Joni Eareckson Tada facts for kids

Joni Eareckson Tada (born October 15, 1949) is an American author, artist, and singer. She is also a well-known Christian radio host and a strong voice for people with disabilities. She founded the organization Joni and Friends, which helps people with disabilities and their families around the world.

Early Life and Accident

Joni Eareckson was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1949. She was the youngest of four daughters. Her father was an athlete who was part of the U.S. wrestling team for the 1932 Summer Olympics. Joni was named after him, which is why her name is pronounced "Johnny."

Growing up, Joni was very active. She loved riding horses, hiking, playing tennis, and swimming. But on July 30, 1967, her life changed forever. When she was 17, she dove into the Chesapeake Bay without realizing how shallow the water was. The accident injured her spinal cord, leaving her paralyzed from the shoulders down. This condition is called quadriplegia.

Overcoming Challenges

After her accident, Joni spent two years in rehabilitation. It was a very difficult time for her. She felt angry, sad, and unsure about her faith. But during her recovery, she discovered a new talent. In occupational therapy, she learned how to paint by holding a brush between her teeth.

Her art became very popular, and she started selling her paintings. She also learned to write this way, though she now uses voice recognition software for most of her writing. Joni has written more than 40 books, recorded music albums, and even starred in a movie about her own life.

Her first book was an autobiography called Joni. It became a bestseller around the world and was translated into many languages. In 1980, the book was made into a movie of the same name, with Joni playing herself.

Joni and Friends Ministry

In 1979, Joni started an organization called Joni and Friends. Its goal is to support Christian ministry for people in the disability community. The organization has grown to include many programs that help people worldwide.

One of its longest-running programs is a daily radio show called "Joni and Friends Radio," which started in 1982. She also records a one-minute feature called "Diamonds in the Dust." Both shows have won awards for being excellent radio programs.

Other programs run by Joni and Friends include:

• Family Retreats: These are special camps that give families affected by disability a chance to have fun and connect with others.
• Wheels for the World: This program collects used wheelchairs, gets them fixed up by volunteers, and gives them to people in developing countries who need them.

President George W. Bush with disability advocates, including Joni Eareckson Tada (center, to the right of the lectern), in 2002.

Public Life and Advocacy

Joni Eareckson Tada is a powerful advocate for people with disabilities. In 1988, she was appointed to the National Council on Disability. This council helped write the first draft of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an important law that protects the rights of people with disabilities in the United States.

She is also a popular speaker at conferences around the world. She has appeared on TV shows like Larry King Live and has written articles for many newspapers and magazines. In 2009, she joined other Christian leaders in signing the Manhattan Declaration, a statement about their shared beliefs on important social issues.

Music and Books

In 2014, Joni sang the title song for the Christian movie Alone yet Not Alone. Because her disability affects her breathing, her husband Ken had to push on her chest to help her sing the high notes. The song was nominated for an Academy Award, but the nomination was later withdrawn. Still, the song became very popular, and the video of her performance has been viewed millions of times on YouTube.

Joni has written over 48 books about her faith and her experiences with disability. Many of her books are for children. Her book Tell Me The Promises won a Gold Medallion award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers' Association.

Personal Life

Joni married Ken Tada in 1982. Ken was a high school history teacher and is now retired. They live in Calabasas, California.

Joni has also faced health challenges in her adult life. In 2010, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After treatment, she was declared cancer-free in 2015. The cancer returned in 2018, but after more treatment, she was again declared cancer-free in July 2019.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her life, Joni has received many awards for her work and courage. She has been honored by the National Religious Broadcasters, the National Association of Evangelicals, and Biola University. She has also received several honorary degrees from colleges and universities in recognition of her incredible impact on the world.

See also

In Spanish: Joni Eareckson Tada para niños