Don’t miss this installment of Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series, as she shares about her experience serving on the National Council on Disability, contributing to the drafting and passage of the groundbreaking 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Hear Joni’s reflection on the power of the law compared to the power of the Gospel: while the law can change discriminatory structures, the Gospel is the only thing that can change hearts, bringing about culture change that provides true belonging for people living with disability. 

KEY QUESTIONS: 

• How can you create spaces that are accessible and inclusive for people with disability? 
• How is Jesus calling you to love and advocate for people living with disability? 

RESOURCES:

• Resources to help your church welcome and embrace people with disability.
• 5 Steps to Starting a Special Needs Ministry.
• Irresistible Church training series minibooks featuring 12 aspects of serving families living with disability.

EPISODE SOURCES:

• Children with disabilities are up to three times more likely to be bullied than their peers.
• Adults with autism are more likely to report loneliness and social isolation.  
• Public schools have developed campaigns against the use of derogatory language against special education students.  
• Up to 85% of churches don’t have any level of special needs ministry.  

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.