Image: Children and young adults with prosthetic legs at the Talent Days; Copyright: MikaVolkmann

MikaVolkmann

Talent days 2023: Introducing children and young people with prostheses to sports

06.03.2023

World record holder Johannes Floors has made it his mission to introduce children and young people with prostheses to the world of sport. That's why he is devoting three days of his time to the youngest at the “Talent Days” in order to work with Ottobock technicians to fit and extensively test sports prostheses.
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Image: Lukas sits in his new Ford Tourneo Connect with the Space Drive driving and steering system and two joysticks; Copyright: PARAVAN

PARAVAN

"Mobile tailor-made suit" by PARAVAN: flexible operating devices for vehicles

27.02.2023

Lukas drives his new Ford Tourneo Connect with the Space Drive driving and steering system and two joysticks – one for accelerator/brake and one for steering. But every now and then, someone else sits behind the steering wheel who doesn't need these input devices. Thanks to a resourceful solution from PARAVAN's technicians, this can be realized within a minute.
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Image: Therapy room in the Patient Care Competence Center; Copyright: Ottobock

Ottobock

Ottobock unveils the patient care of the future

22.02.2023

On 20 February, the global healthtech company Ottobock opened the doors to its most state-of-the-art and future-oriented clinic to date. Located in the newly developed Sartorius Quarter in the German city of Göttingen, the clinic will provide care for patients across the country and worldwide.
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Image: Illustration of microimplants in an arm; Copyright: WILDDESIGN GmbH, Gelsenkirchen

WILDDESIGN GmbH, Gelsenkirchen

A new generation of microimplants

20.02.2023

They are barely the size of a thumbnail, able to communicate with each other and respond to each other, and designed to make life easier for people with functional limitations. We are talking about a new generation of interactive microimplants. These miniature assistants can act as a stimulus in cases of tinnitus or digestive tract disorders or help a person’s hand to regain the ability to grip.
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Image: Alexander Klems sits in his wheel loader and operates it with his hands; Copyright: PARAVAN

PARAVAN

Reintegration into working life: Operating a wheel loader via joystick

15.02.2023

Alexander Klems has been driving wheel loaders for 21 years. In 2019, everything was going to be different. He got injured. He could no longer operate the accelerator pedal of his Hitachi ZW 330 wheel loader, which he almost always has to step on when loading construction materials. Another solution was needed, which was found at PARAVAN thanks to the Space Drive drive-by-wire system.
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Image: An elderly man uses a Kinova arm support system to drink a cup of coffee; Copyright: Focal Meditech/ Kinova Europe GmbH

Focal Meditech/ Kinova Europe GmbH

Kinova: new dynamic arm support systems

08.02.2023

Kinova, a leading global provider of robotic solutions for people with disabilities, is adding two dynamic arm support systems to its portfolio. With the Gowing² and the Dowing² from Dutch manufacturer Focal Meditech, Kinova completes the supply chain for people who have limited arm function due to a disease or accident.
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Image: A teenage girl laughs while using the ichó therapy ball, which is currently glowing orange; Copyright: icho systems GmbH

icho systems GmbH

ichó: The smart therapy ball for home use

16.12.2022

Building communication, strengthening skills, and responding to individual needs – that is the goal of icho systems GmbH. To realize their vision, the team has developed the ichó therapy ball. It brings therapeutic measures and individual support to people's homes and can be used to promote cognition and motor activity.
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Photo: A woman with dark short hair stands at a lectern. In the foreground, audience members can be seen out of focus; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann

Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann

Review of the forum presentations at REHACARE

12.12.2022

Exciting products and many presentations could be experienced at the expert forum PRODUCTS & NEWS @REHACARE and at the TREFFPUNKT REHACARE 2022. We have summarized what there was to discover in a review of the forums.
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Image: A man in a hospital bed using THERA-Trainer bemo; Copyright: THERA-Trainer by medica Medizintechnik GmbH

THERA-Trainer by medica Medizintechnik GmbH

THERA-Trainer: Complete solution for gait rehabilitation

24.11.2022

The goal of THERA-Trainer by medica Medizintechnik GmbH is to make it easy for people with restricted mobility to regain their lost mobility. That is why the family company has designed professional therapeutic products and robotic assisted complete solutions for all phases of lower extremity rehabilitation.
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Photo: Caregiver explains therapy plan to elderly person using a tablet; Copyright: Rido81

Rido81

Brilliantly digital: tech applications in physio and rehab

12.10.2022

Increasingly, manufacturers are offering digital solutions for different needs in the fields of rehabilitation and physiotherapy – be it customized training programs or fun exercise games. In this Topic of the Month, you can find out what innovative options are already available today and what can still be expected for the future.
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Photo: Nurse kneels with tablet in hand next to a seated patient; Copyright: DigiRehab GmbH

DigiRehab GmbH

Quo vadis, digitalization in rehabilitation and physiotherapy?

12.10.2022

Usability, autonomy, modernity – that's what digital components should add to rehabilitation and physiotherapy. This benefits both patients and professionals according to manufacturers of new technologies and software. Conversations with experts about the current situation and the future reveal how the industry is dynamic and ever evolving.
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Photo: People in the entrance area of the REHACARE trade fair; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

REHACARE highlights in 2022

12.09.2022

It's finally that time again, REHACARE 2022 will take place live on site again! The joy is equally great among visitors and exhibitors, finally assistive devices can be tried out again and personal conversations can take place. Since we know that you can hardly wait to visit the trade fair, we have summarized some highlights for you in the Topic of the Month!
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Photo: People get advice at a stand at REHACARE; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Constanze Tillmann

Messe Düsseldorf/Constanze Tillmann

Choose, touch, and try out products – experience REHACARE live and in-person again in 2022

12.09.2022

You’re probably familiar with this scenario: You order a fabulous piece of clothing or shoes online, only to be terribly disappointed when the item arrives but doesn’t fit. It’s an all-too-familiar problem for people with disabilities who depend on these resources. Whether it’s a mobility aid or adapted car, the device must be customized to fit the needs of the individual to provide support.
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Photo: RVs parked in front of a lakeshore at sunset; Copyright: CreativeNature_nl/envato.

CreativeNature_nl/envato

Living a self-determined life: accessible travel around the world

29.08.2022

Get in your camper to get away: Each year, thousands of Germans make this dream come true as is evidenced by the number of current new registrations of camper vans, travel trailers and recreational vehicles. Standard models often include many practical features - but unfortunately, accessible solutions are still few and far between.
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Photo: a wheelchair is loaded into a car at REHACARE. Visitors watch; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

No way too far – mobile by car

29.08.2022

Not everyone likes cars and for some they are an environmental sin. But for people with disabilities, they can be helpful and represent mobility, participation and new opportunities. After all, anyone with a mobility impairment doesn't always want to be dependent on others. In the Topic of the Month, we show examples of vehicle conversions that provide more freedom.
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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.
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Photo: a young man tests an exoskeleton by descending a staircase during REHACARE. Several people are indistinct in the background; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

Exoskeletons for prevention and therapy

28.07.2022

Exoskeletons are constantly evolving and are increasingly finding their way into prevention and therapy. In this month's Topic of the Month, we look at how they help protect people from physical harm at work and how they can be used in therapy!
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Photo: a man stands with his arms outstretched in a factory hall to present an exoskeleton on his back; Copyright: Ottobock

Ottobock

Preventing work-related injuries: exoskeletons curb repetitive stress injuries

28.07.2022

Lifting boxes above head height, repositioning a bedridden patient, or assembling heavy components in production - many work-related activities go along with monotonous postures or repetitive lifting. Exoskeletons can reduce strain and prevent long-term musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses.
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Photo: a person with the right hand in a plaster cast smears himself a roll with the help of his left hand and a special eating board; Copyright: Ornamin

Ornamin

Small things that have big benefits: daily living aids help make everyday life easier

27.06.2022

Opening a jar or getting on a bike to ride to the store: small things that many of us around the world do every day and tend to take for granted. But these activities are not a matter of course for everyone. Daily living aids can make a big difference to people with disabilities in making their lives easier.
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Photo: a black and red robot arm pours a drink into a paper cup; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

Daily living aids for people with disabilities

27.06.2022

Reaching for a bottle and opening it when you're thirsty or quickly making a sandwich when you're hungry. What many people take for granted can be a problem for people with disabilities. In these situations, analog or digital daily living aids can be used to maintain independence. Read more about this in the Topic of the Month!
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Photo: an inclusive sailboat with a man in front and a woman behind. The woman is missing her arms and steers with her feet; Copyright: Andrea Francolini-www.afrancolini.com

Andrea Francolini-www.afrancolini.com

Inclusion in water sports: "Disability is no longer an issue once you get in the boat"

13.06.2022

What does inclusive sailing entail? Just ask Elke Paatz. She practically grew up on a sailboat and has become disabled as the result of a sports accident. Paatz is the contact person for inclusive (adaptive) sailing on behalf of the German Sailing Federation (German: Deutscher Segler Verband), DSV.
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Photo: a man in a wheelchair on a promenade at the beach; Copyright: seventyfourimages

seventyfourimages

The joy of water sports includes people with disabilities

27.05.2022

Water sports such as diving, sailing, or kiteboarding evoke a feeling of freedom! You don’t have to travel the five oceans of the world to get in on the fun. Depending on the type of sport, your local man-made lake or public swimming pool can also do the trick.
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Photo: Beach wheelchair on the Caribbean beach; Copyright: Timo Hermann | Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Timo Hermann | Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Leisure, sports and travel

27.05.2022

For most people, the thought of water is associated with relaxation. A day at or on the sea, boating, swimming or water sports. But what of this is possible if you are in a wheelchair, for example? We can reveal a few things. Read more in our Topic of the Month!
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Photo: a dark-skinned person sits with a bonsai on a sofa, the face is not visible; Copyright: envato/twenty20photos

envato/twenty20photos

A new generation and sustainability

30.04.2022

Sustainability is not a luxury that companies can take up for the sake of a better image. It is necessary to implement sustainable goals quickly in order to put a stop to climate change. But what can be done in the assistive technology industry, which often relies on plastic and disposable products? And are start-ups ahead of established companies here? Read more in the Topic of the Month.
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Photo: A female wheelchair user stands on a terrace and smiles sideways at the camera. You can see a green meadow in the background; Copyright: davidpereiras

davidpereiras

Auxiliary means industry: sustainable production, work and life

30.04.2022

The term "sustainability" has been on everyone's lips for some years now. Supermarkets advertise sustainable products, exchange platforms emphasize the sustainability of second-hand clothing, and disposable diapers are frowned upon by many young parents because of the mountains of trash they generate. But what is the actual situation in the medical and auxiliary means industry?
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Photo: a person in a suit writes the word

twinsterphoto

Start-ups in the auxiliary aids industry

28.04.2022

Anyone visiting REHACARE on site will notice numerous small stands in addition to the larger stands of many established companies. Here you can often find new start-ups that want to expand the assistive technology sector with a fresh idea.
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Photo: a nurse helps an elderly man in pajamas out of bed. A wheelchair can be seen in the foreground; Copyright: PantherMedia/ridofranz

PantherMedia/ridofranz

Textiles: clothing in care

02.04.2022

There are more than four million people in need of care in Germany, and for every one of them there are one or more caregivers. Discussions about their situation often focus on the right equipment, such as care beds, walkers or drinking cups. But one factor for pleasant and professional care is often forgotten – clothing.
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Photo: A bunch of service dogs around a wheelchair; Copyright: WZ Hundezentrum

WZ Hundezentrum

Service dogs: priceless four-legged helpers

29.06.2021

REHACARE.com spoke with two dog training centers and learned how much people with disabilities benefit from a canine companion in everyday life and discovered the type of training assistance dogs complete before they are matched with a person.
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Photo: a young man with glasses sits in a wheelchair on a hill at dusk, a river and the illuminated river bank can be seen in the background - Tobi Kroll; Copyright: Tobi Kroll

Tobias Kroll

Tobi Kroll – That's how he rolls

16.06.2021

How can we arrive in an inclusive world? Tobi Kroll has a few suggestions, because he is always thinking about barriers – both structural and social. But he also has some ideas about how society can accommodate people with disabilities. Who he would like to discuss our society with and how he otherwise rolls, he tells us on REHACARE.com.
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Photo: a woman wearing a trikot and a helmet sitting in a wheelchair on a basketball field, she is holding a basketball – Ronja Holze; Copyright: Drazen Lovric

Drazen Lovric

Ronja Holze – That's how she rolls

02.06.2021

Sport has a special significance in Ronja Holzes life: First it helped her to accept her new life situation, then she fought her way up to the world championship and into the national squad in just a few years. Which sports she is talking about here, which auxiliary mean is particularly important for her life as an athlete and how she otherwise rolls, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
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Photo: a woman with light grey hair, glasses and a green t-shirt is sinnting in a wheelchair in front of a building, on her legs she carries a ramp made of tiny bricks; Copyright: Lego-Oma-Team

Lego-Oma-Team

Rita Ebel – That's how she rolls

19.05.2021

Rita Ebel has become known as the "Lego granny": Since accessibility is still a scarce commodity, she designs ramps made of interlocking plastic bricks. Boxes of the colourful bricks are stored in her house and are transformed into ramps with creative patterns. Why she herself is dependent on accessibility, why she never loses her smile and how she otherwise rolls, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
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Photo: a woman with brown hair and glasses is on the left side of the picture, in the background is the sea – Anne Schütz; Copyright: Holger Schütz

Holger Schütz

Anne Schütz – That's how she rolls

05.05.2021

Anne Schütz already learned in primary school that no distinction should be made between people with or without disabilities. So it's no surprise that she would like to meet the namesake of her primary school. Who that is, which device means independence for her and how she otherwise rolls, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
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Photo: Mother talking to her daughter sitting at a table opposite her brother; Copyright: Andi Weiland | Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Andi Weiland | Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Why inclusion is more important than ever amid the coronavirus crisis

25.06.2020

How are families of children with disabilities coping during the coronavirus crisis? A recent online survey asked this question, prompting over 1,600 participants to respond in just two weeks. What do the survey results reveal about the current state of society in terms of social participation and inclusion? We asked Dorothea Kugelmeier and Dr. Raimund Schmolze-Krahn, who launched the study.
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Photo: Director talks to two young women who are involved in the film

M. Bothor

Inclusive education: "Children of Utopia" creates new perspectives

21.03.2019

The debate about inclusive education is stalling and generally doesn’t even let those who are most affected have their say: students both with and without disabilities. The German movie "Children of Utopia" ("Die Kinder der Utopie") wants to change all that. That's why it will be screened in several movie theaters on May 15 as part of a nationwide campaign event – followed by panel discussions.
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Photo: A human resources manager talks to a talent on Match Day; Copyright: myAbility/Stefan Ebersberger

myAbility/Stefan Ebersberger

"The DisAbility Talent Program connects employers and prospective employees with disabilities"

07.02.2019

Professional success with a disability or chronic illness – the DisAbility Talent Program aims to also support respective German students and new graduates in the near future. How is it planning to do that? REHACARE.com asked Daniel Schörghofer, who has been in charge of the program in Austria for several years as a DisAbility talent manager at myAbility Social Enterprise GmbH.
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Photo: Stefanie Trzecinski; Copyright: Johannes Franke

Johannes Franke

"At the TUECHTIG coworking space, people with and without disabilities are working together – and not just next to each other"

22.03.2018

Maximum flexibility to encourage ideas, effectively sharing office space: coworking spaces have become a part of many major cities. In 2017, Berlin featured about one hundred of them, but none of them were comprehensively accessible. That’s something Stefanie Trzecinski from KOPF, HAND + FUSS gGmbH wanted to change. That was the moment, the idea for "TUECHTIG – Raum für Inklusion" was born.
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Photo: Cinderella and Niels of HelpCamps; Copyright: HelpCamps

HelpCamps

HelpCamps: "Making assistive technology faster, more affordable and personalized"

23.11.2017

In accordance with the slogan "Nothing about us without us", the HelpCamps project aims at developing and implementing concepts and ideas together. To make this a reality, people with disabilities, companies from the assistive technology, care and assistance sectors, as well as stakeholders in the so-called maker movement and researchers, are brought together to network during various events.
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Photo: Employees of the Arbitration Body: Anne Katrin Lutz, Dr. Rica Werner, Antje Halamoda and Sabine Tekir; Copyright: Die Hoffotografen GmbH

Die Hoffotografen GmbH

"The BGG Arbitration Body is a solid tool to file for rights violation complaint at no charge"

19.10.2017

The Federal Act on the Equalization of Disabled Persons (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz), BGG, intends to ensure that people with disabilities don’t face discrimination. In December 2016, the BGG arbitration body was created. REHACARE.com checked with Anne Katrin Lutz and Dr. Rica Werner who can contact the staff in Berlin given applicable circumstances.
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Photo: Click-sonar coach Juan Ruiz while training with a kid; Copyright: Anderes Sehen e.V., www.anderes-sehen.de

Anderes Sehen e.V., www.anderes-sehen.de

"Long cane for children is a 'facilitator'– the chance to independently accomplish something"

17.08.2017

The long cane offers the possibility to be independent and effectively mobile as a person with visual impairment. Children in particular could get used to him in a playful way. The association "Anderes sehen e.V." has co-developed the children's long cane. REHACARE.com spoke to Ellen Schweizer, the founder of the association, about the fact that inclusion is not a burden, but can bring joy.
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Photo: Cheering soccer fans at the stadium; Copyright: panthermedia.net/mikdam

panthermedia.net/mikdam

Blind soccer fans are on the ball for 90 minutes thanks to match reporting

17.08.2017

For nearly 20 years, the "Fanclub Sehhunde; Fußball-Fanclub für Blinde und Sehbehinderte e.V." promotes match reporting for the blind to ensure that its members fully experience a stadium visit. REHACARE.com spoke with deputy chairperson Nina Schweppe about the match reporting for the blind and the obstacles that still need to be overcome before full inclusion in stadiums becomes a reality.
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Photo: the team of Capjob: Asal-Rothenburger-Huening; Copyright: Felix Huening/Capjob

Felix Huening/Capjob

Capjob: "People with severe disabilities assist job seekers with severe disabilities"

13.07.2017

Modern and user-friendly: job seekers are able to indicate their type of disability on the Capjob.de employment portal and search for jobs that are right for them. REHACARE.com spoke with founder Felix Hüning about the unique features of Capjob and why virtually all parties could benefit from an inclusive employment landscape.
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Photo: Patrick Dohmen in the LernLaden; Copyright: WDR/EUKOBA

WDR/EUKOBA

Accessibility: "We need a shift in awareness in the retail sector"

22.12.2016

Shopping with a disability is no easy feat: almost every store is not accessible. But what does accessibility in retail actually mean? REHACARE.com spoke with Patrick Dohmen of the EUKOBA Association about the idea behind the LernLaden (English: Learning Store) and the awareness and sensitization project for retailers, employees and apprentices.
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Photo: Dagmar Marth

Silvia von Eigen

"The patient’s needs determine the conversation in peer counseling"

28.04.2015

Article 26 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities asks for the support of persons with disabilities in the form of so-called peers, who are in the same situation. The concept of peer counseling is therefore increasingly being implemented. Educational researcher Dagmar Marth has counseled persons with amputations both in a voluntary and professional capacity for nine years.
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