1. Joni Eareckson Tada
The Person
The disability
The Device

2. JONI EARECKSON TADA Born on October 15, 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Pronounced “Johnny” because she was named after her father.
Youngest in her family of four girls.
enjoyed outdoor activities with her family:
horseback riding
camping trips
tennis
swimming.

3. JONI EARECKSON TADA (CONT.)
In June 1967, she graduated with academic honors from Woodlawn Senior High School.
17 year old, Joni Eareckson Tada’s life will be changed forever on a hot day on July 30, 1967
She had a diving accident and broke her neck, fracturing between the fourth and fifth cervical levels of the spinal cord.

4. The Disability C4 and C5 Spinal Cord Injury
Able to move her head and neck
Complete paralysis of her body and legs.
Needs assistance to transfer to and from wheelchair
Needs assistance with her with household chores
Needs assistance with washing, dressing of self

5. Living With Disability
Joni’s faith in God helped her to accomplish the following:
Artist: painted and drawn over 140 pieces of art by using her mouth
Writer: wrote over 30 books
Radio host: Program is heard daily all over the world
Founder of Joni and friends
ministry helping the disabled
Married to Ken Tada since 1982.

6. The Device Joni’s Adapted Van The Wheel chair Has no steering wheel
All of the driving functions are combined by a single lever system
Joni uses an electric powered wheel chair
for mobility.

7. The Device Spork: Joni uses a spork that has been bent to eat with.
The bent spork goes into the pocket of the splint