Interviews from our eMag

Name: REHACARE 2022
Start: 2022-09-14T10:00
End: 2022-09-17T17:00
Location: Messe Düsseldorf

EnableMe Insights – Participation as the key to better assistive devices and more inclusion

"Nothing about us without us" is the motto of EnableMe Insights. The message is clear: accessibility and inclusion only work if people with disabilities are actively involved in the various development processes. In an interview with REHACARE.com, Boryana Milova from EnableMe talks about the goals and challenges of the project – and how you can get involved.

Image: On the left a smiling woman with the BionicBack, in the middle a man with standing with his back to the camera, on the right two people in conversation; Copyright: Philipp Fauck / FLP Media

Putting an end to back pain – thanks to exoskeletons

Whether professional nursing staff or family caregivers – back pain is a widespread phenomenon among people who care for others. With the BionicBack, the companies Help Tech GmbH and hTRIUS GmbH want to provide an assistive device that relieves the back and prevents back pain. REHACARE.com spoke with Carolin Mühle from Help Tech about the exoskeleton and the challenges in today's care.

Photo: a young man in camouflage pants and dark green T-shirt lies on a physiotherapy couch and is being treated by a man; Copyright: envato/Iakobchuk

Rehabilitation for soldiers

Whether in private or on duty, anyone who is injured as a member of the Bundeswehr (the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany) is entitled to extensive rehabilitation. After all, the fitness for duty of members of the Bundeswehr is an important asset – the troops should always be ready for action.

Image: three people are standing behind a wheelchair user, raising signs with chinese sings on it; Copyright: REHACARE Shanghai

REHACARE CHINA: for visitors, country and progress

Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. has upgraded REHACARE SHANGHAI to REHACARE CHINA and moved the trade fair to Suzhou. The event will take place from 23 to 25 August 2023.We spoke to James Zhang, Senior Project Director of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. about the background, the importance of the show for the country and the highlights of the event.

Image: a young man wearing a jacket and beanie sits in a FUSE R active wheelchair. In the background you can see snowy mountains of Switzerland; Copyright: MEYRA GmbH

FUSE R: Active wheelchair with rigid frame by MEYRA® and Rainer Küschall

In a groundbreaking partnership in wheelchair history, MEYRA® and Rainer Küschall, a Swiss wheelchair industry pioneer, have co-developed an active rigid frame wheelchair. The cutting-edge FUSE R marries Küschall's vast expertise with the pinnacle of MEYRA's recent research and development efforts.

Image: A man in a hospital bed using THERA-Trainer bemo; Copyright: THERA-Trainer by medica Medizintechnik GmbH

THERA-Trainer: Complete solution for gait rehabilitation

The goal of THERA-Trainer by medica Medizintechnik GmbH is to make it easy for people with restricted mobility to regain their lost mobility. That is why the family company has designed professional therapeutic products and robotic assisted complete solutions for all phases of lower extremity rehabilitation.

Image: The new Genny model is shrouded by a dark cloth. Only the silhouette shines through slightly; Copyright: Genny Mobility

Genny’s self-balancing and two wheeled wheelchair gets an upgrade – revealed at REHACARE 2022

Inspired by the self-balancing Segway, Genny Mobility developed a wheelchair equivalent. What started as a newbie on the mobility aids market, now is ready for its third generation. The new wheelchair will be revealed in two weeks at this year’s REHACARE. Francesca Belotti allows for a little glimpse into what we can expect.

Photo: Two professionals are giving advice about pediatric auxiliary aids at REHACARE; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann

Status quo of the pediatric auxiliary aids and services supply: challenges, successes, and ideas

As children grow up and develop, their needs keep changing. If the response to their special needs for auxiliary aids and services isn’t quick and competent, it creates problems that could have been avoided at a systemic level, says Christiana Hennemann. rehaKINDis committed to improving the situation and giving constructive feedback to policymakers, the public and other important stakeholders.

Photo: A person wearing the Exopulse Mollii Suit hugs another person grinning broadly; Copyright: Ottobock

Spasticity Management: The New Exopulse Mollii Suit

Reduces spasticity, relieves pain, improves mobility: The Exopulse Mollii Suit is the world’s first neuromodulation suit that enables people with neurological conditions to enjoy a more active daily lifestyle. Daniel Hublitz knows how the suit works and who can benefit from it. He knows about the demands and requirements the new assistive medical device must meet.

Photo: A sled running on rails in a hall with a dummy sitting on it; Copyright: AMF-Bruns Forschungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG

Research and development: crash tests ensure safe design standards

When it comes to mobility, safety requirements take top priority. To drive research and development in this specific area, the company newly founded a research and development company, which operates separately from the successful car conversion entity. Its competence center for mobile safety opened its doors in 2021 in Apen, Germany.

Photo: Woman sitting on a Mobili Kit from Benoit Systemes; Copyright: Benoit Systemes

Mobile, more mobile, Mobili Kit: For more mobility into the narrowest corner

When mobility declines, the step up to a wheelchair can be very costly, both emotionally and organizationally. Benoit Systemes has found a solution here: With the Mobili Kit, you can still make a U-turn in even the smallest hallway – and in your own favorite chair. Tanya Veraksa told us about the advantages of the Mobili Kit and the story behind Benoit Systemes.

Photo: blue electric vehicle in the forest, a robot arm comes out from the back and holds a wheelchair next to the driver's door; Copyright: F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH

Mobility experience: sustainability meets state-of-the-art technology to support people with disabilities

To benefit people with disabilities, it takes more than a standard model to plug into the future. F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH collaborated with Electric Vehicle manufacturer e.GO Mobile SE to create this type of sustainable vehicle. REHACARE.com asked managing director and founder Frank Sodermanns what prompted the collaboration and learned about the little speedster’s countless possibilities.

Photo: A wheelchair with the trivida® wheel, a part of the wheel leans in front of the wheelchair; Copyright: trivida®

Reinventing the wheelchair wheel: greater independence with trivida®

Nobody expects the reinvention of the wheel and yet that is exactly what P+L Innovations GmbH has accomplished. In this REHACARE.com interview, the company’s managing director, Dr. Christine Pflaumbaum, tells us what makes trivida® so unique, explains the benefits of a detachable wheelchair wheel and gives us insights into the development process.

Photo: a woman in a wheelchair entering a treadmill; Copyright: ezyGain S.A.S.

One step at a time – With ema, the smart treadmill for gait rehabilitation

The overall goal of rehabilitation is to – literally – get patients (back) on their feet and provide professionally guided training to regain mobility and strength. However, some people find walking on a treadmill boring after a while.

Photo: Two women wear transparent masks so that all their facial expressions can be seen and communication is made easier for people with a hearing impairment; Copyright: iuvas medical GmbH

Better swallowing and understanding: Sophisticated aids from the field of speech therapy

Some aids may play a minor role in life, but they make everyday life much easier. These include products from iuvas medical: on the one hand, the transparent mask miama, which makes communication in the pandemic clearer. On the other hand, the sippa drinking aid, in which the contents are kept constantly at the top by a membrane so that people with dysphagia can swallow more easily.

Photo: a black head support system on a mannequin; Copyright: Sheffield Hallam Universität

Head support system HeadUp Collar: Communication at eye level

Head support systems for ALS patients are often not sophisticated and resemble neck braces. The University of Sheffield developed the HeadUp Collar, which can be individually adapted to the needs of the patient. REHACARE.com asked Anita Ogale, Product Manager at ProWalk, what makes the new head support system so special.

Photo: A girl using the PR 35 S wheelchair; Copyright: PARAVAN

Height-adjustable, versatile and adaptive – wheelchairs for kids

A wheelchair should fit your needs and support your life wherever it may take you. In theory, you can find the perfect model from many available options. But for one group of people, the choices are more limited – children. Meanwhile, they are the ones in dire need of assistive technology that helps them play with their friends and fosters their independence.

Photo: Employee with crutches in the entrance area of the company headquarters/office building; Copyright: Andi Weiland | Boehringer Ingelheim, Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Labor force participation of people with disabilities in the time of Coronavirus – opportunities and stumbling blocks

Not many of us are lucky enough to find our dream job and stay in it until the day we retire. Sometimes this might be due to health and medical reasons, which could necessitate occupational rehabilitation. If people have a severe disability, Germany’s Federal Integration Offices, or Inclusion Offices along with the pension insurance providers are the responsible authorities.

Photo: a man is sitting in a power wheelchair, he is wearing glasses; Copyright: HomeBraceGermany UG

Sensor glasses: Move the wheelchair independently with your eyes

The eyes play an important role in everyday communication, for example in recognising facial expressions. But for people with severely limited mobility, the eye makes much more possible: Equipped with the MyEcc Pupil, they can move their power wheelchair or a robotic arm independently. How do the glasses make all this possible? REHACARE.com asked Managing Director Thomas Rosner.

Photo: Close-up of a wheelchair user in front of a Myd'l ramp; Copyright: Myd'l

Myd'l: Diverse, innovative and individual – ramps for all occasions

Shopping – especially in city centers – can quickly turn from pleasure to frustration. Namely, when stores are only accessible via one or more steps. The French company Myd'l has a solution ready for every barrier in terms of accessibility – whether private or business. Successfully active in international business for 22 years, the manufacturer now also offers its products in Germany.

Photo collage: The turkish wheelchair basketball players Cem Gezinci, Ozgur Gurbulak and the tennis player Ugur Altinel; Copyright: ExtraWheelchairs

Crisis-proof: moso navigates confidently through the coronavirus pandemic

Years of business expertise, in-house production, and new personnel competency – the Motion Solutions GmbH is well-positioned to withstand the challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic and continues to offer its customers the best service. CEO Gierse discusses the role products like the COSEAT and EasyStand play in this setting and reveals the expectations the moso team has for the future.

Photo collage: Girl with WalkAide 2.0 goes for a walk with a dog. Boy with WalkAide walks on a path. Man with NeuGait walks down stairs; Copyright: Brio Photography / Pro Walk GmbH

Pro Walk: Overcoming foot drop one step at a time

Safe walking without tripping or falling is challenging for people with foot drop. Luckily there are technologies that provide active support by using functional electrical stimulation (FES). Pro Walk GmbH delivers these types of foot drop systems. How do these devices allow users to complete everyday tasks? REHACARE.com asked Nico Riedl, Product Manager and Physiotherapist at Pro Walk GmbH.

Photo: Business woman sitting at a laptop and taking handwritten notes; Copyright: PantherMedia/mavoimages

REHADAT Gute Praxis: "Labor force participation requires targeted and personalized measures"

What are strategies for successful inclusion in the primary labor market? Many employers only have a vague idea of what this entails, revealing the importance of comprehensive and practical information. The new REHADAT Gute Praxis (English: Best Practice) portal aims to be their go-to resource – and includes 900 practical examples. Why are they especially useful? We asked...

Photo: Mela Ikanovic and a ReWalker at the trade fair booth of ReWalk Robotics; Copyright: ReWalk Robotics

ReWalk Robotics: Optimal supply thanks to the latest robotic technology

Rehabilitation and robotics increasingly go hand in hand. That’s why it is crucial to ensure the quality of robotic rehabilitation at any level. How important is it for companies like ReWalk Robotics to have the support of health insurance companies? REHACARE.com asked and also learned about the company’s future hopes for the industry.

Photo: Man uses the Neofect Smart Glove for playful digital exercises at home; Copyright: Neofect

Neofect: "Digitization enabled us to gamify rehabilitation"

Light, individual and motivating: The portable therapy devices by Neofect aim to facilitate modern hand, arm and shoulder rehabilitation for rehab facilities and homecare use. We asked Scott Kim, CEO and co-founder of Neofect, to what extend gamification and digitization are advantages for the rehabilitation sector.

Image: An elderly woman is grocery shopping with her Wheeleo®.; Copyright: Wheeleo®

Wheeleo®: the walking aid for stability and autonomy

The new generation walking aid companion? The Wheeleo® feels like a never-ending guardrail and accompanies you everywhere you go. With its one-handed design it helps regain autonomy while supporting movement in everyday situations. For example, it enables grocery shopping, opening doors and walking the dog. It also reduces the risk of falling, is easy to transport and has an elegant design.

Image: A man in the ergoflix LX foldable electric wheelchair sits outside with a woman and a picnic basket; Copyright: ergoflix

Folding electric wheelchairs by ergoflix: adding more joy to life with the right mobility solution

Autonomy instead of dependency, social inclusion instead of social isolation – that's the motto of ergoflix. Leveraging high levels of motivation and conviction, the medical equipment manufacturer is committed to making it easier to access smart and aesthetic mobility equipment. The company developed a series of foldable electric wheelchair models that promote an active and flexible lifestyle.

Image: A man sits in an iBOT electric wheelchair and rides through dunes; Copyright: 2KERR

IBOT electric wheelchair: go wherever you want – physically and socially

The iBOT is a multifunctional personal mobility device that allows users to achieve things that were previously impossible. With twenty years of advanced technology combined into one device with six different modes, users can go wherever they want. And wherever they are, the iBOT electric wheelchair makes participation possible.

Image: Double-sided and standard-compliant wall handrail in a residential complex; Copyright: Flexo-Handlaufsysteme GmbH

Tangible safety: self-determination thanks to Flexo handrail systems

Code-compliant handrail systems provide safety and make stairs accessible and usable for more people. They help reduce fall risk, facilitate more mobility, and allow people to gain access to all rooms. Thanks to its work with older adults and people with disabilities, Flexo-Handlaufsysteme GmbH knows about potential barriers and has made it its mission to promote the self-determination of people.

Image: A man shows how to use a personal lift in three pictures; Copyright: IndeeLift

IndeeLift: Human lifting tools for greater independence

IndeeLift offers human lifting tools that provide greater independence and safety for people with mobility impairment and their caregivers. It is a device that helps caregivers lift, transfer and transport patients in acute, post-acute, long-term and home care environments. At the same time, it can support people who live alone.

Image: A teenage girl laughs while using the ichó therapy ball, which is currently glowing orange; Copyright: icho systems GmbH

ichó: The smart therapy ball for home use

Building communication, strengthening skills, and responding to individual needs – that is the goal of icho systems GmbH. To realize their vision, the team has developed the ichó therapy ball. It brings therapeutic measures and individual support to people's homes and can be used to promote cognition and motor activity.

Image: The soon-to-be-released Revolve Air wheelchair – once in folded and once in unfolded state; Copyright: Andrea Mocellin

Accessible traveling: foldable wheelchair by Revolve Mobility

How can traveling become more accessible and more self-determined for wheelchair users – especially when traveling by plane or taking a cab? This is the question Andrea Mocellin wanted to address when he started inventing Revolve Air. His solution: a wheelchair with foldable wheels and a foldable frame.

Photo: an inclusive sailboat with a man in front and a woman behind. The woman is missing her arms and steers with her feet; Copyright: Andrea Francolini-www.afrancolini.com

Inclusion in water sports: "Disability is no longer an issue once you get in the boat"

What does inclusive sailing entail? Just ask Elke Paatz. She practically grew up on a sailboat and has become disabled as the result of a sports accident. Paatz is the contact person for inclusive (adaptive) sailing on behalf of the German Sailing Federation (German: Deutscher Segler Verband), DSV.

Photo: Bed with a weighted blanket, ontop of the blanket is a magazine Wei; Copyright: Ribcap

Ribcap: A weighted blanket to increase sleep and inclusion

A good night sleep contributes to a healthy life and a good mood. That is why equipment supporting and improving sleep quality is on the rise. Ribcap now developed a high-quality weighted blanket to increase not only sleep quality but also inclusion. The company targets an underrecognized group: people with different conditions that decrease their sleep quality.

Photo: A woman sitting infront of a Dot Pad, her hand touching the braille surface; Copyright: Dot Incorporation

People with vision impairments: The Dot Pad bridges the information gap

The new Dot Pad is not only smaller and lighter, but also much cheaper than conventional tactile displays – making them more affordable and accessible for people with vision impairments. Dot Inc makes the online world of images more accessible and aims to improve other areas as well. In our interview the Senior Manager Mergel Takam talks about the advantages and technology behind the Dot Pad.

Photo: an elderly couple sitting in their apartment, the LiftonTRIO home elevator can be seen in the background; Copyright: Liftstar GmbH

Stylish and innovative design: taking it to the top with the Lifton home elevator

Raúl Krauthausen recently discovered how much an elevator can make your life easier and add accessibility to your home. These days, the disability rights activist uses the LiftonTRIO Home Elevator from Lifton GmbH to navigate his apartment in Berlin. Reason enough for REHACARE.com to ask the Liftstar Group what makes the Lifton home elevator so different from other systems.

Photo: Thomas Müller, Beate Höß-Zenker and Janine Aigner stand in front of and next to a large poster for World Cerebral Palsy Day 2021; Copyright: Stiftung Pfennigparade

World Cerebral Palsy Day – for inclusion and social participation

I am here, we are here, and the world should know it – with this message, the World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6 should not only draw more attention to the disease. It is also intended to raise awareness of the fact that there is still a lot of catching up to do in terms of the participation of people with cerebral palsy in many areas of society.

Photo: WheelSim VR test user Andreas with VR glasses in front of the screen; Copyright: LIFEtool

WheelSim VR: learning safe electric wheelchair operation thanks to virtual reality

LIFEtool is as non-profit organization that counsels and equips people with the tools, they need to be successful. The Austrian company now successfully adapted its 2D-based simulator WheelSim to virtual reality. VR training enables power wheelchair users to practice difficult tasks in a safe environment.

Photo: Wheelchair Basketball player during warm-up before a game; Copyright: Andi Weiland | Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Parasports in the time of Coronavirus – restart and reset on hold

To overcome the challenges resulting from the pandemic, sports clubs and associations had to get creative. Reinhard Schneider, Chairman of the Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association of North Rhine-Westphalia e. V., knows about the future challenges disability sports face due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on sports associations.

Photo: A girl and a boy ride the TRETS trikes one behind the other. The background is motion blurred, which gives the impression of speed; Copyright: HASE BIKES

Sporty and flexible biking – with the new TRETS from HASE BIKES

On your bike, get set, go – the new TRETS from HASE BIKES makes this possible for children with neuromuscular disease. And the best thing about it? Since it has a medical aid registration number, German health insurance companies pay for or contribute to the purchase of the trike. REHACARE.com asked Dario Valenti to find out what makes TRETS unique and why working for HASE BIKES is so special.

Photo: Elderly man with his rolling walker outdoors; Copyright: TOPRO GmbH

Rollators: lightweight mobility aids with style

They used to have an image problem. But now, rollators or walkers, are anything but boring or stuffy. For many, they are treasured state-of-the-art companions for everyday life and a way to express their personality.

Photo: two people on ski: one is sitting in the front, the second person is standing in the back, steering the ski; Copyright: Tessier SARL

The right assistive technology promotes active sports participation

Whether it’s activities in the water, snow or at home – exercise is a great way to boost your health and feel better. A wide range of assistive technology also makes this an option for people with physical disabilities or mild dementia. Some of these tools allow users to enjoy sports in spectacular, beautiful backdrops – in both winter and summer.

Photo: Woman in power wheelchair X8 in the mountains, in the background the mountain panorama of the Zugspitze; Copyright: Sunrise Medical

Accessible hiking in the mountains: The X8 off-road power wheelchair takes users to the top

From the valley to the hut in a wheelchair – and no shuttle bus or mountain railway required. Wheelchair manufacturer Sunrise Medical teamed up with various partners as part of a joint initiative to turn this idea into a reality.

Photo: Close-up of the lower body of a user who is currently driving with spike over a gravel road; Copyright: Exero Technologies

Functionality meets design: the new adaptive sport equipment Spike

Activities aiming at occupational therapy and rehabilitation are boring? Not necessarily! A new assistive exercise and sports equipment named Spike is not only designed to be fun, but also suitable for everybody who wants to get and stay fit. How this works for whom and what kind of history connects Spike with REHACARE? We asked!

Photo: Parents together jogging with her daughter sitting in the Joëlette Kid; Copyright: Joëlette And Co by Ferriol-Matrat

Joëlette Kid makes outdoor experiences more accessible

Going on new adventures with the whole family is fun for everybody. At least, if the necessary assistive devices meet the needs of their users. So does Joëlette Kid – the new all-terrain chair by Ferriol-Matrat. In an interview with REHACARE.com, Alison-Lore Bourget told us about the special features and how especially the children react to their new possibilities.

Photo: The ACCEL QUAD system by Sojadis; Copyright: Sojadis Equipement

Mobility: Small hand control systems with a big effect

Simple, ergonomic, reliable – the multifunctional handles, ACCEL BIKE and ACCEL QUAD, enable improved participation in a mobile and self-determined life. What the two solutions have in common and yet differ, Pierre Gouraud, International Sales of Sojadis Equipement, reveals in an interview with REHACARE.com.

EXTRA: Made to measure sports wheelchair for a better performance

Solid and adapted – this is how auxiliary means for competitive sports such as wheelchair basketball should be. That's why EXTRA wheelchairs from Turkey offers made to measure sports wheelchairs to professional sports people. REHACARE.com talked to Demirhan Serefhan, Managing Director of EXTRA, about the importance of customization and valuable feedback directly from the basketball court.

Photo collage: Male model in a wheelchair and female model with prosthetic leg in clothes from MOB Industries, as well as close-up of a shirt sleeve; Copyright: Jakob Gsöllpointner/MOB Industries

Fashion by MOB Industries: "Inclusion means to truly embrace all body types"

Fashion without barriers – that’s the mission of Viennese-based startup MOB Industries (German: Mode Ohne Barrieren, hence the abbreviation MOB). How has the coronavirus outbreak affected the company’s latest collection and how do functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand? REHACARE.com asked MOB founder and CEO Josefine Thom.

Photo: Mother talking to her daughter sitting at a table opposite her brother; Copyright: Andi Weiland | Gesellschaftsbilder.de

Why inclusion is more important than ever amid the coronavirus crisis

How are families of children with disabilities coping during the coronavirus crisis? A recent online survey asked this question, prompting over 1,600 participants to respond in just two weeks. What do the survey results reveal about the current state of society in terms of social participation and inclusion? We asked Dorothea Kugelmeier and Dr. Raimund Schmolze-Krahn, who launched the study.

Photo: The team from "Die Neue Norm" recording a podcast episode; Copyright: Die Neue Norm

Diversity and inclusion: Podcast breaks with the definition of "normal"

Diversity makes our society richer and stronger. That is why the podcast "Die Neue Norm" (English: The New Norm) does not center on people with disabilities but society as a whole – which includes people with disabilities. Once a month, the podcast features journalists Jonas Karpa, Judyta Smykowski and activist Raul Krauthausen as they discuss topics that move them, their listeners or society.

Maria Kreß stands on a pedestrian bridge and smiles into the camera; Copyright: Maria Kreß

Maria Kreß – That's how she rolls

Love, loss, courage: Maria Kreß learned to embrace life anew after a riding accident and the death of her partner. Her little miracle – her daughter – gave and still gives her strength. In the REHACARE eMag, she talks about self-determined mobility, the desire for true accessibility – and why openness and curiosity are central to her everyday life.

A man with brown curly hair, a black T-shirt and a tracheostomy tube, Erwin Oudshoorn, looks into the camera; Copyright: private

Erwin Oudshoorn – That's how he rolls

Whether as a developer of a speech app, founder of an inclusive dating platform or as a person who learned to swim at the age of 35 – Erwin Oudshoorn is going his own way. In the REHACARE eMag, he talks about his biggest challenges, his desire for more social acceptance and why the trade fair is a special place for him.

Man with dark hair and black clothes, Acacio Cossa, sits in a power wheelchair and plays football; Copyright: Stefan Wicklein

Acacio Cossa – That's how he rolls

Acacio Cossa is an enthusiastic PowerChair footballer – an unexpected award has really boosted his enthusiasm. In the interview with REHACARE.com, he explains how he would like society to interact with athletes with disabilities and how he would combine virtual reality and robotics to achieve greater independence.

Man in a gray T-shirt, black trousers and prosthetic legs jogs along a country lane at dawn; Copyright: Mika Volkmann

Kim Cremer– That's how he rolls

Inspiring and encouraging others: This is always a personal concern for Kim Cremer. After a motorcycle accident, he wears a prosthetic leg and is passionate about sport . In the interview on REHACARE.com, he explains why he would like to invent an assistive device for people with visual impairments and why, in his opinion, social media does not fulfill its purpose completely satisfactorily.

Man with white hair and a beard, Hans-Jürgen Rohe, sits in his wheelchair in front of a building; Copyright: private

Hans-Jürgen Rohe – That's how he rolls

Assistive devices such as a wheelchair are not an impediment for people with disabilities, but allow them freedom and self-determination. This was also the case for Hans-Jürgen Rohe: after Lyme disease turned his life plans upside down, it was ultimately the wheelchair that enabled him to re-enter social life. On REHACARE.com, he explains how the initial setback ultimately became his profession.

Woman with blonde hair, Svenja Gluth, smiles at the camera while she sits in a wheelchair in the garden; Copyright: private

Svenja Gluth – That's how she rolls

As a mother with a disability, Svenja Gluth sometimes faces special challenges – and finds creative solutions. For her family, her disability is a natural part of life, and together they always find a way to make everyday life more active. At REHACARE.com, she explains why she would like to travel into the future instead of the past and what makes REHACARE so special for her.

Image: Woman with short gray hair and colorful clothes, Sabine Klemens, sits smiling in her wheelchair in front of a bookstore; Copyright: Christoph Klemens

Sabine Klemens – That's how she rolls

On her travels around the world, Sabine Klemens feels true freedom and lightness. As often as possible, she travels with her family in a caravan and discovers new things - although she still has a few dream destinations to visit. Why her wheelchair should have a parachute and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Timo Schmiesing playing wheelchair basketball; Copyright: Uli Gasper

Timo Schmiesing – That's how he rolls

Whether basketball or tennis – sports are a central part of Timo Schmiesing's life. That's why inclusion and better supply of assistive devices are particularly important to him, both in everyday life and in sports. What other aids he would like to have and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us at REHACARE.com.

Photo: Adam Bleakney and his wife holding hands while he sits in the ballbot wheelchair. Both smile happily at each other; Copyright: Abby Bobrow

Product development: Wheelchair technology on the move

Adam Bleakney, the Head Coach of the University of Illinois Wheelchair Track and Road Racing team, had a major influence on the project to create a ballbot wheelchair. Supported by the U.S.'s National Science Foundation (NSF), collaborators with the University of Illinois developed this new invention that changes the lives of many wheelchair users.

Photo: Close-up of Sarah Brückner at a microphone; Copyright: Photo Zander

Sarah Brückner – That's how she rolls

Sarah Brückner is a passionate musician. Together with her husband, she performs as the folk duo Mrs. Greenbird. An accident in 2021 changed many things. As a social pedagogue, Sarah Brückner had already fought for inclusion in the past. What has changed for her as a prosthesis user and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Achim Bauch with his wheelchair in a park; Copyright: Motion Solutions GmbH

Achim Bauch – That's how he rolls

Achim Bauch is one of thousands of people worldwide who are still living with the consequences of the thalidomide scandal of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Which moment he remembers most fondly from a few years ago and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Christina Keil sits in a café; Copyright: Private

Christina Keil – That's how she rolls

A few years ago, sepsis changed Christina Keil's entire life. The consequences of an induced coma following heart surgery are still with her today. But Christina Keil firmly believes that a positive spirit attracts positive things. What she is particularly grateful to the nursing staff for during her time in hospital and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Lukas Gloßner stands on a basketball court with his wheelchair and a basketball on his lap; Copyright: Danny-Ralph Cäsar

Lukas Gloßner – That's how he rolls

Whether for his club or for Team Germany – Lukas Gloßner is a wheelchair basketball player with all his heart. His big goal is to take part in the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. Along the way, he has learned a lot and developed clear ideas about how he wants to live his life with a disability. Who he would like to meet and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Katharina Hesener, woman with long dark hair and black top, stands at a pillar and looks into the camera; Copyright: Nora Beckmann

Katharina Hesener – That's how she rolls

For Katharina Hesener, many movements are associated with great effort. The 23-year-old has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (muscle atrophy) and organizes her everyday life very differently than most other people her age – with assistive devices ranging from wheelchairs to garbage grabbers. How she tells the world about her life and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Abdulgazi Karaman smiles to the camera; Copyright: private

Abdulgazi Karaman – That's how he rolls

The dream of the Paralympics came true for Abdulgazi Karaman in 1992. Back then, the 53-year-old played for the German wheelchair basketball team and won silver. Today, Abdulgazi Karaman himself is looking for future talents in wheelchair basketball. What he wants from politics and society and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Stefan Palkowski runs up a wooded mountain; Copyright: PXL

Stefan Palkowski – That's how he rolls

Stefan Palkowski loves sport. Whether it's soccer at Fortuna Düsseldorf or fitness in the woods – exercise is the be-all and end-all for the 53-year-old. The man from Gelsenkirchen has correspondingly high expectations of his prostheses. Why he sees a need for improvement in public spaces rather than in his fellow human beings and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Kathrin Bay smiles sideways into the camera, her assistance dog has her head on her shoulder; Copyright: private

Kathrin Bay – That's how she rolls

Kathrin Bay lives at her own pace: Due to a nerve disorder, slight movements, touches and even the wind cause severe pain in her feet, legs and joints. But Kathrin Bay has learned to deal with it. She is grateful for the assistive devices that support her. What she wishes for from society and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Johnny Grasser sits in front of a blue background and smiles into the camera; Copyright: Simon Spaedtke

Johnny Grasser – That's how he rolls

Whether surfing on the ocean or climbing the Sugar Loaf Mountain – Johnny Grasser loves a challenge. The fact that not everything always goes smoothly is part of his success. Because you learn from your mistakes. That's why the 34-year-old would like us all to have the courage to make mistakes. How assistive devices could be designed better and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Sina Schachel with three dogs on a meadow; Copyright: private

Sina Schachel – That's how she rolls

Out in nature is where Sina Schachel feels at home. She enjoys leading an active life with her husband and their dogs. What can she do without? She can do without overbearing and paternalistic behavior. Unfortunately, she says, there is still far too much of that in our society. Which statements she finds particularly inappropriate and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Moritz Brückner leaning against a wall in a wheelchair; Copyright: Alwin Zwiebel

Moritz Brückner – That's how he rolls

We have to talk to each other to find solutions together – that is what Moritz Brückner believes. Sport is a good example of this – because hardly anything works here without teamwork. At the same time, sports give you so much in return, he revealed as a speaker at REHACARE 2023. Which assistive devices have the highest priority for him and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Lea Habekost wears sunglasses and laughs into the camera for a selfie, forest in the background; Copyright: private

Lea Habekost – That's how she rolls

Lea Habekost loves being out in nature. Whether in the forest with her dog or in the mountains with her family – no path is too difficult for the 22-year-old. Also thanks to an additional wheel and drive for her wheelchair. Where she thinks the assistive technology industry should definitely remain flexible and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Side close-up of Tatjana B. laughing with closed eyes; Copyright: Private

Tatjana B. – That's how she rolls

Her son, her husband, her neurologist – they make up Tatjana B.'s personal support team. Outside this environment, the young woman with MS would like to see more sensitivity and understanding from society – even when the symptoms of a disease are invisible. What changes she would like to see in the health care system and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Elke Paatz with long blond hair looking to the left; Copyright: private

Elke Paatz – That's how she rolls

Sailing is a matter of the heart for Elke Paatz. She has already convinced many people at REHACARE 2022 that the sport can also be practised inclusively – and the next presentation is already planned. Which body part she would like for her telepresence robot Robbi and how she rolls otherwise, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Paul O'Dono sitting in his wheelchair and smiling at the camera; Copyright: private

Paul O'Dono – That's how he rolls

Challenges big and small are part of everyday life for Paul O'Dono. This makes it all the more important for him to find people who have had similar experiences in life. Together with these people, he campaigns for more accessibility – both online and offline. What makes Tom Cruise so unique for him and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.

Photo: Mano Grande sits with his laptop on his legs on a white bench; Copyright: Private

Mano Grande – That's how he rolls

Whether disability, hair colour or clothing style – for Mano Grande, such characteristics are just ballast that leads to people being pigeonholed. With his podcast, the 40-year-old wants to contribute to seeing people as the individuals they really are. What he thinks about the German content creators Rezo and Julien Bam and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.