At only 17, a diving accident made Joni Eareckson Tada a quadriplegic. After writing a book and movie that catapulted her onto the national stage, she founded Joni and Friends in 1979 to bring Christian ministry to the disability community. Since then, Joni has worked tirelessly to fight for the rights and spiritual needs of disabled people throughout the world, influencing both the church and government to take action on disability issues. She created the International Disability Center and Wheels for the World, a program that has refurbished and donated over 52,000 wheelchairs worldwide. Joni also served on the National Council on Disability, and has become a renowned author and painter.
In Words:
“You might not be paralyzed like me, in a wheelchair. But perhaps you feel handicapped, or even crippled by your own life circumstances, whatever they might be. Well, friend, let me assure you that the same God of the universe who enables me to smile, sitting in a wheelchair, is the same God who can power you in your own limitations. “
In Deeds:
Founded Joni and Friends (JAF) to bring Christian ministry to the disability community
Created the International Disability Center (IDC)
Started Wheels for the World, a program that refurbishes and donates wheelchairs to people in developing nations