Self-determined continence at REHACARE 2026: What to expect

Discover assistive products, gain practical insights, and connect directly with experts: At REHACARE 2026, self-determined continence will have its own dedicated focus for the first time. In Hall 1, a new dedicated area will bring together exhibitors and solutions for continence, bladder, and bowel management, creating opportunities to explore products, ask questions, and talk directly with experts. A program of presentations will complement the exhibition area throughout the event.

In brief: Forum for self-determined continence

Where? Hall 1, Stand C24
When? September 23–26, 2026
What? Continence products and solutions for bladder and bowel management
Forum: Presentations and opportunities for exchange on all four days, with presentations in German
Who is it for? People with disabilities and chronic conditions, family members, and professionals

Continence care in one dedicated area

Visualization of the forum for self-determined continence at REHACARE

The visualization provides a first glimpse of what the Forum for Self-Determined Continence might look like at REHACARE 2026.

Bladder and bowel management can involve a wide range of individual needs – and the available products and approaches to continence care are just as varied. The Forum for Self-Determined Continence brings different perspectives on the topic together in one dedicated area. Visitors can explore products and solutions, discuss their questions directly with exhibiting companies, and share experiences. A program of presentations complements the exhibition area, bringing together practical, personal, and professional perspectives on continence and continence care.

These exhibitors offer solutions for continence care

Twelve companies and organizations will showcase their solutions for self-determined continence in the dedicated area. The range extends from established products for bladder and bowel management to digital and technology-based solutions.

Exhibitor

Continence products and solutions

Fraunhofer IPA

New assistive devices for independent bladder and bowel management

GHC German Health Care

Urinary drainage products and catheters

PubliCare

Continence care and consultation

Teleflex Medical

Catheters and bladder management

Hollister

Intermittent catheters

Wellspect

Bladder and bowel management

Manfred Sauer GmbH

Catheters, condom catheters, and urine collection bags

Coloplast

Bladder and bowel management

inContAlert

Digital bladder monitoring

ConvaTec

Catheters and continence care

UROMED

Catheters, intermittent self-catheterization, and urinary drainage

FGQ

Information and peer support for people with spinal cord injuries

Presentation program: From everyday experiences to expert knowledge

What does self-determined bladder and bowel management look like in everyday life? What products and approaches to continence care are available – and what new solutions are currently being developed? The forum's presentation program explores self-determined continence from a range of perspectives, bringing together personal experiences, practical information, professional expertise, and research.

Please note that the presentations will be held in German.

Topics covered in the forum include:

Bladder management and intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) – use, guidance, and independently managing assistive products
Bowel management – products and approaches that support greater independence
Continence care and reimbursement – access to assistive products and questions around coverage
Research and new technologies – emerging developments in bladder and bowel management
Everyday experiences – personal perspectives on continence and using assistive products
Sexuality and self-determination – continence in the context of intimacy and sexuality

View the full presentation program (in German)

Talking openly about continence

When it comes to continence, it's not only about choosing the right assistive product. It's also about finding information, sharing experiences, and talking openly about individual needs. The forum brings together different perspectives from everyday life, continence care, and research. And above all, one thing is essential:

Open dialogue about these topics and more support in finding the right assistive products.

Portrait of Prof. Dr. med. Urs Schneider

More on self-determined continence

Want to explore some of these topics in more detail? Learn more about assistive products and new technologies for continence management – and how talking openly about incontinence can help break down barriers.

Going to the bathroom independently again – how new technologies can support greater self-determination
In this interview, Prof. Dr. med. Urs Schneider talks about self-determined continence, new assistive products, and why it's important to talk openly about the topic.
Talking about incontinence with humor: How Willy makes conversations easier
How the Manfred Sauer GmbH project "Willy weiß wie" uses a plush penis to break down inhibitions and make conversations about incontinence easier.
Smart incontinence management: How the inContAlert wearable can support users
How a bladder sensor can monitor bladder fullness and support people with neurological bladder dysfunction in everyday life.

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Author: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

Published on: August 21, 2026