Picture: a man with dark hair and black clothes, Acacio Cossa, sits in a power wheelchair and plays football; Copyright: Stefan Wicklein

Name: Acacio Cossa
Age: 35
City: Dresden, Germany
Occupation: Callcenter Agent
Disability: Duchenne muscular dystrophy

What makes a day a good day to you?

Acacio Cossa: A day without barriers.

Which day or moment in your life do you particularly like to remember? And why?

Acacio Cossa: When I received an award for the best player of the tournament (PowerChair Football) in Vienna. It was my first award and a great motivation to continue with the sport. I hadn't expected to receive an award that day, so I was all the more delighted!

What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far and how did you overcome it?

Acacio Cossa: So far, there hasn't been a challenge in my life that I haven't been able to overcome. My biggest daily challenge is therefore only stairs.

Which assistive devices are indispensable for you in everyday life and why?

Acacio Cossa: My electric wheelchair and my care bed – both give me more independence and mean quality of life for me.

If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it have to be able to do?

Acacio Cossa: A robot that can be controlled with the help of VR glasses so that I can look after myself and am no longer dependent on others. I don't like being dependent on the help of others, even though I unfortunately can't manage without assistance. That's why I'm happy about every bit of independence.

Gif animation: REHACARE 2025 from 17 to 20 September 2025 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "Get your tickets now"

Image: A man with dark hair, Acacio Cossa, sits in a wheelchair and looks at a small black screen with other men standing around him; Copyright: Stefan Wicklein

Acacio Cossa puts his heart and soul into PowerChair Football.

What do you wish for from society and your fellow human beings in dealing with people with disabilities?

Acacio Cossa: I would like disabled athletes to be respected for their performance and not for their disability.

Are there certain topics or initiatives relating to people with disabilities that are particularly close to your heart?

Acacio Cossa: Promoting PowerChair Football in Germany because it is a great sport that everyone should try out.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Acacio Cossa: I had little interest in runner soccer before PowerChair Football.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Acacio Cossa: For me, REHACARE means fun, interesting discussions and new technical achievements.

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

Editor: 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.