Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni Eareckson Tada is a respected global leader in disability advocacy, as well as a celebrated Christian author.

Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others in similar conditions. Tada serves as CEO of Joni and Friends, which provides support services for thousands of families that struggle with disability. During her tenure on the National Council on Disability, the ADA was passed and signed into law. Tada also served on the Disability Advisory Committee under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The Colson Center on Christian Worldview awarded Joni Tada its prestigious William Wilberforce Award, and she also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Christian Leadership Alliance.

Tada is an avid mentor of young people with disabling conditions and an effective communicator, sharing her inspirational message through books, artwork, radio and other media.  

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