Choose, touch, and try out products – experience REHACARE live and in-person again in 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. The same applies to assistive technology. 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 the proper support.

It’s one of the many reasons why both visitors and exhibitors are delighted that REHACARE 2022 is once again scheduled to take place inside the exhibition halls in Düsseldorf. After all, it’s all about trying out products! Whether it's a wheelchair, a vehicle conversion, or smaller assistive devices – trade fair visitors can – literally - take matters into their own hands and see what fits thanks to on-site advice and services. When it comes to expensive assistive technology, it’s especially important to try out the products before you commit and buy them.

Urs Schneider from the Fraunhofer IPA agreed when we interviewed him in July. His Institute partnered with other associations to feature the Exoskeleton Park in Hall 6 at REHACARE, a place where interested parties can try out various exoskeletons and attend lectures. Besides rehabilitation, Schneider also sees many benefits of exoskeletons as it pertains to prevention and says: “The purpose of industrial exoskeletons in the workplace is injury prevention, meaning primary prevention. This gives rise to the following questions. First: Can exoskeletons also be used for secondary prevention of back pain in the future? This ailment is relatively harmless, but it affects many people. The second question is: Can exoskeletons provide relief for physical disabilities in the future? Wheelchair users must always support their shoulders. Can shoulder exoskeletons make life easier for these users in the future, thanks to wheelchair-accessible installation, for example?”

For more information about exoskeletons, also check out our Topic of the Month July: Exoskeletons for prevention and therapy. And please visit the Exoskeleton Park in Hall 6/E24.

Also located in Hall 6 will be companies and specialists in vehicle conversions, offering customized solutions to meet the needs of their customers. Options include complete conversions or more low-tech assistive devices such as adapted seat belts with a better grip or booster seats. We explored this issue in more detail in our Topic of the Month August: No way too far – mobile by car. While cars must not be driven inside the halls, you are welcome to explore sitting in or loading a wheelchair into the vehicles. And there is another option for those who prefer to put the pedal to the metal: Automobile Sodermanns GmbH offers test drives with adapted vehicles near their booth on the outdoor exhibition area.

If things have become too leisurely for you after trying out cars, may we suggest heading for the Sports Center in Hall 7a? The Sports Center is a favorite REHACARE destination and dynamic hub where the North Rhine-Westphalian Disability and Rehabilitation Sports Association (BRSNW) showcases the diversity in sports. Whether you are looking for sports aids for people with disabilities or leisure and sports activities in a club – this is the place where you are likely to find it. Besides wheelchair basketball and table tennis, visitors can now also learn about inclusive sailing. Unfortunately, many people with disabilities do not know that this popular sport is also a feasible option for them. The topic is presented by the German Sailing Association (Deutscher Segler-Verband e. V, DSV).

A few months ago, we interviewed Elke Paatz. She is the contact person for inclusive (adaptive) sailing on behalf of the German Sailing Federation (DSV) with a soft spot for the sport: “Most clubs could give even more people with disabilities access to adaptive sailing. But unfortunately, the target audience is often unaware of these options because they assume their disability stops them from sailing. That's why we think it's so important to be a part of REHACARE 2022 and show that sailing is also possible when you have a disability. “ Anyone who is excited about this sport, but assumed his/her disability is an issue can learn more at REHACARE and find out if he/she can sail away after all. Click here to read the full interview with Elke Paatz: Inclusion in water sports: "Disability is no longer an issue once you get in the boat".

This year brings another first: concurrent with REHACARE, the "therapie DÜSSELDORF" will be held from September 16 – 17, 2022, in Hall 1 of Messe Düsseldorf. More than 80 exhibitors will bring innovations to life on site and provide inspiration for everyday practice. An extensive congress program rounds off the event and highlights current research results and therapies. Buyers of a ticket (website in german only) to "therapie DÜSSELDORF" also receive a free ticket voucher for REHACARE.

As always, all others can purchase their REHACARE ticket at the Messe Düsseldorf ticket shop or directly on-site during the trade fair. Starting September 14, 2022, it’s finally time to say: Welcome back to REHACARE!