Other Christian Disability Organisations
Joni and Friends: Joni Eareckson Tada founded this American based ministry in 1979 to communicate the gospel and equip Christ-honouring churches worldwide to evangelise and disciple people affected by disabilities. Elevate is a "partner organisation" with this ministry.
Christian Blind Mission (CBM): CBM are a non-denominational development organisation following the example of Jesus Christ, by witnessing to God's unconditional love in our service of children and families affected by poverty, blindness, hearing impairment or disability.
Christian Churches Disability Ministry (CCDM): For over 30 years CCDM have operated campus homes, in America, providing residential care for adults with developmental disabilities. In addition, they provide resources and ministry to churches, encouraging others to become involved in ministry to the disability community.
Friendship Ministries: For 30 years this organisation has helped equip churches around the world to include and share God’s love, with people with intellectual disabilities. They can provide a model for ministry, resources, consultation, training and encouragement.
Through the Roof: Through the Roof is a UK based Christian charity working with people with disabilities in the UK and overseas.
New Zealand Bible Colleges
Carey Baptist College: Carey is a Bible and theological College, based in Auckland, where you can train for mission and ministry for whatever God uses you now or in the future.
Faith Bible College: The mission of this Tauranga based College is to prepare servant leaders for the end time global harvest, who manifest the character of Christ and who minister in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Through their unique blend of academic training and practical ministry experience Faith have been training and equipping people for over 40 years. Significant people in Elevate, including one of the co-founders, Margie Willers, and many other people with disabilities have gone through this College over the years.
Laidlaw College: Have been teaching, training and mentoring New Zealand Christians for years. They have centres around the country (and also online through their website).
Other Christian Ministries And Useful Christian Resources
Alpha New Zealand: The Alpha course is a 15-session practical introduction to the Christian faith. It is designed primarily for non-churchgoers and new Christians...
Bible.org: Provides completely free Bible course resources.
BibleGateway.com: The Bible Gateway is a tool for reading and researching scripture online -- all in the language or translation of your choice and more...
Childrens Bible Ministries (CBM): CBM is committed to “Helping You Reach Today’s Children”. They are a non-denominational, non-profit organisation with branches in several countries. They helped establish Philippines CFFD (PCFFD) in co-operation with Elevate.
Christian Answers Network: Their primary goal is to provide accurate, biblical answers on a wide variety of questions asked by Christians and non-Christians.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library: This site has useful study tools including an online Study Bible and Bible Browser, Free Christian classic books and more...
E-Sword: This is completely free to download and makes a very useful software package enabling you to study the Bible both fast and effectively.
Greg Laurie Crusades: Greg Laurie and his (United States based) Harvest Crusade came to Auckland in 2011. Churches around Auckland united to be a part of this event. A large number of people attended and a huge number made commitments to Christ. For more information on future crusades please see their website.
I Lift My Eyes Ministry: I Lift My Eyes is possibly one of the largest directories of Christian links.
Large Print Bible: You have a choice of large print or audio and a choice of Bible editions and other resources.
Logos Bible Software: Top of the range software, from Home Library to Scholar's Library.
Olive Tree Software: The Bible Study app for iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac.
Rhema Media: Connecting Kiwis to Christ through media. They operate three Christian radio stations (Radio Rhema, Life FM, and Southern Star), a Christian TV station (Shine TV), quarterly Bible reading notes (The Word for Today and Word for You Today), and the Rhema Media app.
Recommended Resources for Understanding Trauma and Stress
Ambitious About Autism. (2020, June 12). Understanding behaviour: The iceberg model [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OHc1CdjCUg0
Anna Freud UK Trauma Council. (2021, February 17). Childhood trauma and the brain [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/xYBUY1kZpf8
Kids Helpline. (2021, August 6). Exploring anxiety and stress management (teens) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GQSfW4xrKSk
Mental Health Center Kids. (2020, September 15). Fight, flight, freeze response: Anxiety & stress – The downside of the survival brain [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/r3m-h-GV-n8
Science Animated. (2019, March 25). Training your brain to cope with stress [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OteFky2NEHc
Recommended Resources for Active-Listening
RSA. (2013, December 10). Brené Brown on empathy [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw
RocketKids. (2020, September 14). 3 ways to be a better listener [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/mnUp7WgZ2TU
SpunOut.ie. (2018, October 24). 6 tips for active listening #LittleThings [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/oWe_ogA5YCU
Recommended Resources for Neurodivergence - Autism
Autism New Zealand
Autism New Zealand is here to provide services and support, education and information on autism for autistic people and family/ whānau, caregivers, and professionals who engage with them.
They offer various in person courses developed under their Tilting The Seesaw programme as well as individualised training programmes for your campsite. They also have available a large selection of resources and articles to help you understand and support a person with Autism or neurodivergent individuals (including anxiety and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D)).
Autism New Zealand. (n.d.). Support, services and resources. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://www.autismnz.org.nz
Ambitious About Autism. (2020, June 12). Understanding behaviour: The iceberg model [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OHc1CdjCUg0
Amazing Things Project. (2017, April 2). Amazing things happen! (Introduction to autism) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Ezv85LMFx2E
Anna Freud UK Trauma Council. (2021, February 17). Childhood trauma and the brain [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/xYBUY1kZpf8
Griffin Occupational Therapy
This resource investigates ‘Sensory regulation strategies’, explaining what they are and how they can help your own child or the young people you are working with.
Griffin OT. (n.d.). Sensory regulation strategies: What are they and how can they help your child? https://griffinot.com/sensory-regulation-strategies-what-are-they-and-how-can-they-help-your-child/
Kids Helpline. (2021, August 6). Exploring anxiety and stress management (teens) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GQSfW4xrKSk
Mental Health Center Kids. (2020, September 15). Fight, flight, freeze response: Anxiety & stress – The downside of the survival brain [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/r3m-h-GV-n8
Parent to Parent – About Autism: A Guide to Autism in Childhood
An online resource designed to inform, empower and build understanding around your child. It’s packed with down-to-earth info, real-life insights and guidance to help whānau feel more confident and connected on their journey.
Parent to Parent NZ. (n.d.). About autism: A guide to autism in childhood. https://parent2parent.org.nz/resource-hub/about-autism-a-guide-to-autism-in-childhood/
Recommended Resources for Neurodivergence - ADHD
ADHD Foundation. (n.d.). ADHD and routines [Video]. https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources/parents-carers-adhd-and-routines-video
ADHD Foundation. (n.d.). ADHD and sleep [Video]. https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources/parents-carers-adhd-and-sleep-video
ADHD Foundation. (2022). An employer’s guide to ADHD in the workplace. https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/An-Employers-Guide-to-ADHD-in-the-Workplace-Scottish-ADHD-Coalition-1.pdf
ADHD New Zealand. (n.d.). What is ADHD? Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://www.adhd.org.nz/navigating-adhd/what-is-adhd
Recommended Resources for Mental Health Conditions
Headspace Australia. (n.d.). Mental health support for young people. https://headspace.org.au
IHDCYH Talks. (2015, December 17). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Impact on brain, body and behaviour [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/W-8jTTIsJ7Q
MindMatters Australia. (2016, April 14). Module 1.3a – What is mental health? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ArOTqcMH2G0
Mental Health Center Kids. (2021, July 5). Depression for kids – Coping skills for low & depressed mood [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qDeU72FtWjQ
Science Animated. (2019, March 25). Training your brain to cope with stress [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OteFky2NEHc
Recommended Resources for Cognitive Disability
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD). (2016, October 20). Disability awareness: Intellectual disability [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PzPkt9vri3E
Recommended Resources for Physical Disability
HiHo Kids. (2017, July 5). Kids meet a person with cerebral palsy [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ty8H5aAuxzE
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD). (2016, October 20). Disability awareness: Physical disability [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/7RXfmlnbOFs
The Centre for Education and Youth. (2021, August 30). Introduction to physical disability [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/TcJcIOpF2T0
Recommended Resources for Deaf or Hearing Impairment
Merge NZ. (2019). Sign language myth busters – Meeting a Deaf person [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/--57W_bo6Rw
Recommended Resources for Blind and Low Vision
Blind Low Vision NZ. (n.d.). Accessible signage guidelines: Braille, tactile and clear print. https://blindlowvision.org.nz/resources/accessibility-guidelines/
Foundation Fighting Blindness. (2020, July 9). #ShareYourVision | How to assist a visually impaired person [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Z-zbJiGg5Jk
The Foreseeable Future Foundation. (2020, February 3). A day in the life with a visual impairment [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/vNl82erUxJ8
Tulane University. (2022, January 10). Do’s and don’ts of service dogs with TUSTEP [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hr8NZYLk_DQ
Vision Australia. (2021, March 17). Dos and don'ts: Guiding someone who is blind or has low vision [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PBQiVGAgG_A
Recommended Resources for Speech Impairment
AceDisability. (2018, June 4). Working with people who have a speech impairment [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OjrCzGz8qy0
Pillai, R. (2018, December 10). The invisible challenges of stuttering | Ruban Pillai | TEDxFolkestone [Video]. TEDx Talks. https://youtu.be/Rt0VLUqVv2w
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust. (2016, July 6). Communicating with people with learning disabilities [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/TPDxa7NzLCY
Recommended Resources for Non-Verbal or Non-Speaking Communication
7 Stream Media. (2017, October 24). TALK TO ME | Physical disability awareness [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/CL8GMxRW_5Y
BBC Ideas. (2022, May 13). Inside my autistic mind | BBC Ideas [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/AHKVKXX1oMw
Madison House Autism Foundation. (2019, April 5). The Real Boys | Non-verbal friends with autism communicate by typing [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/3TWNgMJ9qYU
Other Recommended Online Resources
Youth Work Code of Ethics – Ara Taiohi
Ara Taiohi. (n.d.). Code of Ethics. https://arataiohi.org.nz/career/code-of-ethics/
New South Wales Department of Education - Inclusive Practice Hub
A platform that provides resources for schools to support students with disability and additional needs.
Access easy to download and print materials, learn from practical online resources and utilise evidence-based strategies to support and strengthen inclusive practice in schools. Although it is aimed at schools, the information is relevant and practical in most camp settings as well.
Education NSW. (n.d.). Inclusive practice hub. https://education.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/inclusive-practice-hub
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. (n.d.). Sunflower membership plans. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://hdsunflower.com/au/sunflower-membership-plans
Hope Heals
Katherine and Jay Wolf—survivors, communicators, and advocates. They use their lives to champion the truth that suffering and joy can coexist in your good/hard story.
Hope Heals. (n.d.). Hope Heals community. https://hopeheals.com
Sensory Disabilities
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD). (2017, January 12). Disability awareness: Sensory disability [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/51lSXBZCBeA
Web-Accessibility Standards New Zealand
New Zealand Digital Government. (n.d.). NZ Government Web Standards. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://www.digital.govt.nz/standards-and-guidance/nz-government-web-standards
Our Place Christian Communities
Our Place inspires churches to build living relationships of mutual discipleship with people with disability. They resource the Christian community to practise inclusion through church training events, consultation with church leaders, support workers, and families.
Our Place Christian Communities. (n.d.). Inclusion and discipleship. https://ourplacecc.org.au