REHACARE 2025 launches community survey about inclusion and self-determination

How self-determined is living for people with assistive technology really?

The international trade fair REHACARE is inviting people to take part in a community survey focusing on the everyday life of persons with disabilities, chronic illness or with limitations due to old age. Under the motto "How self-determined is living with assistive technology?" this survey targets persons affected requiring protheses, wheelchairs, hearing devices or other assistive technologies for managing their everyday life, as well as their relatives.

Man with prosthetic leg and wheelchair user talking in the park

How independent is life with assistive devices? REHACARE asks the community. © Envato Elements / DisobeyArtPh

The aim is to paint a realistic picture of how inclusion and participation are currently experienced – and highlight the obstacles faced by those affected as well as their success stories. The results of the survey will be published after REHACARE and will then form part of a large, representative study to be published at REHACARE 2026. This will provide not only facts and figures but also authentic testimonials, relatable stories and concrete demands made by the community.

REHACARE aims to leverage its role as the community’s biggest platform and interface between the community, policymakers, media, and the public to identify the topics and priorities important to assistive technology users. With demand for care worldwide growing REHACARE – along with numerous international exhibitors and partners – also provides key impulses in a global context here.

"Self-determination is a fundamental human right – but reality in everyday life often looks different," stresses Hannes Niemann, Director of the international trade fair REHACARE. "With the current survey we want to give a voice to the community’s experiences and perspectives and set targeted impulses for politics, business and society."

The online survey only takes a few minutes and is anonymous and open to all interested parties. At the end, participants also have the option to register to take part in an in-depth follow-up survey. As early as 2024 REHACARE already provided initial food for thought with an Open Letter to political decision-makers. The next key question now reads: Where does inclusion already work well – and where is change needed?

Take part and have your voice heard!

By taking measures such as this survey REHACARE underlines its claim of being more than just a trade fair. It sees itself as a platform for the community where concerns are made visible, voices are heard and change processes are initiated. It is a resonance chamber for those affected, a stage for innovations and a catalyst for social change. Its stated aim: to raise greater awareness about the topic of self-determined living – and to break down both physical and mental barriers.

About REHACARE

REHACARE is the leading international trade fair for rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion and care. From 17 to 20 September 2025 it will bring people with disabilities, chronic disease and limitations due to old age together with solution providers, start-ups, associations and political decision-makers under the guiding theme of "Self-Determined Living". More information at: www.rehacare.de

Press contact:
Monika Kühnhenrich-Jacoby
Tel. +49 (0) 211 / 4560-620
E-Mail: kuehnhenrichm@messe-duesseldorf.de

Upon publication we would appreciate a specimen copy.