

Engaging young adults with disabilities into the life of your church. ....

Create inclusive ministry environments for all ages. ....

Tips to communicate with those who use alternative ways to communicate and prevent confusion and potential challenging behaviors in the process. ....

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.....

Tips for Adapting Curriculum for Students with Special Needs....

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.....

A breakdown of what is a disciple, differences in the Body of Christ and how disciples make disciples - all through the lens of 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 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....

How to talk to church leadership and get them excited about disability.....

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!....

Recruiting and training volunteers for disability ministry.....

What does it look like to mature and grow in disability ministry with churches that have different styles, sizes and budgets?....

Structuring your Disability Ministry and building a disability ministry that lasts.....

Clear steps to removing seen and unseen barriers within your church.....

Pastors have the privilege of modeling the heart of God for people who are impacted by disability in a variety of ways.....

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!....

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....

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....

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!....

Discover what makes your friend affected by autism unique!....

Learn some sign language…that way you can say ‘hi’ to someone who is hearing impaired or deaf.....

Learn from Proverbs 17:17 on how to be a true friend and not make fun of others!....

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!....

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!....

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!....

Fun activities for experiencing life with various 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. ....

“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!....