Miriam Langhoff – That's how she rolls

What makes a day a good day to you?

Miriam Langhoff: I just need sunshine, nature and people around me with whom I have a good time.

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

Miriam Langhoff: The founding of my project "EinBlick" was a moment for me that I will certainly never forget. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fantastic team. In particular, a big thank you to Karin Datsis, who runs this project together with me with full commitment.

Together with our protagonists, our aim is to build bridges to a more inclusive, diverse, varied and positive coexistence in our society.

So if you would now like to become a part of us and/or have any questions about our project, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from everyone.

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

Miriam Langhoff: Leaving my own comfort zone more and more is definitely one of my biggest challenges. But it is precisely these steps that have allowed me to grow and get to where I am today.

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

Miriam Langhoff: Definitely my wheelchair, which gives me a lot of freedom.

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

Miriam Langhoff: To be honest, I've never thought about that before. I would probably invent an aid that would enable me to manage my bladder and bowel paralysis without surgery.

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

Miriam Langhoff: I have a general wish for us as a society:

I would like to see a society that once again develops an awareness of treating its counterpart with more empathy, appreciation and respect.

I would like us to see each other again for who we are: PEOPLE, regardless of status, origin, religion, community, disability, etc. – or not...

Let us once again stand more for what unites us and not for what divides us, once again stand more for what we have and not for what we lack...

Miriam Langhoff: As part of my project, I had the opportunity to meet Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, the former national coach of the German women's national soccer team. For me, it was an encounter with a super likeable, down-to-earth and tough personality.

I would also find Dunja Hayali very exciting.

For me, these are both impressive personalities who put themselves at the service of our society, regardless of what others say and/or think.

Ireland is a place I absolutely have to see in this lifetime. The landscape is a dream...

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

Miriam Langhoff: The topics of disabled sports (wheelchair dance), accessible travel, people with disabilities on the open labor market, exchange between people with and without disabilities and also life as a couple with a handicap interest me very much.

I am impressed by the (German) initiative Kämpferherzentreffen.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Miriam Langhoff: I don't know if it's surprising, but I love my colorful, crazy little life – just the way it is. I enjoy every beautiful moment and appreciate it. It is precisely this life that makes me the person I am today. And I wouldn't trade this life for the world. Everything is fine the way it is.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Miriam Langhoff: REHACARE is always a colorful "class reunion". I am also interested in new developments in the area of accessibility.

What's still on my mind...

Miriam Langhoff: I have a wish for those of us who are affected: get into an exchange, get into a dialog with people without disabilities. My personal/private experience has shown me that the vast majority of people are open to the topic of disability. Many simply lack experience. This leads to insecurities (which I can understand) and also fear of contact, which only those of us affected can – and in my opinion should – overcome.

In my view, those of us who are affected are just as responsible for our social interaction and for the future perception of inclusion as those who are not affected. Inclusion is not a one-way street. We bear this responsibility for ourselves, our descendants and for all those who cannot use their own voice. We should be aware of this.

But I also have a wish for non-disabled people, especially teachers and entrepreneurs: get involved in this exchange, give people with disabilities a chance in your company. Organize theme weeks in your schools and invite speakers on the topic of inclusion. This is the only way we can work TOGETHER to ensure open and visible cooperation.