January 2020: Smart and accessible living
07.01.2020
In addition to structural issues, the question of digital accessibility is becoming an increasingly important topic. Problems such as the protection of privacy or questions of usability are not only occupying the manufacturers of smart home products, but also researchers in the field of Ambient Assisted Living. You can find out exactly what all this means in our Topic of the Month.
Technology-based assistance systems: Aging in place
07.01.2020
Whether it is sensor systems for fall detection or stand assist beds – technology-based assistance systems provide safety and create independence in your own home. The AAL Living Lab carefully studies and even designs new systems like these. That’s because there is a growing demand for so-called Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) technologies.
Smart and accessible living
07.01.2020
In addition to structural issues, the question of digital accessibility is becoming an increasingly important topic. Problems such as the protection of privacy or questions of usability are not only occupying the manufacturers of smart home products, but also researchers in the field of Ambient Assisted Living. You can find out exactly what all this means in our Topic of the Month.
Safe smart living and aging in place
07.01.2020
Our living space reveals a lot about us. It undergoes many changes as the years go by and – with any luck - adapts to our circumstances. Sooner or later accessibility becomes an important issue for all of us. When it comes to our own four walls, this may consist of technology that enables us to live a self-determined life or may involve smart home devices and assistance systems.
Smart Living: Gerontechnology centers on people
07.01.2020
Living independently in their own homes for as long as possible – many older adults want to make this dream come true. Smart assistance solutions and other assistive technology increasingly help people age in place. The German Society for Gerontechnology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gerontotechnik, GGT) aims to foster this development and help shape its future.
Standing Ovation facilitates mobility at the workplace
12.12.2019
Sitting while standing up – Standing Ovation makes this oxymoron possible. The rail system with its C-shaped seat bar and seat lifting unit allows Austrian chef Peter Lammer to sustain his job despite an 80 percent disability rating pertaining to his legs. With REHACARE.com he talked about the invention that brought back his zest for life and the feedback he received at this year's trade fair.
IPC stages accessibility workshop in Bonn
11.12.2019
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) hosted an Accessibility Workshop in Bonn, Germany to discuss with various stakeholders on how to collectively improve on accessibility and inclusion within the Movement.
Mobility: Overcoming barriers with Wheelblades
28.11.2019
Whether they are on vacation in the mountains or brave winter weather at home – people with mobility impairments want to take precautions to arrive safely at their destination. Patrick Mayer is personally affected by disability and developed two products that enable wheelchair and walking aid users to master these situations: Wheelblades and the SafetyFoot.
It is not only in digital form that the diversity of people must be recognized and taken into account!
07.11.2019
Sweden is a pioneer in many things. But the Scandinavian country does not represent Europe. However, there is also no country that can be regarded as a positive overall example in the topic of Inclusion. Susanna Laurin from Funka knows why digital accessibility is a way to participate and why research in the field of disabilities and information and communication technology is so important.
Leveraging research and development to shape the future
01.10.2019
Whether it’s wheelchairs or prosthetics – there is an ongoing effort to continuously improve auxiliary aids and services. As a result, the standards of medical equipment also continue to change - always based on the latest developments and research results. That’s why REHACARE.com has taken a closer look at how trends like digitization and creative minds impact this industry sector.
Two innovative ideas expected to breathe new life into Braille
01.10.2019
Braille was invented nearly 195 years ago. The system has helped people to effectively participate at home and in society and acquire higher education ever since. It remains a reliable system that facilitates inclusion today. However, when it comes to Braille reader advancements, current technology is not nearly as up to date. Two projects plan to change that.
Highlights at REHACARE 2019
02.09.2019
The time has come again: In September, the exhibition halls in Düsseldorf will be transformed into a market of possibilities. Because REHACARE 2019 is just around the corner. 740 exhibitors from 43 countries are offering a wide range of products for rehabilitation, care and self-determined living. In our current Topic of the Month you can find out more about the highlights of REHACARE 2019.
REHACARE 2019: everyone comes together at the market of endless opportunities
02.09.2019
Whether you are a professional, family member or a person with a disability – there’s something for everyone at REHACARE, the leading trade fair for rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion and care. Set to take place September 18 – 21, 2019, the doors of the exhibition halls in Düsseldorf will once again open to welcome anyone interested in auxiliary aids, innovations and expert information.
Tourism: "Questions about accessibility and participation are omnipresent"
02.09.2019
Whether travel providers, accessible mobile homes or special aids for travelling – travel and tourism are a popular topic in the Düsseldorf exhibition halls every year. At this year's REHACARE, exhibitors will be adding a versatile event to their range at TREFFPUNKT REHACARE: news from accessible tourism.
Creating an accessible workplace: inclusive software for people with and without disabilities
01.08.2019
Optimized technical workflows that efficiently accommodate blind, visually impaired and sighted people – the inclusive software by Dräger & Lienert GbR makes it reality. In this REHACARE.com interview, Hansjörg Lienert explains how a small company in Marburg has managed to succeed in international markets and reveals why entrepreneurs sometimes have to take risks to thrive.
Labor force participation: How auxiliary aids can help make the workday easier
01.08.2019
Special tools, accessible software or a modified work environment – there are many ways to create a more accessible workplace for people with disabilities. Options range from conventional analog tools to digital solutions. But how can disability inclusion in the workplace be ensured – today and in the future?
Auxiliary means for everyday working life
01.08.2019
A job is the basic prerequisite for a regular income and thus for a self-determined life and participation. People with a disability often need specific auxiliary aids to participate in everyday work life. How those already help to make everyday working life easier today and in the future and why inclusive approaches are important in the area of software, we explain in our Topic of the Month.
Daimler’s WheelPilot app finds accessible destinations
01.07.2019
Navigation systems are not a new invention. But what if an app for accessible destinations could be connected straight to your vehicle, thus making mobility easier for people with disabilities? The creative, innovative minds of Daimler AG’s Lab1886 challenged themselves to make it reality. That marked the birth of WheelPilot.
Modifications: Self-determined mobility thanks to accessible VW Bulli Bus
01.07.2019
Whether it’s for their professional life or to travel – many people with disabilities need a car that provides mobility without limits. A small car is often unable to accommodate unique needs. That’s when you need a bigger vehicle – like a minivan.
Mobility: New solutions and ideas to promote participation
01.07.2019
Creative people who develop apps that drive greater mobility or experts who customize vehicles to meet unique needs – people with disabilities often have to some extent rely on others to make self-determined mobility a reality. It’s clear that mobility is not a matter of course for stakeholders. Which solutions could offer support in the future?
Daily living aids improve quality of life
03.06.2019
Whether they are smart and connected or simple and low-tech – the market offers many different types of tools and resources that make everyday tasks easier for people with disabilities. They also increase self-determination and promote participation in all areas of life.
SmAccLab: Smart auxiliary means for everyone
28.05.2019
Accessible and realistic – that’s how auxiliary aids should be in the eyes of Professor Carsten Zahout. Students at the Smart Accessibility Laboratory (SmAccLab) are working on technical solutions that fulfill these requirements and lead to increased participation for people with disabilities. REHACARE.com found out how product engineering and inclusion join forces.
May 2019: Real inclusion through virtual possibilities?
02.05.2019
The gaming industry is booming. And because the basic idea is to reach as many players as possible, perhaps that's why something is happening in terms of accessibility. You can read in our Topic of the Month May why e-sports currently still have to fight for its status and in what respect there is still a lot of room for accessibility improvement from the perspective of a disabled gamer.
Games and eSports: expanding participation opportunities
02.05.2019
An estimated 34 million Germans play computer and video games using a host of different devices. Between three and four million of them fall into the eSports category. REHACARE.com has taken a closer look to find out why some German institutions have difficulties defining eSports as real sports and examined how sports simulation games offer people with disabilities the opportunity to participate.
Real inclusion through virtual possibilities
02.05.2019
The gaming industry is booming. And because the basic idea is to reach as many players as possible, perhaps that's why something is happening in terms of accessibility. You can read in our Topic of the Month May why e-sports currently still have to fight for its status and in what respect there is still a lot of room for accessibility improvement from the perspective of a disabled gamer.
Gaming accessibility: on the road to the future of accessible games
02.05.2019
Cologne is the right city to advocate more accessibility in games. In the CologneGameLab of the TH Köln, for example, the game developers of tomorrow are learning. So it's the perfect place to raise awareness among the next generation. Melanie Eilert thought so too. She spoke with REHACARE.com about her guest lecture and the visibility of people with disabilities in the games industry.
Accessible eSports: technically feasible, but lacking social visibility
02.05.2019
Although it is a newer sport – and yes, it is not a sport in the traditional sense of the word – eSports enjoys mass appeal. Having said that, people face the same challenges in the digital realm as they do in the real world when it comes to the participation of people with disabilities for example.
April 2019: Accessible tourism by water
01.04.2019
Experience several destinations within one holiday and do not actively travel from A to B yourself? Instead, enjoy all the amenities of a hotel while watching the sun rise or set over the ocean? Or how about being the captain yourself and deciding where to anchor? No matter whether cruise or vacation on the houseboat, in our Topic of the Month REHACARE.com has taken a closer look.
Travel ahoy – accessible tourism by water
01.04.2019
Experience several destinations within one holiday and do not actively travel from A to B yourself? Instead, enjoy all the amenities of a hotel while watching the sun rise or set over the ocean? Or how about being the captain yourself and deciding where to anchor? No matter whether cruise or vacation on the houseboat, REHACARE.com has taken a closer look.
BunBo: Accessible travel by houseboat
01.04.2019
Peacefully floating along and clearing your mind of stress – a houseboat vacation makes it possible. But is accessible travel really an option in such a tiny space? Absolutely. Bungalow-style boats – abbreviated BunBo – make this dream come true. Depending on their size and equipment, they can accommodate four to six people and make for a unique vacation on the water.
Accessible travel from booking to dream destination: ship ahoy
01.04.2019
Prefer to book online or use a travel agent? Looking for destinations across the Atlantic or fancy vacationing in Europe or exploring your own country? Staying at a hotel or hanging out with the locals? A recent online survey asked people with disabilities and their family members about their travel habits. REHACARE.com has reviewed the study findings.
Going on a cruise: Accessibility included
01.04.2019
Far-off destinations, the expansiveness of the ocean, a touch of luxury aboard the vessel – cruise vacations are hugely popular. People with disabilities are also increasingly drawn to big cruise ships, which typically promise a worry-free vacation. But how accessible are the vessels, the staterooms, and shore excursions? Three veteran cruise travelers share their experiences.
February 2019: Accessibility in retail
04.02.2019
It's often the small things: demand bells and mobile ramps, sign language operation or trained staff dealing with customers with various disabilities –all of this can ensure that the stationary retail becomes more accessible. And the demand is there. Which solutions are already being implemented can be found in the current Topic of the Month February: Accessibility in retail.
Accessibility as the basis of an inclusive shopping experience concept
04.02.2019
While some people count shopping among their hobbies, people with disabilities are often not quite as excited about shopping. REHACARE.com has researched and listed some easy ways for supermarkets to facilitate a more relaxed and calmer shopping experience for people on the autism spectrum and reveals where you can order coffee drinks in sign language.
Accessible retail: Status quo and industry trends
04.02.2019
How will we be shopping in the future? How will our buying behavior change? These are questions that companies must already ponder today. REHACARE.com takes a closer look at the retail industry, ponders the possible future and highlights projects that already focus on enabling participation in retail consumption.
Lernladen increases future retail employees’ accessibility awareness
04.02.2019
What’s it like to shop when you suffer from tremors and have to get coins out of your wallet at the cash register in a hurry? And how much are you still able to see prices when you are dealing with a visual impairment? Many apprentices can only guess what that must be like. At the so-called Lernladen, they get to experience these scenarios first-hand with the help of simulation goggles and gloves.
Accessibility in retail
04.02.2019
It's often the small things: demand bells and mobile ramps, sign language operation or trained staff dealing with customers with various disabilities –all of this can ensure that the stationary retail becomes more accessible. And the demand is there. Which solutions are already being implemented can be found in the current Topic of the Month February: Accessibility in retail.
Self-determined living: careunities creates flat sharing for people with physical disabilities
24.01.2019
For many people, living in a shared accommodation is a matter of course. But how well does this work if you have a physical disability and require assistance? This is where careunities comes in. The online platform matches people up with future roommates and also plans to retrofit buildings for accessibility, thus creating more shared living spaces.
January 2019: Music for everybody: Accessible festivals
07.01.2019
Diverse and accessible – this still does not apply to all events. But at least more and more festival organisers are now making an inclusive music event possible for people with disabilities. What experiences have two wheelchair users already had at various festivals? And to what extent does Wacken veteran Ron Paustian take on responsibility with passion?
More diversity at different types of events – it doesn’t hurt to ask or to inform
07.01.2019
A visit to a trade fair, festival or a movie theater – while some leisure activities are easy to come by for people without disabilities, they can turn into a downright adventure for wheelchair users, people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf or hearing impaired. Especially, if there is a lack of vital information pertaining to accessibility at an event.
Music for everybody: Accessible festivals
07.01.2019
Diverse and accessible – this still does not apply to all events. But at least more and more festival organisers are now making an inclusive music event possible for people with disabilities. What experiences have two wheelchair users already had at various festivals? And to what extent does Wacken veteran Ron Paustian take on responsibility with passion?
Inclusion Must Make Noise: "Participation is not about a particular music genre"
07.01.2019
Anyone who frequently visits the Wacken Open Air probably knows him: Ron Paustian is one of the permanent fixtures of the heavy metal music festival. The metal fan has turned his passion into his mission. Since 2009, Paustian has been committed to making concerts and festivals more accessible to people with disabilities.
Attending a festival as a wheelchair user: Accessibility with trade-offs
07.01.2019
One is a big fan of the Wacken Open Air festival (W:O:A) in Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein, the other can’t and won’t pick a favorite. Andrea Schütt and Adina Hermann are as different as the festivals they visit, but they have one thing in common: They know first-hand that attending a festival as a wheelchair user is definitely doable!
Tourism for All: "Traveling is not just about physical access"
19.07.2018
Tourism is for everybody. The aim of the British organisation Tourism for All is to make travel accessible. Whether travelers, policy makers or companies, Tourism for All wants to operate with and for everyone. REHACARE.com asked, how the attitude of companies and politicians towards people with disabilities has changed and what the European tourism market has to offer.
M-Enabling Forum: "The best assistive technologies cannot be useful if our digital environment is not accessible"
21.06.2018
Self-determined living needs accessibility. This does not only apply to step-free entrance for wheelchair users, but also for the digital environment. For example, when blind people surf the internet with a screen reader, they need web sites that are accessible. But reality often looks different. Reason enough for the M-Enabling Forum to focus on this topic at this year's REHACARE.
TTC Wheel-Trans: Accessible transport for people with disabilities in Toronto
17.05.2018
In Canada, the North Americans are far ahead of us Germans when it comes to accessibility. If you are a guest in Toronto, you not only have the possibility to travel with the usual public transport, but you can also opt for the 100 percent accessible alternative and use Wheel-Trans.
"At the TUECHTIG coworking space, people with and without disabilities are working together – and not just next to each other"
22.03.2018
Maximum flexibility to encourage ideas, effectively sharing office space: coworking spaces have become a part of many major cities. In 2017, Berlin featured about one hundred of them, but none of them were comprehensively accessible. That’s something Stefanie Trzecinski from KOPF, HAND + FUSS gGmbH wanted to change. That was the moment, the idea for "TUECHTIG – Raum für Inklusion" was born.
"At FullAccess, the 'Accessibility All Areas' slogan says it all"
15.02.2018
Two music enthusiasts were fed up with the lack of leisure activity choices and programs for people with disabilities. That’s why Christina Riedler and Martina Gollner decided to set up their own business with FullAccess and try to make concert promoters aware of people with disabilities as prospective customers and thus contribute to making society more tolerant.
Self-guided museum visits for visually impaired people
18.01.2018
Visually impaired and blind people can now enjoy stunning visits to the City Museum Trier thanks to audio tracks, tactile reproductions, and replicas. Together with students who participated in the "Cross Media" seminar as part of their studies at the University of Trier, Design Professor Christopher Ledwig developed a one-of-a-kind multimedia service in Germany: the so-called "blind kit" trolley.
"Inclusive communication design is both accessible and attractive"
15.06.2017
For many, recognizing and understanding characters is an important prerequisite to social participation. Inclusive communication design helps people with visual impairments to accomplish this. REHACARE.com spoke with designer and expert of the German Association for Blind and Visually Impaired People, Florian Adler. He has developed a digital guide to inclusive communication design.
"Hardly any texts by famous authors are specifically written in Simple Language"
20.04.2017
Literature should be accessible to all – including people who depend on texts written in Simple English. A project in Frankfurt, Germany, now wants to make this possible. REHACARE.com spoke with Hauke Hückstädt, the director of the Literaturhaus Frankfurt about the "Frankfurt, deine Geschichte. Literatur in Einfacher Sprache" project.
"Horse riding is a sport people with and without impairments are able to experience together on equal footing"
20.04.2017
More self-confidence and independence – things you can learn from horse riding for example. People with disabilities can take this important step with "Rolli auf Trab" (English: Trotting with Wheelchairs). REHACARE.com spoke with Sandra Glöckler of "Rolli auf Trab" about the lust for life that horse riding inspires and the interaction and experiences with the animals.
Books for the blind: "IT corporations lead the way. They consider accessibility a selling point"
16.02.2017
A wizarding student who triumphs over evil. A girl who meets the love of her life. Literature has many facets and captivates us with wonderful stories day in and day out. Yet not everyone has access to these texts because accessible books for blind or visually impaired people are few and far between.
Accessibility: "We need a shift in awareness in the retail sector"
22.12.2016
Shopping with a disability is no easy feat: almost every store is not accessible. But what does accessibility in retail actually mean? REHACARE.com spoke with Patrick Dohmen of the EUKOBA Association about the idea behind the LernLaden (English: Learning Store) and the awareness and sensitization project for retailers, employees and apprentices.
Inclusive storyteller: "You can definitely make a difference and change things"
24.11.2016
There are some unique and interesting stories about accessibility and disability. Martin Habacher is someone who tells these stories. His goal is to find and then share them with the world on his YouTube channel. REHACARE.com spoke with Martin Habacher about his most beautiful story and his motivation to look beyond what he sees.
Accessibility should be considered from the start for medical practices
28.04.2016
Disabled parking spaces, lower counters, stair lifts, and elevators – those are just a few of the provisions of an accessible medical practice. Yet many physician offices don’t meet these requirements. To make it easier for people with disabilities to find available accessible medical practices close-by, the "Accessible Practice" project has created a directory.
If you buy them, some smartphones are already accessible
14.04.2016
A quick check on your smartphone to see when the next bus leaves or letting your friend know via WhatsApp that you are running late: those are mundane situations for many people. Yet how accessible are smartphones actually for visually impaired and blind people? REHACARE.com spoke with Simon Janatzek. He is visually impaired and tells us which apps are helpful in everyday life.
"Suse" helps abused and battered women and girls with disabilities
23.02.2016
Representative studies show: women and girls with disabilities face significantly more violence than women without disabilities. Yet they rarely seek help since their disability often makes access to therespective support systems difficult. The "Suse" Project offers affected persons accessible support services, for instance in the form of Easy English.
"PIKSL focuses on the removal of digital barriers"
26.01.2016
Digital transformation does not only cause problems for persons with disabilities. Companies are also facing digital barriers they need to overcome. The PIKSL Lab makes digital inclusion its priority: together, individuals with and without disabilities work on removing digital barriers. In this interview with REHACARE.de, Project Manager Tobias Marczinzik explains the PIKSL concept.
"Comprehensive accessibility would benefit all of us"
12.02.2015
What is it like when you have to manage everyday life in a wheelchair? And what effects do age-related limitations have on mobility? Interested parties can experience this with the help of a wheelchair course and an age simulation suit. REHACARE.com spoke with Hedwig Reiffs from the Self-Help Organization of Physically Disabled Persons Bonn, who recently attended this kind of adventure day.