The Joni and Friends Capstone Internship provides graduate students with the opportunity to complete their final capstone project in the context of hands-on disability ministry. This program is meant to assist early career professionals (i.e. Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and special educators) in finding the pathway to connect their vocation to God’s global mission. Every Joni and Friends Capstone Intern is given meaningful opportunities to use their gifts and talents to serve people living with disability.

Location

Virtual, International Disability Center, field office, or with global partners

Cost

Varies by duration and location (virtual internships available)

Deadlines

Spring 2026, Apply by Oct 31
Fall 2026, Apply by May 31

University Partnership

Under the supervision of a university faculty member and Joni and Friends Internship staff member, the capstone intern can earn credit for his/her project while benefitting people living with disability. Every intern at Joni and Friends is granted the opportunity to harmonize their specific area of interest and skill sets to fulfill their university requirements. Our aim is that this project serves as a catalyst for interns to develop as leaders and take the next step in discerning use of their technical skills to build the kingdom of God.

Theology of Disability and Suffering

Beyond Suffering is the flagship curriculum of the Christian Institute on Disability at Joni and Friends. This core text was created to transform the way Christians view God’s plan for disability and suffering through biblical education on the theology of suffering with practical application on building disability ministries that serve people living with disability. Capstone interns complete this 16-week course under supervision of Joni and Friends leadership during their internship.

Empirical Research/Program Development

In partnership with faculty advisors, a capstone project will be completed under the supervision of an Internship staff member, in collaboration with one or more Joni and Friends domestic or international partners. Past projects have included conducting research related to Joni and Friends programs, teaching opportunities, and developing programs and resources to equip the local church to serve people living with disabilities.

A Capstone intern may also have the opportunity to serve as a volunteer at a Family Retreat as well as through our International Family Retreats and Wheels for the World outreach programs to be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting real needs through therapeutic intervention and education.

Logistics

Capstone Internships are flexible in length and timing, depending upon university requirements. If housing, meals, and travel are required for the implementation of a capstone project, the intern will be able to fundraise through Joni and Friends. The Internship department staff will facilitate logistics as needed. Please send all information and internship requirements to [email protected].

“The capstone internship was a game changer for me–allowing me the unique opportunity to grow my developing skillset in occupational therapy while preparing me to live out the gospel through this lens in serving individuals with disabilities.” – Olivia Batchelor, Capstone Intern, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

If all internship positions are filled, your application will be added to our waitlist, and you will be notified if an opportunity becomes available.

*Subsidies are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. College credit may also be available depending on the requirements of your university.