Write for Us

Thank you for your interest in writing for the Ability Toolbox! We offer both paid and unpaid opportunities for writers of varying experience levels.

We primarily publish work by writers who have lived experience with a disability, chronic illness, and/or mental health condition. We welcome LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other writers from minority and marginalized communities, and strive to be a safe space for diverse perspectives. Parents, teachers, and health professionals may submit pitches for consideration as well.

The Ability Toolbox is a small social enterprise that is currently run by one disabled person, so please understand we have a limited budget for paying writers. We hope to increase the number of paid articles in the future.

When you submit material to us, you can choose whether you want it to be considered for paid opportunities, unpaid opportunities, or both.

Content and Topics

The Ability Toolbox publishes articles on the following topics and themes:

• Expert-Backed Informational Articles: Guides to specific medical conditions, treatment modalities, medical or mobility devices, educational methods, etc. We especially welcome pitches from medical professionals, scientists, educators, and other subject matter experts who live with a health condition themselves. Example: Why the Relationship Between Sleep and Mental Health Is a Two-Way Street
• How-To Guides: Practical, in-depth guides to solving a problem, obtaining support, and/or living well with a disability, chronic illness, or mental illness. Example: How to Find Wheelchair Accessible Housing
• Shopping & Gift Guides: Products you love and recommend to people in the mental health, disability, and chronic illness community. Holiday and birthday gift recommendations for someone with a particular condition, need, or interest. Example: Sensory Swings for Autism and ADHD
• Favorites Lists: Collections of things you find helpful or simply enjoy. Example: 5 Songs to Boost Your Mood
• Understanding Mental Health, Disability, and Chronic Illness: Educational articles for people who are new to the community and non-disabled people seeking to become better allies. Example: How to Support Someone Who Is Recovering from Psychosis
• News & Views: Responding to hot topics in the news and political issues. Example: Why the Autism Puzzle Piece Is Bad, and What to Use Instead
• Intersectionality: Articles addressing the intersectionality of disability and race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Example: What My White Therapist Refuses to Understand About Black Women and Eating Disorders
• Personal Experience Stories: Share your experience with a health condition to show others they're not alone. To be accepted for pay, a personal experience story must include practical takeaways, such as what you've learned, what you wish others understood, how you accomplish everyday tasks, or how family and friends can support someone in a similar situation. Example: Chronic Pain Is a Pain in the You Know What and Getting Help Is Complicated

Paid Writing Opportunities

PAID SUBMISSIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

The Ability Toolbox has been financially decimated by Google algorithm changes, and is therefore unable to pay writers except on a limited, invite-only basis. We are still accepting donated articles and greatly appreciate your support.

When we have the budget, The Ability Toolbox pays $50 to $150 per article for original content (never published elsewhere). The pay range is based on article length and the time and research required. In the case of medical articles, we also consider the expertise of the writer. In general, our website focuses on “life hacks” — practical strategies for solving problems, living well despite challenges, information sharing, shopping and how-to guides, and promoting businesses and creative ventures led by people with mental health conditions, disabilities, and chronic illnesses.

Unpaid Writing Opportunities

The Ability Toolbox has a limited budget and is unable to pay for every submission or pitch we receive. We also understand that not all writers are seeking to get paid, and that sometimes rewards such as having your work published, connecting with others, and raising awareness are just as important. If you’re looking for a place to share your experiences, we're here for you.

All articles must meet our editorial guidelines, so we can't guarantee publication, but we sincerely appreciate your willingness to donate your writing for consideration. We use the word “donate” because that's exactly how we see unpaid articles — as gifts that help us grow the website and provide information and support to people who need it. Your kindness is not taken for granted, and we value your contributions.

Other Benefits

All writers, paid and unpaid, will receive:

• Your own profile on our site, with a link to your personal blog/project.
• A link in your article to your blog. Small business links may be permitted if the company is owned by a person with a disability, but are subject to approval by our editorial team. If you are reading this hoping to get a free link out of us, that's not happening. Go to our Advertise With Us page.
• We'll share your article on our social media pages shortly after publication, and occasionally thereafter.
• Priority consideration for future paid opportunities.

Ads & Affiliates

As our site is primarily funded by affiliate commissions, we will add affiliate links to products recommended in articles. By submitting content to The Ability Toolbox, you agree that we may monetize your content using affiliate links, display ads, and other promotions.

Sponsored Posts

We work with advertisers who are seeking to reach people in the disability / chronic illness community through sponsored posts, ads, and more. Please see our Advertise With Us page for more information.

Editorial Guidelines

Ready for the next step? Head to our Editorial Guidelines page.