Unique Mag for ‘Kids on Wheels’
by Deirdre C. Wright
A Horsham, PA publisher has taken a pioneering step to help kids in wheelchairs. “It’s never too early to talk to kids about the concept of empowerment,” says Jean Dobbs, editorial director and conceptual designer of Kids on Wheels. This unique magazine launched last year as the “only periodical for young wheelchair users.”
“Our concept for the magazine is based on the idea that there are many publications for parents and therapists, but none for kids themselves,” says Dobbs. Parents benefit from this publication, too. Kids on Wheels is really two magazines packaged together: one for kids, “For Young Wheelers Ahead of the Curve,” and one for parents, “Empowering Young Wheelers.”
Kids on Wheels is published by Horsham-based No Limits Communications. The company’s flagship magazine is New Mobility, written by and for adult wheelchair users as a forum for sharing life experience. This new publication is a natural extension of the No Limits product line.
Kids on Wheels connects children to a culture and community of fellow wheelchair users via a colorful, fun magazine. It’s described as “a place to meet other kids, tell your story, ask questions, give advice and learn about new things.” It includes an “Ask Alli” column, written by a 16-year-old California girl with cerebral palsy.
The “Cool Kids on Wheels” section features profiles of children and allows readers to share their own stories. In the most recent issue, 7-year-old Kayla reveals that she doesn’t use the word “can’t.” Instead, she works harder to discover ways that she can do things just like typical kids.
The parent portion of Kids on Wheels is “a place to meet other parents, ask questions, give advice and find resources.” A column called “Wheel Life” offers news and tips. “Gear Gal” is devoted to answering product questions. Features in a recent issue included articles about service dogs and “Building the Perfect IEP.”
Kids on Wheels editor Doug Lathrop knows about living life in a wheelchair. In the inaugural issue, Lathrop pays tribute to his own parents for supporting his dreams and nurturing his independence.
“My vision is to create the sort of magazine I would have liked to read when I was growing up using a wheelchair,” says Lathrop. “I used to read the sort of stuff boys my age would read, and when they had adventure stories, I put myself in the head of the main character. But there was always this disconnect. I want to create a world that a young wheelchair user can enter into and feel part of.”
Lathrop and company certainly succeed in that endeavor. Kids on wheels — and their parents — will enjoy this unique two-in-one magazine. Subscriptions are $14.95 for one year. 888-850-0344, www.kidsonwheels.us
Deirdre C. Wright is a freelance writer specializing in children with challenges. u