Janis Geiger – That's how he rolls

What makes you laugh?

Janis Geiger: I can laugh at myself when I have for example recognized a (own) mistake or conflict. Or if I get "caught" in a stumble, I get up again, wipe imaginary dust from my shoulder and go on with a smile on my face.

I transform such supposedly "embarrassing" moments into artistic and creative energy, laugh at myself and in this way I can move on and look ahead.

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

Janis Geiger: If I have a wish or a goal, or something appeals to me, then I think of a strategy and simply do it or try it out.

Which person has influenced you most? And why?

Janis Geiger: I have been influenced by different, changing things – encounters, literature, time, obstacles, barriers etc.

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

Janis Geiger: There is so much to do in the field of disability law and so many different forms of disability that I could not coordinate it alone.

In theory, therefore, I would distribute the many tasks among several people, in the best case to people who are themselves affected and who know what people with their disability need. For example, a person in a wheelchair knows best where their barriers are in everyday life and where something needs to be changed.

In this way, we could perhaps finally make a difference and achieve greater success, as well as empower people with disabilities and break down the barriers they face every day.

It would also be important to me that the commissioners are in contact with each other and network with each other, so that we can offer the appropriate support even when there is overlap and intersectionality.

Janis Geiger: Movement, communication and empowerment are very important parts of my life.

I would like to be...

Janis Geiger: ... a relaxed, non-stressed person who can switch off and enjoy.

Which question would you like answered the most?

Janis Geiger: Can we live without technology?

Why does unconscious discrimination of all kinds still exist today?

What else I wanted to say...

Janis Geiger: "Express yourself" (honestly and directly)