Paul O'Dono – That's how he rolls

What makes a day a good day to you?

Paul O'Dono: Nice encounters, meetings with friends, good conversations and the exchange with my very esteemed friend and podcast partner – Mano Grande.

Which auxiliary means or daily living aids are indispensable for you?

Paul O'Dono: In everyday life, I need an active wheelchair to get around.

What would you like to see from society and your fellow people in dealing with people with disabilities?

Paul O'Dono: I would like society to anchor the idea of inclusion even more firmly in people's minds and to give everyone the opportunity to develop their own potential in the community. In our podcast, Mano and I try to look at these issues from different perspectives and to address them humorously.

Which assistive device would urgently need to be invented and/or improved?

Paul O'Dono: For people with mobility impairments, I would like to see mobility aids that enable them to walk independently, such as with an exoskeleton. I would also like to see research on the topic of neuroscience continue to develop in order to create new ways and possibilities.

What has been your biggest challenge so far that you have mastered – and what has helped you?

Paul O'Dono: I experience challenges – big and small – almost daily in my everyday life. I also set myself new goals, such as my current further training in peer counselling. In the process, I have met many new interesting personalities who have the same challenges, problems and interests in life. It is exciting for me to work together and set up a podcast with my bro Mano Grande, in which we exchange views on the topic of people with disabilities and look at it from different angles.

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?

Paul O'Dono: Accessibility of online communication tools is an important issue. Unfortunately, many tools are not accessible. More events in the virtual space that also have the character of an event. And last but not least, the conditions must be created so that all people can use these possibilities.

If nothing was impossible: Who would you like to meet one day and why?

Paul O'Dono: Tom Cruise. He is the best actor in the world, charismatic in his films and authentic in the execution of his stunts. For me, he is simply the epitome of blockbuster cinema. I would also love to meet the two podcasters from Hobbylos – Rezo and Julien Bam – for an exchange of experiences and invite them to join our podcast.

What was your best REHACARE experience?

Paul O'Dono: Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to visit REHACARE in person. But I will definitely make up for that this year. I am particularly interested in the latest developments for wheelchairs.

What I wanted to say...

Paul O'Dono: If we all understood that life is unique and every person in this world is individual, has the same rights in life – no matter what the personal conditions are – we can overcome the everyday challenges together with more understanding and confidence and enable everyone to live a fulfilled and happy life.