Joni Eareckson Tada Receives 2026 Key Ministries President’s Award
AGOURA HILLS, CA, August 3, 2026 – “No living person has done more to advance the cause of disability inclusion in the worldwide church than Joni Eareckson Tada.” Those are the words that Key Ministries President Dr. Stephen Grcevich used to describe the Founder of Joni and Friends when they announced her as the recipient of Key Ministries 2026 President’s Award at the organization’s annual Disability and the Church Conference at McLean Bible Church in Virginia this April.
Dr. Grcevich stated that there can’t be a Baseball Hall of Fame without Babe Ruth or the Basketball Hall of Fame without Michael Jordan. In the same way, inducting Joni Eareckson Tada into the Key Ministries President’s Award adds deep significance to the honor itself. “By launching the international disability ministry Joni and Friends in 1979, Joni provided the foundation for all subsequent disability ministry efforts,” Grcevich said. In the 47 years since its founding, Joni and Friends has distributed over 250,000 wheelchairs to low-resource countries through Wheels for the World® and served over 100,000 individuals with disabilities and their families at Retreats & Getaways.
And Joni’s work is not done.
Joni and Friends is partnering with Key Ministries on four other gatherings throughout the year. Known as the Disability and the Church Tour, Joni and Friends® and Key Ministries are hosting regional events, known as Tour Stops, across the country in 2026. These Tour Stops are designed to equip churches to welcome and disciple individuals and families impacted by disability, mental health, and trauma. The intent is to bring disability and mental health ministry training closer to home.
Tour Stops will include Cleveland, Ohio on August 7, as well as Nashville, Tennessee on October 2, Jacksonville, Florida on October 16 and Phoenix, Arizona on November 13.
These events, which will last one to two days, are designed to bring practical Disability and the Church training within a day’s drive of local churches. Each stop includes an optional ministry intensive followed by a full conference day with worship, practical breakout sessions, and Gospel-centered equipping.
Tour Stops are designed for pastors, church staff, ministry leaders, volunteers, Christian school educators, and family members interested in practical training. Whether your church is just beginning a disability ministry or looking to strengthen an existing one, Tour Stops will offer encouragement and tools that can be applied right away.
About Joni and Friends : For more than 45 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability across the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World, Retreats & Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts. To find out more, please visit www.joniandfriends.org.
Media Contact:
Amy Hurtado
[email protected]
818.575.1766
Key Ministry Tour Stops
Key Ministry Tour Stops are regional, 1–1.5 day events designed to bring practical Disability & the Church training closer to local churches within a day’s drive. Each stop includes an optional ministry intensive followed by a full conference day with worship, practical breakout sessions, and gospel-centered equipping to help churches welcome and disciple individuals and families impacted by disability, mental health, and trauma.
