What has been your biggest challenge so far that you have mastered – and what has helped you?
Nora Hamann: To accept that I am no longer a healthy young woman and that my disease will accompany me throughout my life. The envy of healthy people in my environment without limitations was very stressful for me for a long time. A lively exchange with people of the same age affected by my disease has helped me a lot along this path. It is incredibly valuable to realize that you are not alone with your feelings and thoughts.
What can the assistive technology industry learn from the Corona pandemic to make life easier and/or better for people with disabilities in the future?
Nora Hamann: During the Corona pandemic, maintaining social contacts was made even more difficult for people with disabilities. Exchanging with others, especially about topics that have nothing to do with the disease, is indispensable. I would find a platform that is accessible to everyone – regardless of disability or limitation – enormously important. In this way, new relationships with people can develop that motivate and give hope not to give up.
If nothing would be impossible: Who would you like to meet one day and why?
Nora Hamann: If nothing were impossible, I would love to go on a mystery hunt with Robert Langdon – the main character of a series of books by Dan Brown. His high level of knowledge and quick recognition of connections impress me a lot.
What was your best REHACARE experience?
Nora Hamann: Unfortunately, I have never visited the trade fair myself. But since I have heard a lot of positive things about it, I would be happy to participate myself.
What else I wanted to say ...
Nora Hamann: Especially to newly diagnosed people I would like to say that even if some days seem hopeless and frustration and sadness spread, the bad days will pass and it will get better! It's so important not to give up after bad days, but to give upcoming ones a chance to be beautiful too! Continue to dare to dream big and never stop being brave.
