For 30 years now, Joni and Friends International Disability Center has been dedicated to accelerating ministry to people who are affected by disability, whether it is the disabled person, a family member or friend. Joni and Friends' objective is to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of this group of people in practical ways, while extending the love and message of Christ to them.

Joni and Friends was established in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada, who at 17 was injured in a diving accident, leaving her in a quadriplegic state, unable to move the lower half of her body, and have minimal use of her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, Joni re-entered the community with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations.

Today, the Joni and Friends International Disability Center (IDC) serves as the administrative center for ministries which provide outreach to thousands of families affected by disability around the globe. These include the radio and television ministries, the Wheels for the World international wheelchair distribution ministry, Family Retreats to provide respite for those with disabilities and their families, Field Services to provide church training along with educational and inspirational resources at a local level, and the Christian Institute on Disability (CID) to establish a firm biblical worldview on disability-related issues.