With its kick-off press event “Self-Determined Living: Innovation meets Attitude” the international trade fair for rehabilitation and care provided important impulses and flagged up concrete solutions for how an inclusive society can succeed. Innovation is not understood as a means in itself here but as a response to societal challenges borne by the readiness to assume responsibility and actively shape inclusion. Research, development and hands-on innovations form central pillars for this.
The event was opened by Sabrina Lorenz and Moritz Brückner who discussed the topic in a podcast-style format called “Inklusiv uns” (Inclusive Us), explaining the status quo and sketching out realistic perspectives for the future. “Self-determination mustn’t just be an empty phrase – we have to show that innovations can change everyday life in concrete terms,” emphasised Sabrina Lorenz. Moritz Brückner then added: “We need more open-mindedness also when it comes to taboos. This is the only way towards genuine participation – in life, in politics and on the market.”
In the subsequent roundtable discussion Dr. Martin Danner (BAG SELBSTHILFE e.V.), Dr. Urs Schneider (Fraunhofer IPA), Nico Koplanov (inContAlert) and Hannes Niemann (Direktor REHACARE) addressed fundamental and current issues: How do we successfully involve those affected in decision-making processes? What role do technological innovations play in increasing autonomy? How can long-winded approval processes, which currently last up to eight years, be accelerated? And how can the innovation climate in Germany be strengthened?
Dr. Martin Danner made it perfectly clear: “We have to consistently incorporate the voices of those affected in decision-making processes – otherwise self-determination and inclusion remain empty phrases with no real impact.” Dr. Urs Schneider stressed: “New technologies are a key to more autonomy – their success hinges on people being able to trust and also make use of the innovations.” Nico Koplanov highlighted: “For start-ups the road to market entry often proves to be quite a marathon. Eight years for obtaining approval is too long – we need things to speed up to ensure innovations arrive where they are needed.”
Hannes Niemann underlined the trade fair’s role: “REHACARE sees itself as a platform and enabler. Through the community survey ‘How Self-Determined is Living with Assistive Technology really?’ initiated for REHACARE 2025 we are drawing a realistic picture of lived inclusion – with obstacles and successful examples from practice. After the trade fair the results will form part of a representative study presented in 2026.”
So, the press kick-off made it clear – it’s about providing impulses, flagging up solutions and giving hope rather than blaming and shaming.
The roundtable discussion was followed by an Innovation Tour through the Halls where selected innovations were presented that enable inclusion in concrete terms.
Which means: REHACARE 2025 has not only got off to a successful start but also made a strong statement right from the outset: innovation meets attitude – for self-determined living.
For more information go to: www.rehacare.de
REHACARE Community Survey
Take part now and raise your voice:
https://www.rehacare.de/de/media-news/presse/pressematerial/pressemeldungen/community-umfrage-inklusion-selbstbestimmung
Press contact:
Monika Kühnhenrich-Jacoby
Tel. +49 (0) 211/4560-620
E-Mail: KuehnhenrichM@messe-duesseldorf.de
Upon publication we would appreciate a specimen copy.
