Simon Arnold – That’s how he rolls

Life after a stroke: assistive devices and willpower for greater self-determination

"Every day is good and special" – this is the attitude Simon Arnold takes to his everyday life, which was fundamentally changed by a stroke in his youth. He had to relearn many things and accept limitations. Today, he lives his life independently with the help of assistive devices and a great deal of optimism. In the REHACARE eMag, he talks about barriers, participation, and the power of consistently seizing opportunities.

Simon Arnold smiles at the camera at REHACARE 2025

Name: Simon Arnold
Age: 25
City: Düsseldorf, Germany
Occupation: Student in Media Management
Disability: Stroke at age 13, resulting in paralysis on the left side

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

Simon Arnold: I like to think back to my graduation ceremony, because many people tried to talk me out of getting my high school diploma. But anything is possible!

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

Simon Arnold: I think the biggest challenge was accepting that I had to relearn many functions after my stroke. You always have to make the best of the situation – with a smile on your face and discipline. We can't get the time back!

I am grateful that I had a stroke.

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

Simon Arnold: First of all, I am infinitely grateful that there are such great and versatile aids available today. For one thing, I have the L300 go, which has greatly improved my gait. The so called "Einhandbrett" (one-handed board) allows me to eat breakfast on my own. I am also infinitely grateful for the Myomo. It allows me to use my paralyzed left side again in everyday life. I also use the TiPY one-handed keyboard every day to write and play games on my computer.

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

Simon Arnold: I would like society to take care of each other and to provide assistance when help is needed. I would like to see more inclusion projects. I hope for more accessibility. I want us to move away from this pigeonholing mentality. Everyone can achieve what they set their mind to. We should encourage this. I would also like to say that we are on an incredibly good path. A lot has changed (for the better) in recent years.

3 photos of Simon Arnold at REHACARE 2025: at the ReWalk booth and interacting with the TiPY one-handed keyboard

"There are already so many innovative ideas, covering all aspects of my life." At REHACARE 2025, Simon Arnold once again discovered how versatile modern aids are in enriching his everyday life – including the one-handed keyboard that he uses himself. © private

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?

Simon Arnold: Nothing is impossible! I would like to talk to Dennis Schröder about the future of basketball in the area of inclusion.

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

Simon Arnold: There are some great sports clubs where people with and without disabilities play together. I'm a big fan of concepts like that. We are ONE society!

Simon Arnold as a teenager doing therapeutic exercises after his stroke

After having a stroke as a teenager, Simon Arnold trained tirelessly during rehabilitation: walking, grasping, moving – step by step, he worked with the therapists to develop a new body awareness that would enable him to live an independent life. © private

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Simon Arnold: I am grateful that I had a stroke. On the one hand, I am alive. That is the greatest gift. On the other hand, I have a family that has always supported me – to this day. I am also a fighter and go through life every day with a positive attitude and a smile on my face. If it had happened to someone else, they might not be doing as well as I am. I'm doing incredibly well. I've never been as happy as I am right now.

What does REHACARE mean to you?

Simon Arnold: REHACARE is very important to me because I love to engage in dialogue. I also always learn a lot because new ideas are constantly being brought to this place. It opens the eyes of people without disabilities and makes them confront the problems of other people.

Always stay positive! We can't get back the time we spend in a bad mood. Be grateful that you are doing so well. There are always people who are worse off, and your problem is someone else's dream. We're glad you're here!

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.

Published on: October 15, 2025