Antje Thiel sees discriminatory language towards people with disabilities as a major problem in society. What she would do about it if she was the Commissioner for the Disabled, which bizarre hobby she pursues and how the type 1 diabetic otherwise rolls, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
Name: Antje Thiel Age: 50 City: Elmshorn, Germany Occupation: Freelance medical journalist Impairment: Type 1 diabetes
Antje Thiel: The videos of my little nephew (almost one year old) in my family's WhatsApp group.
What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?
Antje Thiel: I collect bizarre contact ads from the newspaper.I often wonder what kind of people are behind these strange ads – actually I should just call or write them.In the best case, it results in great stories that I can write down.
Which person has influenced you most? And why?
Antje Thiel: For a start, my son, because he made me a mother and thus gave my life a completely new turn. And of course my husband, who takes me as I am and, among other things, supports me so wunderfully in dealing with my diabetes.
You have the chance to become the Commissioner for the Disabled. What would you do first?
Antje Thiel: I would ensure that people with disabilities are spoken with rather than spoken about. I would also initiate a round table on language – because far too often people with disabilities are addressed and spoken about in a discriminatory, fear-laden and accusing language.
What is especially near and dear to you?
Antje Thiel: That children with a type 1 diabetes can grow up as carefree as possible and can get the support they need without too much fuss.
I would like to be ...
Antje Thiel: Actually I am quite happy with what and who I am!
Which question would you like to be answered the most?
Antje Thiel: Before each meal: How much insulin does my body need for this meal?
What I still wanted to say...
Antje Thiel: Loosely based on Eliud Kipchoge: No human is limited!
