Magazine Archive

2017 Issues

December 2017

Flying the Unfriendly Skies

Two airlines broke Kenny Salvini’s wheelchair over the course of one year, and in doing so they set him on a mission to find out why accessible air travel is so difficult. What he found is a history of failed policy, an industry blinded by money – and a growing voice for change.

Meet Mik Scarlet

British media personality Mik Scarlet brings his punk aesthetic to everything he does, from fronting rock bands to confronting politicians. Aaron Broverman reports.

Review: ‘Kills on Wheels’

This 2016 Hungarian film hit about three wheelchair-using hitmen is finally available in the U.S. Seth McBride tells us why it’s worth watching.

Working Stiffs

Richard Hollicky shares the stories of five wheelchair users who have found lasting professional happiness by pursuing their passions.

Looking Back on SCI Life

After 13 years and 157 columns, this issue holds the final SCI Life column. Tiffiny Carlson looks back on the long run in a Q&A.

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November 2017

2018 Consumer Guide

Tools & Technology: Sean Mahaney’s cool custom chairs / A new lift for higher hotel beds.

Health & Hygiene: GlideWear’s new underwear for chair users / Solutions to keep your feet free of pressure sores.

Fitness & Sports: Your Own Home Gym / Indoor skydiving

Mobility & Seating: Soft Wheel uses in-wheel spokes to cushion your cruising / Wheelchair rim roundup / Make commuting more fun and healthy.

Automotive: Converting a bus to an accessible home on wheels

Disability Services: Q&As to help you find the right accessible travel agency.

Disability Media: Google Maps goes accessible / Great Youtube channels

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October 2017

Redefining Independence

There’s more to independence than simply being able to do everything for yourself. Ian Ruder talks with quads with caregivers to see how they define independence and how, and if, their definitions have changed since they were injured. What are the components of independence as a quad, and how do you learn to balance them to live your life to the fullest?

A Force for Good

Jennifer Longdon wants to be an Arizona state legislator for all the right reasons. Will the voters see her for who she is?

ADAPT’s Moment

Not since protestors occupied the federal Health, Education and Welfare building in 1977 has the nation felt who we are. Then came ADAPT.

Tech Titan

Talk about tech cred. Todd Stabelfeldt was part of Nintendo’s R&D program as a boy. Now some call him “the quadfather of tech.”

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September 2017

Photography: Accessible and Affordable

Now that so many people have access to smart phones with decent cameras built in, the art of photography is approachable as never before. Seth McBride talks with four quadriplegic photographers about how they got started, what equipment they graduated to, and which adaptations and tricks of the trade work for them.

Land of Enchantment

Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico, are alive with color, history and great food. Linda Mastandrea takes us there.

Cooking Simplified

No need for fancy tools or a spendy kitchen. Want to cook? Just do it. Ian Ruder talks with everyday chefs on wheels.

The Magic of Music

Accessible seating at music venues? Luke Easterwood tells us how and why we need to make it happen.

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August 2017

SCI Anniversaries: Why Do We Celebrate Them?

Breaking your neck or your back might not seem like something to celebrate, but every day people all across the world with spinal cord injuries do just that. Some have parties and some reflect quietly, but “Break Your Neck Day” or a “Quadaversary” is a very real thing. Tim Gilmer talks with 10 wheelers to try to understand the motivation and what people get out of this seemingly odd tradition.

Shoulder of Fortune

Ned Fielden’s shoulders were his gods. Then one forsook him. The road to redemption was longer and harder than he’d anticipated, but he made it. Here is his story.

RV’s: Life on the Road

The open road can be your friend, and your home, thanks to accessible RVs.

Managing PCA’s

Between hiring, scheduling and payroll, managing personal care assistants amounts to running a small business.

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July 2017

Making Your Home Accessible

Our reporters share ways to make the accessible home of your dreams more of a reality. Mark Smith tackles historic homes, Richard Holicky finally upgrades his bathroom, Sonny Ali brings his home into the 21st century, Alex Ghenis takes a DIY approach and Charles Schwab breaks down the benefits of additions. Also, Ian Ruder reports on the Wheel Pad, a new option to ease the transition from rehab to home

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

There’s more than one way to get from here to there. Kenny Salvini breaks down the accessibility of the most popular transportation options.

No Stork? No Problem.

Kate Matelan knows she wants to have a child, but as a quad she isn’t sure which route to take. She shares her decision-making journey to help you on yours.

Rolling With Ecuador’s President

Seth McBride introduces you to Lenin Moreno, the first wheelchair user to be elected a country’s head of state since 1944.

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June 2017

Outdoor Recreation for Everybody

Summer is finally here, and we’ve got great recreation ideas for everyone. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat, get back to nature, or simply chill and catch some rays, Bob Vogel has you covered with kayaking, sailing, hiking, camping, handcycling and more.

Central Europe’s Accessible Gem

CENTRAL EUROPE’S ACCESSIBLE GEM
You never knew you wanted to go to Slovenia, but after reading Lilly Longshore’s article, you may want to add it to your bucket list.

Six Years, Rolling Strong

As United Spinal hosts the 6th Annual Roll on Capitol Hill, Ian Ruder look’s back at the event’s origins and how it has shaped the organization.

Temperature Tantrums

Finding and maintaining the ideal body heat can be a wheeler’s worst nightmare.

Making a Difference

A resilient nature and a passion for helping others have shaped Sebastian DeFrancesco’s life as a veteran, Paralympian, advocate and father.

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May 2017

The Man Behind the Machines

You may have never heard of Rory Cooper, but if you use a wheelchair or have a disability, there is a good chance you have used or benefitted from a product or invention he has been involved with. Ian Ruder profiles Cooper and HERL, the world-class research engineering facility he has built from the ground up at the University of Pittsburgh.

Cool New Products

The 33rd annual International Seating Symposium was chock full of new products that could help you live your life.

Roll Right Up and Ride

Thrill seekers don’t have to fly all the way across the country to find an accessible amusement park.

Annual Advocacy

Six years in, the Roll on Capitol Hill is going stronger than ever. Alex Bennewith shares the agenda for this year’s event in light of the changed political climate.

Fascia Release

Lilly Longwortth introduces you to fascia, the fibrous tissue around muscles and organs, and explains how it just may hold the key to relieving your pain.

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April 2017

Great American Adventures

Lilly Longshore, Ashley Lyn Olson and Tim Gilmer lead you from sea to shining sea in search of some of America’s best accessible, affordable destinations. Whether you are looking for relaxation, education or a little bit of both, they’ve got you covered with museums, monuments, hot springs, beaches and much more.

Coach, Family Man, Quad

High school football is larger than life in Texas, and Kyle Walsh has a front row seat from his power chair as an offensive line coach.

Long in the Tooth, But Not Over the Hill

Richard Holicky talks with aging wheelers to see what they’re doing to make sure their final years are golden ones.

My Trials and Tribulations

Spinal surgery forced Stephanie Arrache into a wheelchair, but it couldn’t make her give up her legal practice.

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March 2017

Forward Thinking Fashion

From the runways of Los Angeles and Moscow to department stores and online shopping, adaptive fashion is moving out of designers’ basements and into the spotlight. Ellen Stohl surveys the current scene with an eye towards future trends. Ian Ruder checks in with the Open Style Lab at Parsons School of Design to see how the next generation of designers is learning to make next level garments.

What’s What With Adaptive Wods

The gospel of CrossFit is spreading to people with disabilities. Ian Ruder talks with the people leading the way.

Mendocino Mini-Moon

Emily Polsby and her new husband find a near-perfect getaway on the Northern California coast.

The Pain That Never Stops

Stabbing. Burning. Shooting. Maddening. Tim Gilmer addresses neuropathic pain and searches for solutions.

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February 2017

Sex, Wheels and Relationships

In NM’s 21 previous issues on disability and sexuality, the focus has often centered on men, mainly because more males sustain SCIs and more is written about them. This issue is definitely for women. Mary Tolan profiles Christine Selinger, whose job and personal life are immersed in sexuality, and Regan Linton lets us in on some frank sex talk about women and sexual pleasure.

Dive, Dive!

Bob Vogel discovers that Cozumel just might be the best location for quality scuba diving, friendly service and underwater enjoyment.

Getting Equipment

How do you succeed in getting the equipment you want and need? Connections, politeness and tenacity.

Emerging Merging Media Force

The Ruderman Foundation is taking the lead in advocating for people with disabilities on the national stage.

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January 2017

Persons of the Year: The Resisters

A fictional quad acts on his pre-planned suicide even after finding the love of his life (Me Before You). Two real-life disabled girls — one 5 and the other 14 — choose to die with the blessing of family members. Responding bravely, disability advocates battled widespread ignorance, melodrama and misinformation, telling the truth about living with a disability in an attempt to save lives. For their dedication, courage and persistence, NM is proud to honor them as Persons of the Year.

Gimplements

When obstacles to everyday living pop up, creative imagination devises gizmos, gadgets and gimplements.

Bladder and Bowels

Neurotech expert Jennifer French gives us the rundown on the latest bladder and bowel research and inventions.

Partners in Health

Faced with a daunting operation and a long recovery, Steve Dalton and his wife, Sydney Sauber, team up to get the best results possible.

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