Claire Horsbrugh – That’s how she rolls

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

Claire Horsbrugh: I often think back to the first trade fair I worked at. Not only did I meet my current employer there, but also some truly amazing people. Those three days set something in motion – something I find hard to put into words. But ever since then, my mindset has shifted: I believe much more in my own abilities now and dare to do things I never thought possible before. And because of that, I've been able to experience so many incredible things.

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

Claire Horsbrugh: Because I’ve been ill for as long as I can remember and developed my disability at an early age, there was never one single turning point or a specific challenge I had to overcome. Of course, there were dramatic – even life-threatening – situations, but over time, even those became a kind of normal for me.

What’s been much harder is finding my place outside of that "sick world". The question of who I am beyond my disability still accompanies me to this day. Since birth, I was always Claire with the metabolic disorder, or Claire with the vision problems. Over the years, the list of diagnoses kept growing – today it’s more than ten.

What I still struggle with is trusting that people truly see me – not just my limitations. Moments when someone forgets I can’t walk quickly, or casually asks if I can use both hands – those are incredibly meaningful. Because in those moments, I feel seen as a person, not defined by my disability.

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

Claire Horsbrugh: I hope that the word disability no longer has negative connotations. That people are no longer afraid of it – neither of the term nor of the people who live with it. At the same time, this also means that we have to keep fighting for inclusion. We need specific people who are committed and who never tire of ensuring visibility and change.

Of course, there are many other issues that I think need to change. Especially in politics and social structures. But I could probably write a whole book about that.

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?

Claire Horsbrugh: I’m genuinely happy with where I am right now. I wouldn’t want to fundamentally change my life. Of course, there have been things that were difficult or challenging – but without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

If I could still wish for one thing, though, I’d travel to Italy without having to worry about celiac disease and fill my belly with pizza and pasta – until I’m full, happy, and sun-soaked with a stomach ache.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Claire Horsbrugh: I'm not a dog person and I have a funny dog.