As we gear up for the 34th year of New Mobility, it is more vital than ever that you, our readers, help us stay on top of the latest trends, ideas and topics driving our community.

Our annual Call for Stories invites you to share your insights and vision for the magazine. Your ideas will help shape our editorial content for the coming year and ensure that New Mobility remains the leading information source for wheelchair users.

There are no bad ideas or pitches — if you think something would make a useful or interesting story, you are probably not alone. We are looking for all types of stories, from complex nationwide topics like the caregiving crisis to personal essays about day-to-day life as a wheelchair user. We’re seeking seasoned reporters and writers, as well as authentic, passionate voices. If you want to write, wonderful; if you simply have an idea to share, wonderful.

Please send your pitches to iruder@unitedspinal.org by Friday, July 1. Please include two to five sentences on each topic, along with any relevant links that explain the idea and why we should cover it. If you’d like to write about the idea yourself, tell us a little about what your approach would be.

Here are the broad story categories to use as inspiration, but don’t hesitate to think beyond these parameters:

1. Trend/News Stories: What’s happening in our community?
2. Practical, informative pieces that can improve readers’ lives: These include topics like resource management, health tips, day-to-day disability issues, caregiving and so on.
3. Profiles: Who are the wheelchair users impacting our community — locally and nationally? Do you know someone doing something newsworthy and cool?
4. Travel: Where would you like to go? Where have you been? Detailed advice on where to go, how to get there and what adventures to pursue upon arrival.  
5. Product Stories: Products you’d like to see reviewed, stories about choosing and configuring products and gear related to SCI/D. Product news and updates. 
6. Ethical Dilemmas: Have you run into a disability-related situation where you didn’t know what the proper response was? Share the situation and our ethicist might investigate for her column.

We’re counting on you and looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

— The New Mobility Team (Ian, Jean, Seth, Teal, Hilary & Deanna)