Timo Stiehl – That’s how he rolls

Living self-determined – step by step

Making progress visible, staying consistent, and continuing his own path – these are what shape Timo Stiehl’s everyday life. After an accident, he had to relearn many fundamental skills, including speaking, walking, and getting up independently. Today, as a content creator, he shares his experiences and shows how much growth is possible, even when it takes time and patience. In the REHACARE eMag, he talks about defining moments, everyday support, and what motivates him to keep going.

Timo Stiehl out and about in his wheelchair, with his service dog Nemo by his side

Name: Timo Stiehl
Age: 30
City: Münster, Germany
Occupation: Content creator, incluencer

I live with left-sided hemiparesis, aphasia, dysphagia, and apraxia.

Click here for his Instagram account: instagram.com/timostiehl

Is there a moment in your life that you especially like to look back on?

Several moments: the day we picked up Nemo (June 2021), the day I proposed to Nele (March 2025) – and, in relation to my disability, the moment I managed to stand up on my own without any assistive devices. Another moment that has stayed with me is the day I was able to pronounce the consonants G and K again for the first time after two years of practice.

What makes these moments still so special to you today?

They are special to me because they are not just moments that felt good at the time, but experiences that continue to stay with me and still give me strength today.

What has been one of the biggest challenges in your life so far?

Regaining so much of what I lost in the accident. What helped me most were my girlfriend Nele, our families, and our friends – they encouraged me and were always by my side.

These three assistive devices, strategies, or forms of support are essential in my everyday life:

Lower leg orthosis, because without it I cannot stand or walk.
Wheelchair, because otherwise I would not be able to go on walks with Nemo.
Palatal lift, because without it I cannot speak clearly or loudly enough.

What I wish for from society in how it interacts with people with disabilities or chronic conditions is simply more openness.

Timo Stiehl in a wheelchair on a pier with water in the background

Give us a chance, set aside your prejudices, engage with us, and see for yourselves.

Close-up of Timo Stiehl at REHACARE 2025

Are there topics, projects, or initiatives that are especially close to your heart? What matters to you about them?

Cycling is something I find especially exciting – whether as a handbike attached to a wheelchair, a separate bike, or a recumbent bike. These options give people with disabilities a level of flexibility that you often only truly appreciate once it is no longer a given. At the same time, being active outdoors is an important balance for me and helps improve things like muscular endurance, strength, and coordination.

Another cause that is close to my heart is the German ZNS Foundation. It supports people with traumatic brain injuries and damage to the central nervous system, as well as their families – for example through education, counseling, and practical support. This also includes topics such as prevention, inclusion, and improving quality of life.

For me, REHACARE is something like a safe space for people with disabilities. You are not looked at strangely for being different, you do not have to justify anything, and you are simply accepted.

Timo Stiehl at REHACARE 2025: exploring the exhibition grounds and testing various assistive devices

Trying out assistive devices, connecting with others, discovering new things: for Timo Stiehl, REHACARE is definitely a place to explore. © nele_fotoundfilm

Is there something you would like to say at the end – something that is truly important to you?

Do your thing – even if it seems impossible. Fight for it, surprise those who never believed in you, and be proud of yourself. You deserve it.

Never let go of the people who supported you and believed in you along the way.

If you are not going to go all the way – why go at all?

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: April 15, 2026