REHACARE REPORT 2026: Self-Determination Requires More Than Reforms

Düsseldorf, 24 July 2026 – Three percent less reimbursement for the provision of assistive technology: what sounds like a manageable savings measure at first sight, might result in far-reaching consequences for millions of people with disabilities, chronic diseases and in need of nursing care. Critics warn the planned flat-rate reduction as part of the Statutory Health Insurance Contribution Rate Stabilisation Act will specifically hit those segments of care that require one-on-one counselling, adaptation and close-to-residence care.

There is far more to this than costs. For many affected those aids impact their mobility, social participation, career perspectives and self-determined living. At the same time, this raises the question whether short-term savings might mean higher costs in the long term – associated with greater care needs, longer hospital stays or the loss of the ability to work.

Precisely this question is addressed by REHACARE with its large-scale study REHACARE REPORT 2026 involving more than 1,500 people with disabilities, chronical diseases as well as their relatives. “The discussion about the future of AT provision must not only revolve around structures, processes and costs. Centre stage must be those who are dependent on demand-focused provision of such technology to be able to design their lives in a self-determined way,” says Hannes Niemann, Director of the International Trade Fair for Rehabilitation and Care REHACARE.

Self-determined living starts with adequate provision

Mobility, communication, professional participation, care, or self-determined living in one’s own four walls – for millions of people assistive technologies form the basis of self-determined living and equality in social participation.

“Self-determination and participation are fundamental prerequisites for an inclusive society. Here demand-driven and timely provision of aids play a crucial role. They enable people with impairments to shape their own lives and enjoy equal participation in society,” says Jürgen Dusel, the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Relating to People with Disabilities.

With a view to better reflect the views of those affected in the current debate about the future of aid provision, REHACARE is now initiating a comprehensive study in the form of REHACARE Report 2026. This study examines how people with impairments and chronic disease and their relatives rate the current provision of AT and highlights the demands they make on future-proof provision.

“People with disabilities and chronic disease cannot make do with ‘off-the-shelf’ options. They require customised solutions oriented towards their personal circumstances. The decent provision of aid is not a question of comfort but an essential precondition for self-determination, social participation, and equal opportunities,” says Dr. Martin Danner, Federal General Manager of BAG SELBSTHILFE.

REHACARE as a platform for participation of the future

“At present, there is an in-depth debate about the future of assistive technology provision. As a platform for rehabilitation, inclusion and care REHACARE wants to help highlight the views of people who depend on such aids day in day out. Through the REHACARE Report we provide a basis for the dialogue between people affected, providers, associations, scientists and politicians,” explains Hannes Niemann, Director of REHACARE.

The results of the study will be presented for the first time as part of REHACARE 2026.

About REHACARE International

REHACARE is the world-leading trade fair for rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion and care. Under the guiding theme of “Self-Determined Living” it brings together people with disabilities, chronic disease and old age together with solution providers, starts-ups, associations, and political decision-makers. The next REHACARE will be held in Düsseldorf from 23 to 26 September 2026.

REHACARE China established in 2023 and held at the Suzhou International Expo Center means the brand is also represented on the Asian market and has already become established as a key platform there. The next edition of REHACARE China will be held from 20 to 22 August 2026. 

The portfolio now also includes the AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai, the biggest specialised event for people with disabilities in the Middle East. It presents the latest assistive technologies and solutions that promote inclusion and accessibility in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. The