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.

What makes a day a good day to you?

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: It's the small, friendly interactions or even casual conversations that enrich my everyday life without any reference to my disability.

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

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: The day I was able to use a wheelchair after being bedridden for a long time. This made it possible for me to return to society.

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

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: The day I was diagnosed and the resulting need to use a wheelchair in the future was a major setback in my life planning. After a long period of despondency, I started to build up a network of supportive people, combined with personal ambition. This combination enabled me to progressively return to a self-determined life and turned my disability into a profession.

Which assistive devices are indispensable for you in everyday life and why?

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: My active wheelchair is an indispensable device for coping with everyday life and reaching destinations nearby. I also use a traction device very frequently, which enables me to go on extended trips and report on them in my blog to motivate similarly affected people to discover the world on their own in a wheelchair or traction device.

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

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: I would like to see a more natural and respectful approach to people with disabilities. In my opinion, there is still a need for action here.

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?

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: I would love to take a walk with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe through Weimar at that time and then talk to him about the era and his works - for which the Herzogin Amalia Library would be an excellent place.

Are there certain topics or initiatives relating to people with disabilities that are particularly close to your heart?

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: There are a number of initiatives that are particularly helpful for people with disabilities, such as Reisen für Alle ("Travels for everyone"), Netzwerk Hören ("Hearing Network") and Sozialhelden ("Social Heroes").

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: It's certainly nothing extraordinary, but at the beginning of the disease I found access to painting – a good way to translate ideas and experiences into pictures.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: It is a good opportunity to get a very comprehensive overview of assistive devices and innovations in one place. At the same time, this trade fair also offers many opportunities to exchange ideas with other affected people and their relatives.

What's still on my mind...

Hans-Jürgen Rohe: That the topic of inclusion gets more attention, and not just prior to upcoming elections.