About New Mobility

New Mobility is about exploring and enjoying life as a wheelchair user. With authentic voices and authoritative information, NM embodies the truth that living life with a mobility device can be rich and rewarding and fulfilling. As the member publication of United Spinal Association, the print edition of NM is available for free as part of the organization’s mission to enhance the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities.
Since its inception, New Mobility has won many awards, including a 2006 Independent Press Award  from Utne Reader; a Maggie for best buyer’s guide from the Western  Publications Association; an Ozzie for best redesign from Folio; a DREAM  (Disability Rights in Entertainment, Arts & Media) award from the  Disability Rights Legal Center; and several EDI awards for Equality,  Dignity and Independence from Easter Seals. 

Now

With the vision of current editor Ian Ruder, New Mobility continues to produce the premier wheelchair lifestyle content in the world on its web, print and social platforms. In recent years, the NM team has cracked open new lines of thinking with multifaceted packages on Big Ideas, Black Lives Matter and Life in the Time of COVID, as well as stunning visual collections in The Photo Issue, Art in the Time of COVID and our Service Dog Photo Contest.

2010

In 2010, United Spinal Association acquired New Mobility as part of a series of mergers with grassroots disability organizations, including National Spinal Cord Injury Association and UsersFirst. Two years later it made New Mobility its official member publication, announcing that the magazine would be free to all who join United Spinal, which is also free.

1998

In 1998, Jeff Leonard bought the magazine, which dovetailed nicely with his direct-mail business, Disability Product Postcards. He formed No Limits Communications Inc., and though he had never published a magazine before, he brought the once-struggling NM into the black. When Barry Corbet retired as editor in 2000, Tim Gilmer took the helm and edited the magazine for the next 17 years.

1994

In 1994, Miramar Communications purchased the magazine and continued its mission with additional resources. The company took NM from quarterly to monthly, gave it a makeover and invested in its writers and photographers more than previously possible. The result was a full-color glossy magazine with award-winning design and covers that rivaled any on the newsstand.

1989

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. His greatest coup was recruiting legendary editor Barry Corbet, who led the magazine from 1991 to 2000.


Support New Mobility

Wait! Before you wander off to other parts of the internet, please consider supporting New Mobility. For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. But none of this is cheap, easy or profitable. Your support helps us give wheelchair users the resources to build a fulfilling life.

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