Disability Etiquette (Part 1): How to Build Genuine Friendships

By Joni and Friends|Published On: January 31, 2019|Categories: For the Church, Podcast|

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Do you have questions about disability etiquette? You may have heard the “do’s and don’ts” of communication and interaction, but is that what someone with a disability is really looking for? In part 1 of our Crystal’s conversation about disability etiquette, she talks with her friends Tracey Motoda and Scott Bankhead, both wheelchair users with physical disabilities.

They share personal experiences – what has been helpful and what has been hurtful – as well as ways to identify and remove the barriers and misunderstandings about having a relationship with someone who has a disability. Learn how you can build genuine friendships with people impacted by disability in your community.

Our valued coworker and beloved friend Scott Bankhead went to be with Jesus in 2025 after a valiant battle with cancer. During his eight years working with us at Joni and Friends, Scott spent his days ministering to people struggling with disability, illness, mental health issues, and grief. In addition to providing biblical encouragement through phone conversations, Scott wrote over 12,000 individual messages to people searching for hope—pointing each one toward a relationship with Jesus.