I gave up on subscribing to practically all magazines a couple of years ago, but one subscription I am glad I kept is New Mobility Magazine . If you aren't familiar with New Mobility, it is a monthly magazine available online and in print. I prefer the print version. It touts itself as the magazine for active wheelchair users, but I actually find it very inclusive of all disabilities. They are one of the few publications that make disability be a lifestyle and not a "condition." 

From its website: New Mobility was launched in 1989 to bring quality journalism to an underserved readership. Founder Sam Maddox recognized a community of wheelchair users who wanted more information on how to lead active, healthy lives and were willing to speak openly about everything from so-called "walking programs" to sexuality. He tapped seasoned writers with disabilities and college interns alike to produce a unique resource that shattered stereotypes and told real stories of living life on wheels. United Spinal Association acquired New Mobility in 2010.

And yes, while a lot of their content is specific to wheelchair users, they approach the challenges of being disabled to an audience they know don't all use wheelchairs. For example, the March 2021 cover story is "Getting a New Chair: Why is it so Difficult?" Even though it covers the issue of wheelchairs, dealing with insurance companies, durable medical equipment companies, and all the red tape that includes is something that most disabled people can relate to on some level.

Having content that is relatable to as many disabled people as possible not only increases the broader appeal and readership for the magazine, it also reaffirms one of our community's core values: inclusion. I also like the magazine because they are not afraid to cover what some might perceive as taboo topics like disability and sexuality, financial issues, micro-aggressions within our community, etc.

Recognizing headlines of the moment, New Mobility is not afraid to dig deeper to give a voice to people within our community who need amplification. The magazine's 2021 Person of the Year is Andrea Dalzell. A nurse, and a woman of color, Dalzell told her story of always wanting to be a nurse; her experience of serving on the frontlines of COVID-19; and, in doing so, blazing a trail for other disabled health care professionals.

Lastly, what I love about New Mobility is the resources of information they provide. Let's face it, being disabled can pose challenges to daily life that only other disabled people can relate to and help problem-solve. There is a level of trust, curiosity, and unique knowledge base that I think can only come from within our own community. Yes, Google can help cast a wide net to search for answers about something, but reading an article tailored to your specific issue can help you feel less isolated and misunderstood, knowing that someone else might be dealing with the exact same thing you are. It can be a lifesaving networking that can change the rest of your life. I know because I've lived those moments!

If you want to check out more about New Mobility Magazine, go to their website at www.newmobility.com. You can read a sampling of their content and see about subscribing. I'm not being compensated to write this blog post. I just think New Mobility is an excellent magazine for our community. It is free for United Spinal Association members. Non-members pay an annual subscription rate of $19.95.