Menu

Image: a man with dark hair is wearing an exoskeleton and lifts a woman who sits in a wheelchair; Copyright: FLP Media

FLP Media

Exoskeletons in care: how technology can relieve care workers and keep them on the job

03.12.2024

Back pain, work overload and sickness-related absences are part of everyday life for many employees. According to the BKK health report, musculoskeletal disorders lead to above-average absenteeism. A technological solution could now help to relieve the burden on nursing staff: exoskeletons. But how realistic is their use in practice?
Read more
Image: The logo of the Global Disability Summit; Copyright: Global Disability Summit

Global Disability Summit

REHACARE 2024: Symposium on international cooperation for inclusion

18.09.2024

On 26.09.2024, a symposium on the Global Disability Summit 2025, organized by BAG SELBSTHILFE and the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, will take place as part of REHACARE in Düsseldorf. The aim of the conference is to strengthen and deepen international cooperation to promote the rights of people with disabilities.
Read more
Photo: Logo of the UniteToFight initiative; Text:

UniteToFight

International Long Covid and ME/CFS conference gathers momentum

24.04.2024

The fight against Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) gains momentum with the #UniteToFight2024 conference. This international, community-driven event, the first of its kind, has already attracted over 3,000 registrations worldwide in just two weeks.
Read more
Image: Situations that are symbolic for inclusive election campaigns under the caption:

European Disability Forum

Is your election campaign accessible? Assess with our checklists

18.12.2023

Over 100 million people with disabilities in Europe face challenges in accessing election information through digital channels and events. The European Disability Forum has introduced checklists and scoring systems to help political parties and campaigns enhance accessibility, encouraging self-assessment and learning, with the aim of fostering inclusive communication and events.
Read more
Photo: Frank Sodermanns receives the White Cross

Automobile Sodermanns Reha-Mobilitätszentrum-NRW

Honoring Frank Sodermanns with the White Cross "Honor et Gloria"

04.12.2023

The non-governmental organization "Agape Ukraine" has awarded Frank Sodermanns the "White Cross" for his commitment to the evacuation of people with disabilities from Ukraine. The award underlines the importance of the commitment and the ongoing need for financial support for the relief operation.
Read more
Photo: Hands pointing at a laptop equipped with assistive technology for blind and visually impaired people; Copyright: Michel Arriens | www.michelarriens.de

Michel Arriens | www.michelarriens.de

Spanish presidency of the European Council: Expanding voting rights of persons with disabilities

29.11.2023

The European Disability Forum welcomes the "Declaration of the Spanish Presidency of the European Council on Expanding Voting Rights of Persons with Disabilities". Six obligations in particular should be emphasized to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities, including promotion of cooperation between the Member States of the European Union.
Read more
Photo: The Opening Ceremony of Hangzhou 2022 with numerous people dressed in red and white on stage and some lighting effects; Copyright: Asian Para Games

Asian Para Games

Asian Para Games: Hangzhou 2022 cauldron lit as Games open after one-year delay

01.11.2023

After a one-year postponement due to COVID-19, the Hangzhou Asian Paralympic Games were held from October 22 to October 28. A total of 44 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) competed in 564 medal events in 22 sports.
Read more
Image: In big letters: Global Survey Report on People with Disabilities and Disasters. Among them various symbols, such as a wheelchair and a crossed out ear; Copyright: European Disability Forum

European Disability Forum

UN report shows very limited progress on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction

23.10.2023

The UN released a report on disaster preparedness for people with disabilities, highlighting a lack of progress over the past decade. Key findings show that many individuals with disabilities lack preparedness plans, access to disaster information, and awareness of risk reduction plans, while they also have limited participation in community-level decision-making.
Read more
Photo: A man with a hearing aid holds up his hands at an event to signal 'applause' in sign language; Copyright: Andi Weiland / Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Andi Weiland / Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Louder is not always better: assistive devices for people with hearing disabilities

27.09.2023

Participation is not the same as taking part. Many people with a disability are no strangers to this realization. At REHACARE 2023, Susanne Schmidt from the German Association for the Hearing Impaired explained to us where the problems lie in the participation of people with a hearing impairment and what technical, but also very human solutions are possible.
Read more
Image: three people are standing behind a wheelchair user, raising signs with chinese sings on it; Copyright: REHACARE Shanghai

REHACARE Shanghai

REHACARE CHINA: for visitors, country and progress

22.08.2023

Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. has upgraded REHACARE SHANGHAI to REHACARE CHINA and moved the trade fair to Suzhou. The event will take place from 23 to 25 August 2023.We spoke to James Zhang, Senior Project Director of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. about the background, the importance of the show for the country and the highlights of the event.
Read more
Photo: two train wagnoing with open doors; Copyright: European Disability Forum

European Disability Forum

Revised Regulation on Rail Passenger Rights enters into force

14.08.2023

The updated Regulation on Rail Passenger Rights enters into force on June 7, 2023, enhancing and in some cases strengthening passengers' rights during train travel. The regulation aims to ensure consistent protection for rail passengers in the EU, particularly focusing on those with disabilities.
Read more
Photo: Caesar van Heyningen and Thomas Saur shake hands and look into the camera; Copyright: CUREosity GmbH

CUREosity GmbH

Changes in the management of CUREosity

07.08.2023

Caesar van Heyningen will become the new CEO of CUREosity, a leader in the development of VR therapy systems for the medical field, on July 1, 2023. His predecessor, Thomas Saur, will assume the role of CVO. Together with the CTO, Stefan Arand, they form the company's new management team, which aims to establish and further expand the company internationally.
Read more
Photo: Woman (left) standing with a bouquet of flowers in her hand next to two men, one of whom is holding the RI Centennial Award; Copyright: Ottobock

Ottobock

RI Centennial Award goes to Ottobock

17.07.2023

The medical technology company Ottobock was honored with the RI Centennial Award for its commitment to people with disabilities. The award ceremony took place as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Rehabilitation International (RI) organization in Beijing.
Read more
Image: Detail of a hand with a pen in front of a laptop; Copyright: European Disability Forum

European Disability Forum

Companies in the EU will have to report on disability inclusion

10.07.2023

The new EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Reporting requires companies operating in the EU to report on their practices for the inclusion of persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups. The reporting standards have been published, and companies will gradually implement them starting from the financial year 2024.
Read more
Photo: Man with beard sitting in a sweeper with electric step; Copyright: PARAVAN

PARAVAN

PARAVAN: Reintegration into working life with disabilities

10.07.2023

PARAVAN GmbH demonstrates a wide range of possibilities for individually adapting vehicles and machines to make it easier for people with disabilities to re-enter working life, whether through adaptations to access or the control of the vehicles. Inclusion in the workplace requires willingness and a common basic understanding among all parties involved.
Read more
Image: Collage consisting of eight images of eight people engaged in an activity, most of whom have a disability; Copyright: Ottobock

Ottobock

Sam Ryder writes life-celebrating anthem for Ottobock's global brand campaign

03.07.2023

The Ottobock company celebrates life with its first global brand campaign #IAmAMountain. The song "Mountain" by Sam Ryder, which is the centerpiece of the campaign, is about perseverance and courage while Ottobock's campaign focuses on inspiring people with disabilities and their stories to change the image of them in society.
Read more
Image: Images side by side as an advertisement for the film. Person with one leg under water (left), wheelchair user (center) and man jumping with a prosthetic leg; Copyright: Harder Than You Think

Harder Than You Think

Harder Than You Think and P&G Studios announce new film "Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution (w/t)"

26.06.2023

Harder Than You Think (HTYT) and P&G Studios are collaborating to create a new documentary film, "Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution (w/t)," aimed at sparking a global conversation on disability equality. The film follows on from the success of the double Emmy Award winning film Rising Phoenix, released in 2020.
Read more
Image: Lettering that says

Sunrise Medical

Sunrise Medical sponsors the UK's first step-free art trail

05.06.2023

The company Sunrise Medical is sponsoring Morph's Epic Art Adventure, the UK's first step-free art trail, which will take place in London from June 19 to August 20, 2023. As part of Morph's Epic Art Adventure in London, Whizz-Kidz will use the trail to encourage the public, the business community and young people to imagine what a more inclusive world could look like for young wheelchair users.
Read more
Image: Blue lettering that says: European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities. Above it Braille and sign language and below it a hashtag; Copyright: European Disability Forum

European Disability Forum

The European Parliament – a forum for all persons with disabilities

05.06.2023

On May 23, the European Parliament and the European Disability Forum renewed their long-standing partnership to host the "5th European Parliament of People with Disabilities". An event that allows disability representatives and people with disabilities to share their concerns directly with European Union policy makers.
Read more
Photo: Girl smiling holds the book titled

Maximiliano Nóbili

Children's book series aims to write new chapter for Para sports in Argentina

02.05.2023

Argentine journalist Maximiliano Nóbili has already published several books about para-athletes. In the series titled Somos deportistas – "We are athletes" – readers can learn the stories behind some of Argentina's greatest para-athletes. The goal is to improve knowledge about para-sports in this country.
Read more
Image: Results of the resolution on black background with a total of 631 votes cast, of which 336 are pro, 121 are neutral and 174 are against; Copyright: European Disability Forum

European Disability Forum

European Parliament pushes for EU-wide minimum income rules that protect persons with disabilities

24.04.2023

A report calls on the European Commission to present a proposal for an adequate minimum income in the European Union. In this report there are important considerations on the subject of disability. The European Disability Forum strongly supports the campaign of the Social Platform on this topic.
Read more
Image: Labor Force Participation Rate for people with and without disabilities from 2019 till 2022; Copyright: Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation

Employment of people with disabilities reached new levels in 2022, outperforming their peers without disabilities

24.04.2023

According to a special 2022 edition of National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE), published by the Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD) and based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average monthly employment rate increased in 2022 for people with disabilities.
Read more
Image: Store maps with different inscriptions and a qr-code on the left side; Copyright: Carrefour

Carrefour

Carrefour steps up its support for people on the autism spectrum

17.04.2023

Carrefour is stepping up its support for people on the autism spectrum with a number of initiatives with for example store maps on the bars of its shopping trollies. After "quiet shopping times" were integrated two years ago, this is another important step to make life easier for people with disabilities when shopping.
Read more
Image: Kanya Sesser models in sportswear on a skateboard; Copyright: Kanya Sesser

Kanya Sesser

Meet the female athletes and trailblazers making the fashion industry more inclusive

03.04.2023

Para athletes like Robyn Lambird, Frances Rivera and Kanya Sesser are embracing their bodies and leading the revolution to make the fashion industry more inclusive for people with disabilities.
Read more
Image: Computer keyboard above which the words Accessibility can be seen; Copyright: European Disability Forum

European Disability Forum

Web Accessibility Directive: better feedback mechanism, more expertise needed

20.03.2023

An evaluation report by the European Commission reported on the first three years of application of the Web Accessibility Directive (WAD). The period of the review overlaps with the accelerated digital transformation brought on by the pandemic.
Read more
Photo: Frank Lackner in an exhibition hall with a leather bag around his neck and looking at the camera; Copyright: private

private

Frank Lackner – That's how he rolls

08.03.2023

Frank Lackner fights for more accessibility in public spaces. In 1991, he and a friend founded the International Citizens' Initiative for Wheelchair Users' Interests, or INTERROLLI in short. What improvements he would like to see in disabled toilets and how else he rolls, he tells us on REHACARE.com.
Read more
Photo: Annika Schröder is holding a badminton bat and smiles into the camera; Copyright: Sandra Lange

Sandra Lange

Annika Schröder – That's how she rolls

22.02.2023

Accessibility plays a key role for Annika Schröder. She sees a need to catch up in many areas – from public transport to bureaucracy. The 25-year-old competitive athlete has the support of her friends and family. Why she would like to see more determination from politicians and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
Read more
Photo: Sebastian Stabler sitting in his wheelchair; Copyright: private

private

Sebastian Stabler – That's how he rolls

08.02.2023

Not just stand, but dance – that's what Sebastian Stabler would like to do. He is still waiting for the right assistive equipment. But the paraplegic 37-year-old already shows himself to be a sporty and active person. Why he would like to meet a certain bodybuilder and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.
Read more
Photo: Karina Sturm wears a black hat, which she holds with one hand. She smiles past the camera; Copyright: private

private

Karina Sturm – That's how she rolls

25.01.2023

Writing a book – a dream for many people. For Karina Sturm, it was a chance to accept her diagnosis. By giving advice, she wants to enable other people to do what she has managed to do herself: to become an active part of their own disease management and to live a self-determined life. How she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
Read more
Photo: Kae Tran infront of a shelf with cameras. She leans onto a drawer; Copyright: Patrick Estebar

Patrick Estebar

Kae Tran – That's how she rolls

14.12.2022

Self-determined mobility is possible in Kae Tran's everyday life mainly through her walking stick. The aid has become her most important companion. What changes she would like to see in rollators and in society, what role mental health plays for her and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
Read more
Photo: Ricky sitting in his wheelchair infront of a swimming pool; Copyright: private

private

Ricky – That's how he rolls

16.11.2022

His relationships with his family, friends and God not only make Ricky's day, but are also his most important tools in everyday life. And with his modified bus, wheelchair and walker, he is able to compensate well for his limitations. Which positive experiences he has already had, how the supply of aids could be optimized and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.
Read more
Photo: Two professionals are giving advice about pediatric auxiliary aids at REHACARE; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann

rehaKIND e. V.

Status quo of the pediatric auxiliary aids and services supply: challenges, successes, and ideas

18.08.2022

As children grow up and develop, their needs keep changing. If the response to their special needs for auxiliary aids and services isn’t quick and competent, it creates problems that could have been avoided at a systemic level, says Christiana Hennemann. rehaKINDis committed to improving the situation and giving constructive feedback to policymakers, the public and other important stakeholders.
Read more
Photo: Inga H. playing with her dog in the forest; Copyright: private

privat

Inga H. – That's how she rolls

18.05.2022

Thanks to her stoma, Inga can now live a largely normal life – free and without pain. She can go out with her dog, swim and soon do other sports again. But she had to fight hard for this and overcome many hurdles. She tells REHACARE.com what these were and where she still experiences discrimination in public today.
Read more
Photo: Elena Zubiaurre standing on a yard, looking to the camera; Copyright: Elena Zubiaurre / private

Elena Zubiaurre / privat

Elena Zubiaurre – That's how she rolls

04.05.2022

Living with an invisible disability – Elena Zubiaurre knows how it feels. She lives with multiple sclerosis (MS). But strangers don't see it. That's why she would like society to be more careful and attentive. She tells REHACARE.com which everyday aids and auxiliary means should also be invented and why home office and mandatory masks are a blessing for her.
Read more
Photo: Dietmar Sen with crossed arms, looking to the camera; Copyright: Niklas Arnold Photography

Niklas Arnold Photography

Dietmar Sen – That's how he rolls

20.04.2022

Dietmar Sen doesn't want to have to hide or be ashamed of his weaknesses. His message: "Let's be authentic!" He tells REHACARE.com which things he wishes for and what he misses from his youth.
Read more
Photo: Alina Esleben smiling, looking to the right; Copyright: Yvy Anheier

Yvy Anheier

Alina Esleben – That's how she rolls

06.04.2022

Instead of new assistive devices, Alina Esleben would like to see a normalization of accessible public spaces and transportation. On REHACARE.com she shares her thoughts on local production within the assistive technology industry and how she rolls otherwise.
Read more
Photo: A young redhead woman sitting in an electric wheelchair in the forest and smiling at the camera; Copyright: private

privat

Hannah B. – That's how she rolls

23.03.2022

More awareness in everyday life – that's what Hannah B. wishes from society in regards to disabilities and their various forms. On REHACARE.com, the 25-year-old from Berlin reveals who or what restored her lost self-confidence and how she rolls otherwise.
Read more
Photo: Thomas Müller, Beate Höß-Zenker and Janine Aigner stand in front of and next to a large poster for World Cerebral Palsy Day 2021; Copyright: Stiftung Pfennigparade

Stiftung Pfennigparade

World Cerebral Palsy Day – for inclusion and social participation

06.10.2021

I am here, we are here, and the world should know it – with this message, the World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6 should not only draw more attention to the disease. It is also intended to raise awareness of the fact that there is still a lot of catching up to do in terms of the participation of people with cerebral palsy in many areas of society.
Read more
Photo: a soldier leaning his head against his dog; Copyright: Rehahunde Deutschland e.V.

Rehahunde Deutschland e.V.

PTSD assistance dogs provide security and increase rehabilitation successes

29.07.2021

Dogs are not only popular pets, but in some cases they also do important work: Assistance dogs trained for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not only a physical companion in everyday life, but above all must also be a psychological support. The association Rehahunde Deutschland e.V. trains such dogs. This year it celebrated its 15th anniversary.
Read more
Photo: a young woman in a red dress is sitting in a black wheelchair, the sea is in the background; Copyright: Ines Zeifert

Ines Zeifert

Lilli Zeifert – That's how she rolls

27.01.2021

Lilli Zeifert has already seen a lot of the world. Perhaps that's why her great love is for what there is still to discover beyond the Earth: Whatever there is to find out about astrophysics – Lilli wants to know. Who she thinks are the smartest minds of all time, what she would like to discuss with them and how she otherwise rolls, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
Read more
Photo: The team from

Die Neue Norm

Diversity and inclusion: Podcast breaks with the definition of "normal"

26.03.2020

Diversity makes our society richer and stronger. That is why the podcast "Die Neue Norm" (English: The New Norm) does not center on people with disabilities but society as a whole – which includes people with disabilities. Once a month, the podcast features journalists Jonas Karpa, Judyta Smykowski and activist Raul Krauthausen as they discuss topics that move them, their listeners or society.
Read more
Photo: Title photo

Self-determined and empowering: Activists with disabilities

29.09.2018

Nothing about us without us – this is the central demand of activists with disabilities. They get involved socially and politically, both on a larger and a smaller scale. And they met this year for a get-together at REHACARE.
Read more

How can I help you? – An accessible shopping experience please!

01.04.2016

Wide aisles, a lot of room between the shelves, non-slip flooring and easy-to-read price tags – this is especially important for senior citizens and persons with disabilities when they shop. But in the real world, things are often very different: shopping carts that are hard to maneuver, narrow checkout aisles or undersized dressing rooms are all too common.
Read more

Customers with disabilities demand diverse accessible concepts

01.04.2016

Let’s assess the situation: we asked around the social networks. What do people with different types of disabilities experience day-to-day when they go shopping? We wanted to find out what barriers they encounter, how they deal with them and what they expect from the retail industry.
Read more