Magazine Archive

2016 Issues

December 2016

Rio Paralympics 2016

Fear of Zika, budget woes and safety concerns didn’t keep the world’s top disabled athletes from rocking out at the 2016 Paralympics. Ace photographer Loren Worthington captures the highs and lows of the games from behind the lens of his camera, while Seth McBride provides an inside peek at life as a U.S. Paralympian. Finally, Emily Rose Yates reports on the legacy of the games.

Baby Solutions

Stephanie Arrache has gotten a crash course in parenting from a wheelchair since welcoming her first child in January. She shares the secrets to success.

A Sunny Southern Sojourn

Manatees, snake birds and alligators help Will Sierra find inspiration on a relaxing accessible adventure to the Florida Gulf Coast.

Just the Six of Us

Cindy Hall Ranii reflects on how her SCI has impacted aging with her five siblings.

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November 2016

2016-2017 Consumer Guide

Adaptive Tools & Technology:  A Review of the Newest Version of Dragon Dictation Software

Health & Hygiene:  The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar / Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Fitness & Sports: SCI Total Fitness /  Slingshot Golf

Mobility & Seating: The iBot Reboot / Three Products to Make Travel Easier.

Automotive: Accessories for Vans.

Disability Services: Attend an Abilities Expo / Backup Attendant Services and Wheelchair Repair.

Disability Media: Three Apps to Improve Your Life. / A Review of We Can Go Anywhere.

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October 2016

Rolling into Politics

U.S. Representative and wheelchair user Tammy Duckworth is great on vet and disability issues, and some think she may be our next congressional champion, reports Ian Ruder. Also three wheelers who’ve run for offices ranging from convention delegate to city alderman to state legislator share their strategies with Linda Mastandrea.

Dealing with Diabetes

People with SCI are more likely to acquire diabetes. If you’re one of them, don’t despair, reports Tim Gilmer. The disease is manageable.

Rock ‘N Roll Yosemite

Bob Vogel found lots to love about the week-long adaptive cycling camp in Yosemite — the people, the accessibility, the activities and the food.

Adventures in Paris and Rome

After smashing their piggy banks, Nancy Xia and her parents toured Paris and Rome, where the natives were always ready to give a hand.

Happy Anniversary, United Spinal Association

United Spinal Association turns 70. From curb cuts to lifts on buses, we celebrate its landmark achievements.

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September 2016

Chill Mitchell Wins Hollywood

It’s famously rare for wheelchair-using characters to be played by wheelchair-using actors on screens big and small, yet Darryl “Chill” Mitchell has no problem getting roles. What’s his secret? It’s not his talent, he tells Allen Rucker, it’s his personality. Also Aaron Broverman chats up Micah Fowler, a young actor with CP who – get this – plays a character with CP on the new sit-com Speechless.

Ditch That Pain in Your Neck

Neck surgery. Who needs it! You might, if you have cervical stenosis. Sam Maddox lets you know your options.

Vacation in Someone Else’s Home

Peer-to-peer lodging sites like Airbnb are all the rage. Carole Zoom explores their accessibility options.

Rising to New Heights

Whether it’s for work or play, standing and elevating wheelchairs offer more options than ever. Maureen Gazda reports.

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August 2016

Cuban Adventure: Sailing to a World Apart

First came a 60-foot wheelchair-accessible catamaran called Impossible Dream. Then came Josh Basile, a C4-5 quad with his own dream: a Cuba sailing adventure harkening back to the 1950s involving two friends with SCIs, an ESPN film crew, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and his fiancée-to-be.

Discovering Scotland

Home to quirky sites ranging from pubs and magic stones to castles, Scotland offers some of the warmest, wheelchair-friendliest hospitality found in Europe.

Starting a Support Group

Peer support groups can increase life expectancy, decrease depression and improve quality of life. They can also be hard to find. Why not start your own?

Bladder Cancer: A Cautionary Tale

The risk of bladder cancer for people with spinal cord injuries is 15 percent higher than for the general population, but there are ways to even the odds.

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July 2016

Cannabis Stew: Stirring the Pot

Twenty-five states now have some kind of medical marijuana program, four have legalized recreational marijuana, and tax revenue from pot products is certain to lure more states into recreational expansion. The old hippie vision of “if it feels good, do it” has taken America by the purse strings. But will medical use grow or wither from the competition?

Unique Getaways

What is typically American? Here are three examples of Americana, each with its own unique character and landscape.

China SCI Trials Exceed Expectations

Wise Young has been seeking ways to overcome paralysis for decades. Ian Ruder interviews him about his latest results.

Learning to Say Yes

Transitioning from life-altering injury is difficult, but finding a pathway to growth can lead to success.

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June 2016

Adventure on the Open Seas

The oceans cover 71 percent of the planet, so why not get out and explore them? Ellen Stohl discovers Atlantis – not the mythic sunken city, but the Bahamas resort. IAN RUDER gets the lowdown on cruising from accessible travel experts Cory Lee and Ashley Lyn Olson. And Lilly Longshore overcomes her fears to live out a Caribbean dream.

SCI Research Update

New U.S. human stem cell trials show real break throughs as participants report improved function.

Meet the Advocates

Meet six advocates who will be attending this year’s Roll On Capitol Hill to tell their stories and make their needs known to our legislators.

Left Hanging in Love

When her boyfriend unexpectedly ended their relationship, it broke her heart and left her scrambling for help with her daily care.

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May 2016

All About Uber

Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft are revolutionizing the way we get around, but are they leaving riders with disabilities at the curb? Josie Byzek checks in all around the United States to see how the revolution is affecting our community and the different ways people are adapting to the new reality.

Hit Like a Woman

Despite its macho image, wheelchair rugby is a coed sport. Ian Ruder talks with women who are trying to level the playing field.

A KO to Traditional KAFO’s

Users are raving about Ottobock’s C-Brace, a new high-tech Knee/Ankle/Foot/Orthotic.

Handcycling for Everyone

A wave of new handcycles and adaptations are making it easier for a larger audience to get out and cycle.

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April 2016

Accessing Ad Land

From a Kleenex tearjerker about a man and his dog to a sweet Honey Maid offering of an aunt bonding with her niece, Ad Land has never featured so many wheelchair users. Allen Rucker says it’s because advertisers want real people and that means wheelchair users, too. Also, Tim Gilmer catches up with one of them.

Global Perspectives

What do Costa Rica, Croatia and Ukraine have in common? Wheelchair users fighting for visibility.

True Cost of a Wheelchair

High-end power wheelchairs are critical for quality of life. Why are they so expensive?

Staying Friends

Everything changes after a spinal cord injury, but friendships can still thrive.

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March 2016

Preparing for Disaster

From Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy to the wildfires of California and floods of South Carolina, there’s been one thing in common: The Red Cross hasn’t understood disability, and that has put lives at risk. Paul Timmons reports that there’s progress. Meanwhile, WID policy analyst Alex Ghenis says climate change is coming, and the time to get ready is now.

Living the Good Life

Where do wheelers live? Anywhere they want, including Iceland, Hawaii and even a sailboat.

Our Furry (and Otherwise) Friends

Readers talk with Roxanne Furlong about pet dogs, cats, rescued backyard critters and a friendly spider.

Beach Wheelchairs

Hundreds of beaches throughout the U.S. have beach chairs available to rent or borrow. Michael Collins helps you plan a truly accessible vacation.

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February 2016

Sex, Wheels & Relationships

Our annual cover story on sexuality and relationships gives us a peek into the public world of love and romance as well as what goes on behind closed doors. Roxanne Furlong profiles couples and their wedding ceremony plans; Bob Vogel reveals sexual performance gains for paras and quads in epidural stimulation trials; and Mitch Tepper exposes the sometimes risky world of erotic electro-ejaculation.

Photo Finalists

Finalist photos from our contest — sponsored by New Mobility and PhotoAbility — speak louder than words.

Broadway Breakthrough

Ali Stroker has arrived on Broadway. Will others be able to follow in her wheel tracks?

MS Plot Twist

Dealing with the onset and unpredictable path of multiple sclerosis is difficult, but not all changes are bad.

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January 2016

Person of the Year: Reveca Torres

Reveca Torres wants to start an image revolution and change the way society sees people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Mike Ervin profiles the 34-year-old Chicago quad and how she has dedicated herself to transforming the world of SCI through art, film and the non-profit she founded, Backbones. She has a unique vision and a powerful voice, and she is the 2015 New Mobility Person of the Year.

Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has great beaches and a rich history.

Grannies vs. the World

Two grandmothers with 14 grandchildren between them and one goal: A Ping-Pong title.

Painting Success

In figuring out how to have a career as an artist, AJ Brockman ended up creating one of south Florida’s hottest spots.

Phlegm is No Phun

Keeping your lungs free of mucus could be the difference between staying healthy and staying in bed.

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