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DISABILITY MINISTRY CURRICULUM/TRAINING MATERIALS
Products Available Through Joni And Friends
Christian Organizations
Denominational
Disability Ministry Education
Additional Organizations
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH JONI AND FRIENDS
AgencyDescription
From the First Moment
Author: Joni Eareckson Tada, 1999
Publisher: Joni and Friends
This booklet is written for an individual or family who has just experienced a disability. It’s a basic overview of helpful resources including information on the following topics: financial assistance, medical support, rehabilitation, personal care assistance, accessibility, and practical resources.
Raising Up God's Special Kids
Author: Joni Eareckson Tada, 1989
Publisher: Joni and Friends
This booklet introduces the principles of raising a disabled child, including the topics of discipline and inspiration. It also provides a resource list of organizations related to kids with disabilities.
Including Students with Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Author: Dr. Jim Pierson
Publisher: CCFH Ministries
Like all children, those with emotional and behavioral problems need love, respect, and guidance from the adults in their lives. The information in this booklet helps teachers develop insight into the triggers and manifestations of behavioral problems, so they can better minister to the children in their care.
Ministering with the Family Experiencing Disability
Author: Dr. Jim Pierson
Publisher: CCFH Ministries
Families experiencing disabilities need the ministry of the church. This ministry begins with understanding. This booklet helps congregations to understand the emotional and physical needs of the family, the special needs of siblings, practical ways to help, and how to get started.
Let All the Children Come to Me
A Practical Guide to Including Children with Disabilities in Your Church Ministries
Author: MaLesa Breeding, Dana Hood, & Jerry Whitworth
Publisher: Cook Communications Ministries
This practical handbook is filled with both inspiration and information. Teachers and pastors alike are reminded that God calls us to include all children, no matter the challenge. Packed with wonderfully practical elements, these ideas can be easily integrated into any classroom.
Special Needs Special Ministry - For Children's Ministry
Authors: Jim Pierson, Louise Tucker Jones & Pat Verbal, Forward by Joni Eareckson Tada
Publisher: Group Publishing Inc.
How can your church become a welcome place for children with special needs? Here's a practical guide from experienced mentors, complete with outlines and reproducible materials to get you started!
Exceptional Teaching
Author: Dr. Jim Pierson
Publisher: Standard Publishing
Helping children with special needs reach their full potential has been the lifework of Jim Pierson. Now, with this book, he shares his knowledge so that you can become the exceptional teacher.
Hearts in Motion Disability Awareness Study Guide
(Participant's Guide, or Leader's Guide)
Author: Steve Jensen, 1994
Publisher:
Joni and Friends
This study guide raises the level of disability awareness in one’s small group or Bible study class. In four lessons, one will learn how to view disability from God's perspective and help open the doors of one’s church by becoming aware and responsive to the needs of disabled persons.
Joni (the movie)
(DVD or VHS)
Rated: PG
Publisher: World Wide Pictures, 1979
(Closed Captioned)
Produced by The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, this video is based on the book, Joni, by Joni Eareckson Tada. It tells her story of how she became paralyzed at the age of 17, her perseverance to find answers in the Bible to her many questions, and about how she became closer to God through it all.
On a Roll for Jesus
Publisher: Joni and Friends

As special agents on Mission: Unstoppable, kids learn to understand and include people with disabilities.  Includes an inspiring missions project to help send wheelcharis to those in need around the world.  Use in Sunday School, mid-week programs, any Christian classroom, or as an add-on to your VBS curriculum. // Disability Awareness Program and Missions Project.  For children ages 4-12.  Kit includes: 52-page teacher's guide, reproducible worksheets, DVD, sing-along CD, posters, and other support materials.

Barrier-Free Friendships: Bridging the Distance Between You and Friends with Disabilities
Authors: Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Jensen, 1997
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing House
Joni and Steve show you how to build mutually fulfilling relationships based on insights into how Jesus related to individuals with disabilities.  She also offers stories of hope and joy for those who've crossed the barrier.
Disability Ministry Sunday Kit
Author: Joni Eareckson Tada, 1999
Publisher: Joni and Friends

This kit contains various tools including a tape of Joni's recorded messages, the video Shattered Temples, curriculum, and instructions to help raise the level of disability awareness in your church, small group, or Bible study class.  The curriculum has a section for all ages. // Kit includes:  Study Guide, VHS Video, & Audio Cassette.

When God Weeps Bible Study
(Leader's Kit; Leader's Guide; Participant's Guide)
Author: Joni Eareckson Tada and Steven Estes, 2002
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing House
This Bible study is adapted from When God Weeps... Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty, co-authored by Tada and Estes. The documentary-style video combines Joni’s inspirational life with individual stories of suffering and grace. The complete kit includes 90 minutes of video on DVD and VHS in six 15-minute sessions, a Leader’s Guide, and Participant’s Guide. The guides and book are also sold separately.
All God’s Children
Authors:
Joni Eareckson Tada and Gene Newman
Publisher:
Zondervan Publishing House, 1993

This handbook is for pastors, elders, ministry leaders, and lay people who want to minister to people with disabilities.

Through the Roof A Guide to Assist Churches in Developing an Effective Disability Outreach
Author: Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Miller, 2002
Publisher: Joni and Friends

Is your church ready for one of the fastest growing movements in America?  This manual will explain how to prepare for a disability ministry and outreach.  Includes a ministry worker's training course, plus a myriad of recommended resources.

Disability Ministry Packet
Publisher:
Joni and Friends
This free packet offers an introduction to the programs offered by Joni and Friends, a disability ministry curriculum resource list, an accessibility checklist, general disability information, and a listing of resources that Joni and Friends offers to help a church get started in disability ministry.
CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS
OrganizationDescription
Caring Conquerors
P.O. Box 13955
Scottsdale, AZ 85267-3955
Phone: 480-948-2526
E-mail: kathy@caringconquerors.org
Website: www.caringconquerors.org

Caring Conquerors, Inc. is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian faith-based organization serving people who experience the effects of chronic, life-threatening or disabling physical health challenges, whether personally or through the life of a loved one.  We offer hope and comfort for the hurting through the use of a variety of resources; and we offer help to churches/health care professionals.

Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped (CCFH)
P.O. Box 9869
Knoxville, TN 37940
Phone: 865-546-5921
Fax: 865-525-2282
E-mail: info@ccfh.org
Website: www.ccfh.org

CCFH seeks to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities by: enabling others through training, resources, and encouragement to effectively minister with persons with disabilities; seeking partnership with individuals, churches, and other organizations to meet the physical and spiritual needs of persons with disabilities; and providing a full range of services for persons with developmental disabilities including residential options, opportunities for social interaction, and opportunities for spiritual growth

Family Connection
2712 Middleburg Drive, #103B
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 800-578-8750;
803-252-0914
Fax: 803-799-8017
E-mail: info@familyconnectionsc.org
Website: www.familyconnectionsc.org

Having a baby is one of life's greatest moments, and every parent dreams of having a happy, healthy one. So when a child with disabilities or special needs enters a family, at birth or diagnosis, it is rarely what the parents expected. Treasures are found in the unexpected, however, just as all children are a gift. Family Connection of South Carolina helps families recognize and celebrate the potential of that gift. If you have a child with special needs, we can help connect you to another parent who is a little further down the road than you and can provide you with information, support and hope for the future. 

Friendship Ministries
2215 -- 29th Street SE,#B-6
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Phone: 888-866-8966
E-mail: friendship@friendship.org
Website: www.friendship.org

Friendship Ministries is a not-for-profit organization that exists to help churches and organizations around the world share God’s love with people who have cognitive impairments.  We can provide you with: a model for ministry, help getting started, materials you can use to learn about God together, and the only Bible study available in Spanish for people with cognitive impairments.

Lift Disability Network
310 E. Pine St., Suite 150
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-210-3916
Fax: 407-835-3601
E-mail: info@
liftdisabilitynetwork.org

Website: www.ccpd.org
Lift Disability Network, formerly, The Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities, is a consortium of Christian organizations working in disability ministry. Lift Disability Network offers resource packets to help one develop a disability ministry, a quarterly newsletter, conference listings, information on how to make one's church more accessible, and more.
Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc.
13471 California Street
PO Box 5000
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 909-795-8977
Fax: 909-795-8970
E-mail: lbw@lbwinc.org
Website: www.lbwinc.org
This nonprofit organization is devoted to providing Braille and large print Bibles and Christian reading materials free to the blind and visually impaired of the world.
Mephibosheth Ministry
1406 Ranier Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: 719-633-4083
Mephibosheth Ministry is a nonprofit organization, developed to bring the Word of God to the physically and mentally challenged communities. This ministry provides curriculum and specialized training -- the necessary components to bring the Word of God to people with special needs.
Power Ministries
P.O. Box 6706
New Albany, IN 47151
Phone: 812-945-4117
E-mail: info@powerministries.org
Website: www.powerministries.org

Outreach programs include a specialized Christian camping program established for people of all ages with disabilities.  Advocacy is provided for individuals with disabilities, churches and other organizations.  Leadership training opportunities are offered through the College Internship program.

The SonShine Society
P.O. Box 327
Lynwood, WA 98046-0327
Phone: 425-353-4732
Website: www.sonshinesociety.org

The SonShine Society is an interdenominational organization for the purpose of challenging local churches and individual Christians to provide a consistent and effective Christian witness to people who, due to age or physical impairment, are unable to participate in the worship and instructional services of the Christian church. The setting is usually a Nursing Home, Care Center or other long-term medical care facility. We provide training, lesson helps, large-print tracts, and large-print scripture and songbooks.

The Special Gathering
P.O. Box 685
Cocoa, FL 32923
Phone: 321-632-0130
Fax: 321-632-5540
E-mail: rstimson@specialgatherings.com
Website: www.nbbd.com/npr/specialgathering/
In addition to offering local programs for people with mental disabilities, Special Gathering also sponsors an annual disability ministry conference, publishes Networks, a quarterly newsletter for those in specialized ministry, consults with people desiring to start a ministry, and offers advocacy, fellowship, ministry teams, training, education, and other publications.
DENOMINATIONAL
OrganizationDescription
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Disability Ministries
Division for Church in Society
8765 W. Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: 800-638-3522;
773-380-2700
Fax: 773-380-1465
E-mail: info@elca.org
Website: www.elca.org/disability
The ELCA Disability Ministries assists congregations, synods and the church-wide organization in inclusive ministry with persons who are disabled. Four networks serve as the core of the Disability Ministries: the ELCA Braille and Tape Ministry, the Lutheran Network on Mental Illness/Brain Disorders, the Lutheran Services in America-Disability Network, and the youth-led Definitely Abled Advisory Committee. Available resources include materials on inclusion and accessibility.
United Methodist Church
Health and Welfare Ministries
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, #330
New York, NY 10115
Phone: 800-554-8583
Fax: 212-870-3624
TDD: 212-870-3709
E-mail: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Website: gbgm-umc.org/health
This denomination serves persons living with physically or mentally challenging conditions, their friends, families, caretakers, lay associates, and clergy. Health and Welfare Ministries offers information related to disability concerns, with an added dimension of spiritual care. Material is available on developmental disabilities, mental illness, creative writing by or related to persons with disabilities, and resources in the area of disability ministry for both individuals and faith communities.
Anabaptist (Mennonite, Brethren)
Anabaptist Disability Network (ADNet)
P.O. Box 959
Goshen, IN 46527-0959
Phone: 877-214-9838;
574-535-7053
E-mail: adnet@adnetonline.org
Website: www.adnetonline.org

The mission of Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) is to provide encouragement and resources to congregations, families, and persons with disabilities as they identify and embrace their God-given gifts and abilities in ministry to each other and to the larger church.  ADNet was formed out of a vision of family members, friends, and persons with disabilities, including mental illness, to establish a permanent national resource and support network for Mennonites and related groups.

Assemblies of God
Special Touch Ministry, Inc.
P.O. Box 25
Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone: 715-258-2713
Fax: 715-258-2777
E-mail: ministry@specialtouch.org
Website: www.specialtouch.org

Special Touch is a non-profit Christian organization, interdenominational in scope, committed to evangelizing and providing support services to people with mental or physical disabilities, their families and caregivers. Special Touch Ministry, Inc. is supported through the prayers and gifts of concerned churches and individuals.  Special Touch is a "people helping people" ministry. It is made possible through the effort of a network of hundreds of dedicated Christian volunteers whom God calls to serve.

Church of the Brethren
Association of Brethren Caregivers
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120-1949
Phone: 847-742-5100
Fax: 847-742-6103
The Association of Brethren Caregivers develops resources, leadership, and programs within the Church of the Brethren and the wider community. A packet of material is available for presentation of a “Health Promotion Sunday” which focuses on issues of church accessibility — both in attitude and architecture. Other disability-related resources are available online found under the heading ABC Store.
Lutheran Church
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
National Christian Resource Center
600 Hoffmann Drive
Watertown, WI 53094
Phone: 800-369-4636, Ext. 4448
Fax: 920-262-6513
E-mail: ncrc@blhs.org
Website: www.blhs.org
The mission of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services is to actively teach and share Christ's love while providing benefits and services to individuals who have developmental disabilities, their families, and others who support them. Bethesda sponsors the National Christian Resource Center. The Center offers information on religious programming, printed and video resources, workshops and seminars for pastors, church workers, volunteers, and parents.
Lutheran Disability Ministries (LDM)
LDM, Inc.
4038 S. Ridgeview Road
Anderson, IN 46013
Phone: 765-642-9902;
877-642-9902
Fax: 765-643-9906
Email: info@ldminc.org
Website: www.ldminc.org

LDM, Inc. equips the Church to minister with persons who are mentally impaired. Through innovative programs, we evangelize, develop relationships, model servanthood, and disciple leaders.  Our goal is to equip Christian congregations to get involved in the lives of those who are mentally impaired and transform the Church through the combined gifts present in persons who are mentally impaired and those who fellowship with them.

Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA)
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202-1396
Phone: 502-569-5000;
888-728-7228, xt 5800
Fax: 502-569-8005
E-mail: ntroy@ctr.pcusa.org
Website: www.pcusa.org/phewa
PCUSA issues a newsletter that includes stories of persons coping with disabilities, suggestions for improving accessibility in structures and attitudes, as well as other disability resources. “Access Sunday” is observed annually and a packet of materials is available to churches each year to assist them in this observance.
Stephen Ministries
2045 Innerbelt Business Ctr Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63114-5765
Phone: 314-428-2600
Fax: 314-428-7888
Website: www.stephenministries.org

Stephen Ministries offers books, courses, videos, training conferences, and ministry systems to fit the needs of every Christian congregation and adult education ministry, as well as to equip individuals for ministry and leadership in daily life.

 

 

DISABILITY MINISTRY EDUCATION
OrganizationDescription

NACSPED
P.O. Box 7415
Redlands , CA  92375

Phone: 951-343-4489

E-mail: mail@nacsped.com

Website: http://nacsped.com

The mission of NACSPED is to facilitate the integration and participation of people with disabilities into the Christian community. The Church will be faithful to God’s command to love, value and serve one another through the full participation of individuals with disabilities in the Christian community.  It is our desire to bring special educators together for encouragement and professional growth.

Johnson Bible College
Disability Ministry
7900 Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37998
Phone: 865-573-4517
Fax: 865-251-2337
E-mail: jbc@jbc.edu
Website: www.jbc.edu
Taught by Jim Pierson, who is the President of Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped and has authored many disability-related books, these courses offer extensive knowledge into how to minister to and with the disability community. Johnson Bible College is one of the very few Christian colleges that offers B.A. and B.S. programs in disability ministry. The student can choose to either major or minor in this field of study.
Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS)
Virtual Campus
2101 Carmel Road
Charlotte, NC 28226-6318
Phone: 704-366-4853
E-mail: distance.education@rts.edu
Website: www.rtsvirtual.edu
Disabilities and the Church is a course offered through RTS for personal enrichment, to receive an RTS Certificate, or for working toward an accredited Master of Arts Degree. This course is designed to equip the Church to minister to those with special needs and help them take their places in the body of Christ.
ADDITIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OrganizationDescription
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
444 N. Capitol St. NW, Suite 846
Washington, DC 20001-1512
Phone: 800-424-3688
Fax: 202-387-2193
E-mail: anam@aaidd.org
Website: www.aaidd.org
Members of the AAIDD represent many faith groups, professions, ministries and services, and countries. In addition to its resource directory, Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, it offers conferences, a quarterly newsletter, books, religious education resources, and collaboration with other organizations involved in ministry.
Everybody Counts, Inc.
P.O. Box 40662
Cincinnati, OH 45240
Phone: 513-931-4029
E-mail: info@EverybodyCounts.net
Everybody Counts, a program offered in public schools to promote disability awareness among students, is provided through the Enrichment Tree. Students will learn through first hand activities what it is like to have a mental or physical disability. Everybody Counts encourages inclusion and friendship within the able-bodied and disabled student body.
National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)
10400 Connecticut Avenue, #500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
Phone: 800-896-3650;
301-942-6430
Fax: 301-942-2302
E-mail: info@thefamilycaregiver.org
Website: www.nfcacres.org
As a grass roots organization, NFCA was created to educate, support, empower, and speak up for millions of Americans who are caregivers. While family caregivers focus on their loved one’s needs, NFCA focuses on family caregivers. It offers several publications regarding caregiving topics such as newsletters, pamphlets, kits, books, and more.
National Organization on Disability (NOD)
910 16th Street, N.W., #600
Washington, D.C. 20006
Phone: 202-293-5960
TTY: 202-293-5968
Fax: 202-293-7999
E-mail: ability@nod.org
Website: www.nod.org
The National Organization on Disability promotes the full and equal participation of Americans with disabilities in all aspects of life. NOD has many disability-related programs and publications, such as: The Religion & Disability Program, That All May Worship, the NOD/Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities, and Accessible Congregations Campaign.
New Brunswick Easter Seal March of Dimes
65 Brunswick Street
Fredericton, NB E3B 1G5
CANADA
Phone: 506-458-8739
Fax: 506-457-2863
E-mail: (Available via website)
Website: www.easterseals.nb.ca
New Brunswick Easter Seal March of Dimes is a disability-based organization offering a wide variety of resources. It produces a CD-Rom which focuses on Disability Awareness Training (DAT). This all-extensive, interactive CD-Rom is helpful in any type of outreach to the disability community.
Pathways to Promise
5400 Arsenal Street
St. Louis, MO 63139
Fax: 314-877-6405
E-mail: pathways@mimh.edu
Website: www.pathways2promise.org
Pathways was founded by 14 faith groups and mental health organizations to facilitate the faith community’s work in reaching out to those with mental illnesses and their families. Informational booklets, resources, curriculum, pamphlets, videos, etc., are available through Pathways.
Last Updated: June 11th, 2009

Joni and Friends can assume no liability in the recommendation of any product, service or organization, nor does this constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to evaluate these resources yourself. Please note that these are not necessarily Christian organizations. We do our best to keep our resource information up to date. If you know of an update that needs to be made, please don't hesitate to let us know. Simply email us at resources@joniandfriends.org and don't forget to include the name of the list from which the information belongs

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