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One of the gifts God has given to both Jerry and Joan Borton is the ability to enjoy public speaking. Likely, many of you reading this are one of the Americans who identify speaking publicly as one of their greatest fears; but not the Bortons.

Perhaps you saw photos of events where they have spoken or read about speaking proposals they are submitting and wonder what in the world they speak about. Here are some of their favorite topics, briefly explained.

Disability Culture and the Church – The Church and the Disability Rights Movement have an uneasy relationship. Before a local church even begins to embrace disability, they may face distrust or apathy. This session shares a user-friendly history of the disability rights movement and looks at ways the Church has responded over the years.

Introduction to Disability Ministry in the Church – It is wonderful when a local church wants to welcome and reach out to individuals and families affected by disability. Heart attitude is certainly the place to start. This session will help you avoid some common mistakes and look at two Bible stories of Jesus interactions with people with disabilities.

Anger, Disability and the Hope of the Gospel – Not every person affected by disability is angry, but many are. In this session Jerry helps people to understand the root of that anger, ways to use that anger for good and ultimately how the truth of the Gospel achieves what anger never could.

A Realistic View of the Value and Giftedness of People with Disabilities – The word “realistic” is thrown around way too early and often when discussing the future of a person with a disability. This session shares some of Jerry’s story, and that of others affected by disability who have found their giftedness and calling by refusing to  accept what was allegedly realistic. It brings us to the bottom line of Whose Am I? and Who Am I?

Leadership Lessons Learned through Disability – Having lived as a person with a disability for sixty years who founded three non-profits and served in leadership positions in national and international organizations Jerry has learned a thing or two about Leadership. In this session he shares lessons applicable to anyone who wants to be a leader, or already is (whether they have a disability or not).

The Third Wheel in Marriage – Jerry and Joan are in their 25th year of marriage. They have found that though the general foundations of marriage are unchanging, there are many nuances that disability brings to a marriage, acting as third wheel. This workshop discusses those differences and provides practical help for both the couple, as well as tips on how a local church or community can help support a marriage in which one spouse has a disability.

You Know You’re a Caregiver When . . . – Not only has Joan been a caregiver in marriage, but she has forty years experience working with and encouraging caregivers. This talk will share humorous and poignant examples and lessons gleaned from caregivers over the years.

Caregiving When you Just Don’t Care – As much as any family caregiver loves the person, they have the privilege of caring for, some days that privilege feels like a huge burden. The last thing the caregiver wants to do is extend care. They are burned out, depressed and just plain tired. Joan helps caregivers identify these feelings and find the courage to start again. Friends and Church communities also benefit from this session by learning more about the life of a caregiver and are encouraged with ways to walk the journey with a family caregiver.

Life Hacks for Living with Disability – In this session Jerry seeks to encourage young people living with disability to those newly diagnosed. He offers “ticks of the trade” that allow one to be more fully engaged with their community.

Two Things My Wheelchair Can’t Do (designed for K – elementary age) – Jerry loves speaking with children. They are intrigued by the lights and features of his wheelchair and tools that aid his daily living. As the children ask questions and try some of these aids Jerry shares the two most important things his wheelchair cannot do: 1) be his friend and 2) tell him about Jesus. He asks the audience if they will do those things for people with disability they may meet.

Jerry and Joan have experience speaking to groups of 2 to groups of several hundred. Their audiences have included business leaders, faith-based groups, families affected by disability, a police department, elementary schools, colleges, and conferences. They can adapt their style to reach those from Kindergarten age through senior adults.

Links to previous speaking engagements are available upon request.

Luke 14 Exchange also develops speaking topics as requested or needed by a group. Please let us know if there is something you’d like to hear more about.

You can schedule or get more information by calling 863-940-3816 or emailing [email protected]