Andrea Lauer – That's how she rolls

What makes you laugh?

Andrea Lauer: Funny encounters at my readings, my family and friends, people and animals who enjoy life.

What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?

Andrea Lauer: I always wanted to participate in the Paralympics. I would have dared to – but sometimes my disability, sometimes one of my sons, sometimes my inner pig dog had a negative influence on the training.

Which person has influenced you most? And why?

Andrea Lauer: A woman whose name I don't even know influenced me a lot. It was a short encounter many years ago:
On a hospital corridor stood (because the nurses had the best view of her) Sandra. She has a severe physical and mental disability. She made contact with everyone with a powerful "hello". Like most of the others – after a friendly smile – I went on, slightly embarrassed. Until this woman, whose name I don't know, stopped and just talked to Sandra. She seemed completely unimpressed by Sandra's disability and she had never had contact with people with disabilities before.
And me? The one who lives with a disability herself. The one who has a child and lots of friends with a disability, who has done a lot of political work on the topic, is afraid of meeting Sandra. That gave me a lot to think about. I was so embarrassed in front of myself. And it triggered a fundamental change in me. In any case, my circle of friends has become more diverse as a result.

You have the chance to become the Commissioner for the Disabled. What would you do first?

Andrea Lauer: I would stipulate in the IPREG (German Intensive Care and Rehabilitation Strengthening Act) and in all other laws that every person is allowed to live where he or she wants to. And I would publish all! contacts, information, applications to authorities exclusively in simple / Easy-to-Read language.

What is especially near and dear to you?

Andrea Lauer: Equal rights, peace and laughter and love

I would like to be ...

Andrea Lauer: really funny.

Which question would you like to be answered the most?

Andrea Lauer: Why is there war in the world? Why is wealth so unevenly distributed?

What I still wanted to say...

Andrea Lauer: Fight for your rights, do not forget to laugh and be good to other people.