Matthias Klei - That's how he rolls

Matthias Klei loves to overcome boundaries, likes to face personal challenges and tries to realize his dreams - for example a trip around the world. An inclusive society which is geared to disadvantaged people would make things much easier. Why Christoph Waltz would be the perfect cast for him in a movie, and what is getting on his nerves, he tells us at REHACARE.com.

When did you last laugh heartily and what about?

Matthias Klei: Hm… It is not easy to answer this question. You should laugh every day, otherwise life is too serious and dark.

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

Matthias Klei:… a trip around the world for round about one year. Problem: organizing assistance for that. … a photo shoot at the Matterhorn. … paragliding. But I could not realize both due to a lack of time.

Which person has influenced you most?

Matthias Klei: One important person in my life is Ms. Brechmann. She made my first steps into the working world easy for me and thereby, she also brought me close to my dream of self-determined living with assistance. But most important are my parents, who raised me in a "normal" way - despite my hundred percent disability. And they did not pamper me. Without them I would not be where I am now!

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

Matthias Klei: To reduce bureaucracy and campaign for the rights of people with disability. To ensure that the weakest people in the society gain center stage – then our society would be fine.

Your life is made into a film: Who would represent you?

Matthias Klei: James McAvoy – because he already represented a wheelchair user quite powerful once in the movie "Inside I’m dancing" and his character in this movie is similar to me.

I would like to be ...

Matthias Klei: …in conversation with Ms. Merkel to clear the social injustices and the despotism of the administrative bodies in dealing with people with disabilities.

Which questions would you like answered the most?

Matthias Klei: Why do people with disability have to exist at social minimum? How can we be a part of the society? And why are we seen as a part of the society, although we are entitled in many respects to be none? When are people with disabilities no longer considered to be second class?

What I finally want to say...

Matthias Klei: Basically I am pleased with my existence. I would just be much happier, if they would not give me the feeling sometimes, I’m the one to blame for my disability and would just be "batting".