Maria Kreß – That's how she rolls

What makes a day a good day to you?

Maria Kreß: Life-loving moments; time with my little big miracle & favorite person; spending time with things that make my heart skip a beat; sea & sun

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

Maria Kreß: I have many of these special life moments. One of them is the moment when my daughter lay on my chest for the first time after she was born. Feeling this little big miracle in my arms completely changed my life. To this day, she fills my heart with endless love and gratitude.

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

Maria Kreß: My riding accident and the sudden death of my favorite person (my husband). My infinite trust in life and love have helped me. For me, there is no greater motivation. And my little big miracle played a very important role in the loss of my favorite person.

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

Maria Kreß: My wheelchair and my converted car, as I can no longer walk since my riding accident and love to explore our wonderful world.

If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it have to be able to do?

Maria Kreß: Definitely a cool beach wheelchair, because I love the sea. It would be small, minimalist & stylish. Nevertheless, it would easily go over deep sand into knee-high water. I'm looking for cooperation partners for my idea. Who is interested?

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

Maria Kreß: I would like to see a society that is open, unbiased and naturally inclusive. A world in which people with disabilities are not seen as "special" or "pitiable" people, but simply as people – with strengths, weaknesses, dreams and a completely normal life.
So, what I would like to see:

• Fewer barriers – not just physical, but also in people's minds
• More eye level – no overprotection, but also no ignoring
• Questions instead of assumptions – every disability is different, so just ask instead of assuming
• Inclusion as a matter of course – in relation to school, work, leisure and everyday life
• Real encounters – without fear of "doing something wrong"

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?

Maria Kreß: Oh, what an exciting question! If really nothing were impossible, then I would like to travel back in time – back to the days before my husband suddenly died. To tell him once again how much I love him and that I am infinitely grateful for everything he taught me.

But if I stay in the present, I would incredibly like to be my little big miracle for once. Her strength, her clarity and her heart inspire me every day. Of course, I would also secretly watch myself as a mom.

And I would love to go on an endless road trip in the van with my little big miracle: without school, with mobile & flexible working, lots of time in nature in beautiful places and for a while without a watch, calendar and appointments.

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

Maria Kreß: The following topics are close to my heart:

• Accessibility – everywhere & as a matter of course
• Not having to ask first whether a place is accessible, but simply being able to go there – that should be normal. Whether traveling, leisure, work or in the mind – I am committed to ensuring that there are no more barriers.

... and initiatives:

• My life project lebensverliebt.jetzt
• two German companies I work for: Potenzial Pioniere GmbH & Inklusionsfit
• the German event Kämpferherzentreffen

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Maria Kreß: Something that might surprise you: I am incredibly curious and love to try out or learn new things. Whether it's water skiing, bungee jumping or my training as a breathwork coach – I'm always on the lookout for new challenges that challenge me physically and mentally.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Maria Kreß: For me, REHACARE is a unique opportunity to experience inspiration, exchange and innovation.

For me personally, REHACARE is also a moment of empowerment – an opportunity to meet people from different fields who, like me, believe in opportunities and change for a more inclusive life. It's not just about products, but also about a shared understanding that inclusion is a right and not an exception.

What's still on my mind...

Maria Kreß: We all have the ability to shape our lives – regardless of the challenges we face. Whether you are struggling with a disability, a loss or any other crisis, you have the power to take the first step.

It's not about perfection, it's about self-acceptance and the courage to move on. We are not our circumstances, but the choices we make and the love we bring into the world.

And perhaps that is the most important point: we are all connected. Let's talk to each other more, support each other and create a community where everyone has a place – regardless of their story.