Kerstin Schöck – That’s how she rolls

Self-determination with assistive devices – for more courage, visibility, and empowerment

Full of energy, humor, and determination – this is how Kerstin Schöck openly shares her everyday life on Instagram. She talks about care, assistive devices, love, and her love of life. The 53-year-old lives with multiple sclerosis and the rare Lambert-Eaton syndrome – showing that self-determination isn’t defined by physical limitations. In the REHACARE eMag, she talks about courage, connection, and the art of seeing every day as an opportunity.

Name: Kerstin Schöck
Age: 53
City: Stuttgart, Germany
Occupation: Retired architectural draftswoman
Disability: I have been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 30 years, and about ten years ago I was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton syndrome (LEMS) – both progressive autoimmune diseases. I am now paralyzed from the shoulders down and rely on care and assistive devices in daily life.

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

Kerstin Schöck: After being diagnosed with MS, I was afraid I would never find someone who could love me with my illness – or that I would never be able to have a family. But the opposite happened: I met my wonderful husband, we got married, and our son was born in 2003. These experiences have shown me that life, even with limitations, can be full of love, hope, and a future. A special turning point came in 2022, when I gave a "Motivator" interview for the German MOBITIPP magazine. That’s when I realized how deeply my story touches others – and how much joy I feel in sharing my positivity.

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

Kerstin Schöck: My greatest challenge has been – and still is – the gradual loss of my independence. Over many years, I’ve experienced how, step by step, I lost more and more abilities: first walking, then writing. Later, I could no longer wash or feed myself. Again and again, I had to adjust to new limitations.

Kerstin Schöck smiling in her electric wheelchair, with trees behind her

"I wish for more openness and curiosity instead of pity. Many only see what’s missing, not what’s possible. Inclusion begins in the mind, and often just a smile or a kind word is enough." © private

Which aids are indispensable for you in everyday life and why?

Kerstin Schöck: My most important assistive device is my power wheelchair, which I control entirely with my chin. As soon as I sit in it, I feel independent – sometimes I even forget about my disability. Attached to the wheelchair is my robotic arm, which I can also operate with my chin.

A real game changer was the camera mouse I use on my phone and computer. I control everything through head movements – it’s my gateway to the world: I write, design pictures and videos, and stay in touch with family, friends, and my community. So simple, yet so brilliant!

My nursing bed and standing lift are also essential for everyday life – they make my care possible and take a huge load off my husband, Bernd.

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

Kerstin Schöck: Many people might shy away from the idea, but I’d have absolutely no problem being cared for by a robot in the future – quite the opposite! In uncomfortable situations, I’d actually find it more relaxing to be supported by a neutral machine – without shame or pity.

Ideally, it would be a robot I could control myself: one that could feed me without needing another person’s help. And if it could also cook, shop, do the laundry, and tidy up on my command – that would be perfect!

Kerstin Schöck and her husband Bernd smile for the camera

"If anything were possible, I’d love to walk hand in hand with my husband along a white sandy beach – no wheelchair, no limitations, barefoot in the sand." © private

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

Kerstin Schöck: If I could travel through time, I’d visit my grandparents in their youth and share carefree moments with them. And one day, I definitely want to travel to the United States – to visit my friend and godchild who moved to North Carolina many years ago.

Are there any particular issues relating to people with disabilities that are especially close to your heart?

Kerstin Schöck: It’s especially important to me that people with disabilities gain more visibility and real participation in society. I wish for greater recognition and support for family caregivers – they accomplish incredible things behind the scenes. And I hope that people like me aren’t only seen as "patients" or "care cases", but as creative, loving, thinking individuals who have something to say.

I want to encourage others, be visible, and show that even when you can’t do everything yourself, life can still be incredibly rich and fulfilling.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Kerstin Schöck: I used to play soccer and sang in a gospel choir for over ten years. I’m also a bit of a "Monk" – I love order and structure. Gospel choir, soccer, and a passion for tidiness: it may sound like three different personalities, but that’s just me.

What does REHACARE mean to you?

Kerstin Schöck: This year, I attended REHACARE for the first time – and I’m so glad we went. What I enjoyed most was finally meeting many people from the Instagram community in person. I was deeply impressed by the variety of assistive devices. Seeing so many innovations gathered in one place was both exciting and inspiring. I can truly recommend visiting. For my husband and me, one thing is clear: we’ll be back next year.

3 photos of Kerstin Schöck together with people of her Instagram community at REHACARE 2025

A special reunion between online community and real life: At REHACARE 2025, Kerstin Schöck met several of her digital friends in person for the first time – including @bumblebee_lifecoach, @lars_grenzenlos_leben, and @timostiehl – one of the highlights of her first visit to Düsseldorf. © private

If you’re doubting yourself or struggling – whether because of a disability or something else – you’re not alone. The road may feel rocky at times, but every small step counts. You’re stronger than you think!

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.

Originally published on: November 12, 2025
Last updated on: November 27, 2025