New Mobility

 

Dec. 19, 2025 - View in browser Testing the Strutt ev¹: A Glimpse into the Future of Power Wheelchairs

I was a bit skeptical of the Strutt ev¹ when I first heard about it in a press email announcing “a Tesla-level innovation in personal mobility.” I’m all for innovation, but smart wheelchairs have been talked about for decades, and recent advancements in power wheelchairs usually feature similarly soaring language with few true changes in user experience.   My skepticism was two-fold. One: Would a company with no prior experience in the personal mobility space be able to build a wheelchair that functions well for full-time wheelchair users? Two: Would “advanced sensor systems” and semi-autonomous drive technology be useful for someone looking to navigate their world independently, or would they make you feel like a passenger in a robotaxi — along for the ride but with little say in how you get from A to B?  I took a trip to “Strutt Day” in San Francisco to find out.   Keep Reading PRODUCTS A Unique Wheelchair Bag For quads, reaching a backpack or under-chair bag every time you need something can be frustrating and time-consuming. Cheryl Angelelli tries the Wheelbag, a round bag that attaches to your wheels and provides easy access, even with limited grip function, to your keys, phone and other items. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL The People and Devices Making Pinball Accessible For people of a certain age, there's nothing quite as nostalgic as old-school arcade games. And while many consider pinball the apex of classic gaming, it has never been the most accessible option … until now. Power wheelchair user John Mohler recently took a trip to the 41st Annual Pinball Expo outside of Chicago to check out a new crop of adaptive controllers making the game more inclusive than ever HELP SUSTAIN NEW MOBILITY We have a goal of raising $100,000 by February 28th to re-establish a regular print schedule for New Mobility and sustain its authentic and essential content. The early response has been inspiring with over $25,000 in donations and dozens of messages affirming the value of a print publication. But we need to keep up the pace if we are going to close a $75,000 gap in just over two months. We can't do this without you. Please consider a monthly recurring gift. Your ongoing support is the foundation that makes our work possible and helps ensure New Mobility remains in print for years to come. PRO TIPS Building LEGO with Quad Hands New Mobility Editor-in-Chief Ian Ruder first got a LEGO set years ago and didn’t even consider building it because he thought there was no way his quad hands would be able to manipulate the tiny pieces. But he eventually gave a small set a try and found that by using the right tools — including a simple typing stick with a nail taped to the end — and a lot of practice, he could build even the biggest LEGO sets independently. See how he does it.

New Mobility publishes member content for United Spinal Association, whose mission is to empower wheelchair users to achieve their highest quality of life. Join here.

Copyright © 2025 United Spinal Association. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 102 Duane Road Fort Totten NY 11359

Family Connection of SC, Hopes and Dreams Conference 2026

 

📌 Mark the date: March 25, 2026 📆 Hopes & Dreams 2026 is headed your way!! Partnerships Spark Possibilities R2i2 Conference Center We’re excited to share key details as we begin gearing up for our 2026 Hopes & Dreams Conference—our annual gathering that brings families, professionals, and community partners together to learn, connect, and reimagine what’s possible for children and youth with disabilities in South Carolina.  This year’s conference celebrates one powerful idea: when we work together, possibilities grow!

Join us as a Presenter! We are now accepting presentation proposals for workshops and sessions that empower, inform, and spark new ideas.  Whether you’re a parent, educator, community partner, or professional—your expertise and experience matter.

We’re Looking for Presentations That: Include family or youth perspectives (your voice matters!)  Share helpful tools, tips, or ideas that others can use  Celebrate partnerships between families, schools, providers, or community groups Show how coming together can improve services, access, and inclusion. Proposals are due January 23, 2026

Submit Your Proposal

	Join us as an Exhibitor! Showcase your services, products, or programs to families, professionals, and statewide partners! Exhibitor space is limited—reserve early to secure your spot. Business Rate $300  Non-profit Rate $150

Reserve my Space

Invest in Families. Amplify Your Impact. Sponsorships support statewide training and advocacy for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Sponsor Hopes and Dreams

NADD, Annual Conference

 Save the Date!

NADD is pleased to announce that the 43rd Annual Conference will be held October 7-9, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Planning is underway for this event, and we are looking forward to coming together in person this fall. Please save these dates and make plans to join us!

More information regarding the call for presentations and attendee and sponsor registration will be available in the coming months. Keep an eye on your email for updates, or visit our website. Location & Lodging

The 43rd Annual Conference will be held at the Omni William Penn, located in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. Accommodations will be available to NADD Attendees at a discounted rate. The booking link will be available in early 2026! Please keep an eye on your email and check the website for updates.

"Pittsburgh Named One of National Geographic’s Best of the World" - Visit Pittsburgh Pittsburgh has reinvented itself with major cultural upgrades, including new parks, museum expansions, and refreshed downtown landmarks. The city blends its gritty heritage with active experiences, from the Dirty Dozen bike race to easy hikes in Emerald View Park. Here are some activity ideas: The Andy Warhol Museum – featuring a major expansion and a new performance-arts venue in the Pop District Arts Landing – a new downtown park with trails, sculptures, and space for performances, opening just in time for the Forum! Carnegie Museum of Art / Carnegie International – catch the 2026 Carnegie International, plus explore the rich art and natural history collections Mount Washington via Duquesne Incline – ride the historic funicular for sweeping skyline views Check out Visit Pittsburgh's page to learn more about the area; we can't wait to gather in Pittsburgh next October!

About Us

NADD is now considered the leader in education, consultation, and training related to intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. NADD influences policies at the national, state, and local levels leading to more community-based, whole-person treatment for the mental health needs of those with IDD. NADD continues to host annual conferences, publish the most up-to-date research, and hold professionals to the highest quality of supports.  With the support of our members, partners and volunteers, NADD is able to provide a network for continued advancement of research and quality supports for people experiencing intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. To become a member of this network and community, join us via the link below. Join NADD

www.thenadd.org