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JA Family Summit

July 16-19, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana

This annual event premiered in 1984 in Keystone, Colorado, bringing together children living with JA and their families to learn, exchange tips, make new friends and have fun.

The annual JA Family Summit (previously known as the National JA Conference) is the Arthritis Foundation’s signature, nationwide event for families affected by juvenile arthritis and childhood rheumatic diseases. This four-day educational summit focuses on health, wellness and fun for families, children/teens (ages 6 months and up) and young adults (ages 18-30) affected by JA and related childhood rheumatic diseases. Throughout the Summit, kids and teens sessions are grouped by age, with age-appropriate activities planned for each.
2026 JA Family Summit

The 2026 JA Family Summit will be held July 16-19 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Registration opens January 2026.

JA Family

As a family in our first year of dealing with JIA, this event gave us hope. We have hope because we have a supportive network and a partner to help us find a cure and better treatments. The warmness we received at this event shifted our perspective and lifted our hearts. We have hope today because we do not feel alone on this journey.

JA Family

For Caregivers, Young Adults, Teens & Children
JA Family Summit Programming & Sessions

For Caregivers, Young Adults, Teens & Children

Programming at JA Family Summit is developed with the needs of parents, caregivers, young adults, teens and young children in mind. Topics vary each year and are determined with input from medical professionals, patient education experts, and attendee surveys. Sessions cover topics like navigating insurance, diagnosis tips, family dynamics, mental health and more.

Programming Tracks

Parents & Caregivers

Our programming for parents and caregivers is central to the JA Family Summit experience. We ensure that childcare needs are met with the help of Corporate Kids Events, Inc., to allow parents and caregivers the time needed to hear from experts and meet a supportive community of JA parents.

Young Adults

Young adults are offered a special track of sessions that reflect their unique needs, including transitioning to their own adult insurance, selecting health care providers and managing responsibilities related to their care. 

Teens & Children

For teens and younger kids, programming is intended to be fun, engaging and beneficial to their overall well-being. With our childcare provider, CKE, and our team of committee members and patient education experts, we develop activities that help kids learn about their health and meet others like them. 
On-site Childcare Partner

Safe, Professional Childcare On-Site

As our childcare partner for over a decade, Corporate Kids Events, Inc. (CKE) has provided professional childcare services across North America. They emphasize high security standards, including staff background checks, and secure, multi-level check-ins and robust check-out protocols. Their management team brings special needs educational programming experience and a nationwide network of highly qualified staff.

Safe, Professional Childcare On-Site

2026 JA Family Summit - Indianapolis, Indiana
July 16-19, 2026

Registration includes educational sessions for parents/caregivers, young adults (ages 18-30), kids (ages 6 months and up) and teen-specific programs and activities; siblings are also invited. In addition to the educational programming, registration includes six meals, breakfast and lunch (Friday) breakfast and closing dinner (Saturday), a light continental breakfast (Sunday) and attendee T-shirts.

The safety and security of our summit attendees is important to us. Therefore, registration for every family member attending any portion of summit events (adult and child) is required. Walk-up or onsite registrations are not available.

Volunteer at JA Family Summit
We Need Your Help

Volunteer at JA Family Summit

Volunteers are the backbone of the JA Family Summit, and we appreciate your interest in being one. We offer a variety of support roles for qualified volunteers. Attendees ages 18 and older can select preferred volunteer shift days/times once JA Family Summit registration opens. Learn more about our year-round volunteer opportunities.

Learn More
2024 JA Family Summit
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2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit
2024 JA Family Summit

National Sponsors

Thank you to our 2025 JA Family Summit sponsors for making this incredible opportunity possible.

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