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Achim Bauch – That's how he rolls

Independently mobile – at all heights and in all situations

15.05.2024

Achim Bauch is one of thousands of people worldwide who are still living with the consequences of the thalidomide scandal of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Which moment he remembers most fondly from a few years ago and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.
Photo: Achim Bauch with his wheelchair in a park; Copyright: Motion Solutions GmbH
Name: Heinz-Joachim "Achim" Bauch
Age: 62
City: Mühlheim a.d. Ruhr, Germany
Occupation: Pensioner
Disability: Thalidomide damage to all four limb

What makes a day a good day to you?

Achim Bauch: If I'm healthy and there are no problems.

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

Achim Bauch: Three or four years ago, my sweetheart surprised me with a balloon ride. It wasn't so easy to find a provider who could take me along. But she managed it. The balloon ride thrilled me so much that I have already booked the next one.

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

Achim Bauch: Surviving in our society with my disability.

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

Achim Bauch: I don't need that many assistive devices because I live on two levels: at home on the floor and outside in a wheelchair. The Closomat serves me well, but I also have a stick with which I can open windows and doors. I recently got the LEOlevel from moso, which enables me to get down to the floor. That gives me back a lot of independence.

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

Achim Bauch: Perhaps a flying wheelchair. But I don't want to get into the realm of science fiction here.

Gif animation: REHACARE 2026 from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "More information about the Trade Fair"
Photo: Achim Bauch with his LEOlevel in the park; Copyright: Motion Solutions GmbH

Thanks to the LEOlevel from Motion Solutions, Achim Bauch is able to lower himself to the floor independently – perfect for getting onto the toilet, into bed or onto the bath tub lift.

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

Achim Bauch: More acceptance and normality – in practice and not just on paper. It would be nice if we were no longer such an ego society.

If nothing were impossible: Who would you like to meet, what place would you like to visit or what time would you like to experience? And why?

Achim Bauch: A beautiful island with sun, beach and the occasional long drink, where I can live in peace and quiet, would be enough for me.

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

Achim Bauch: I have already mentioned the topics that concern me most in this context. From the disability scene, Janis McDavid really impresses me. He has a similar disability to mine.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Achim Bauch: For many people who don't know me, it's surprising that I'm not crazy, even though I'm in a wheelchair.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Achim Bauch: I drive there regularly. I only ever know whether it's important for me or not when I'm there. Sometimes I discover great new tools like the LEOlevel – but sometimes I don't.

What's still on my mind...

Achim Bauch: I want us to break down barriers – those in everyday life, but above all those in people's minds.

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.

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