Sabine Klemens – That's how she rolls

What makes a day a good day to you?

Sabine Klemens: Coffee first, preferably in a caravan on a trip. Being on the road, warm temperatures. A good balance of being active, trying new things, company and retreat (reading, writing, being by myself) is the best thing for me. When my blood sugar and mental state are in balance, all the devices for getting around are working and I'm not controlled by circumstances.

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

Sabine Klemens: In 2012, we celebrated our silver wedding anniversary with a 17-day road trip with our children through a few national parks in the USA instead of a party. The most breathtaking experience for me was visiting the cave formations of the Antelope Canyons. I am so happy and grateful to have experienced this with my loved ones, because only 1.5 years later, as a wheelchair user, it would no longer have been possible.

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

Sabine Klemens: I have already faced several major challenges. The neurological illness in 2014 was particularly difficult, with many corrosive experiences in hospital, the challenge of being confined to a wheelchair within a few weeks without being supported, unlike accident patients in spinal cord injury centers, for example.

Incidentally, friendships reveal their true substance in a crisis – a bitter lesson. What helped me was the support from Christoph and my family, fighting through the trial period at work, the fact that I was able to do this in a wheelchair (best distraction!), refusing further hospital stays, always looking ahead and learning from the community of people with disabilities on social media what positive things I can experience on wheels. I have also made two new friends and many dear acquaintances.

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

Sabine Klemens: My insulin pump for survival, the Dexcom G6 system for blood glucose monitoring, my wheelchair as a leg replacement and my Triride (wheelchair traction device) for tetraparesis to replace arm strength for mobility.

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

Sabine Klemens: Oh, I'd love a James Bond-style amphibious wheelchair that can take me over sand, into the sea and up mountains, and that can fold out its wings if necessary or is equipped with a parachute for skydiving.

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

Sabine Klemens: I would like to be addressed or involved in the conversation using normal, respectful words that are also common: For example, with my name, what I like to do, how I know the hosts etc. and not every time a question about my disability, wheelchair etc.

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?

Sabine Klemens: I would have loved to have met Frida Kahlo or watched her paint. She was an icon of non-conformity, expression, color and pain and, as a woman with a disability, offers me a wealth of inspiration. The blue house in Mexico would be a dream destination. Anyone who knows me from Instagram knows that I am very interested in art. I don't want to jump back in time, that would be far too exciting for me. Reading is enough for me.

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

Sabine Klemens: An important topic, from my own experience: Psychological-therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation places are rare anyway – for disabled people this is even more precarious due to a lack of accessibility. This urgently needs to change.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Sabine Klemens: I used to be a passionate motorcyclist and had three bikes. No accident – but still in a wheelchair. We have four great grandchildren and I love playing, painting and discovering things with them. After that, however, I'm exhausted.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Sabine Klemens: REHACARE is the best opportunity to try out different versions of an assistive device I'm looking for from several companies. When I try them out, I realize which one is easiest for me to use and which one suits my disability and lifestyle. It's also the best place to meet other people with disabilities or companies.

What's still on my mind...

Sabine Klemens: Thank you for the commitment to inclusion by so many activists from the community of people with disabilities, from which so many benefit – including me. However, I find it overwhelming that we people with disabilities seem to be expected to automatically get involved in this area for free in order to "expand our living space" and be able to participate more. As if this is not something that concerns society as a whole. Just like every person without a disability, I just want to live my life to the best of my ability and not have to deal with any more frustration than necessary.