Svenja Gluth – That's how she rolls

What makes a day a good day to you?

Svenja Gluth: A good day for me is when I spent it with my family, sharing and enjoying the little and big moments of life together.

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

Svenja Gluth: An unforgettable moment in my life was holding my daughter for the first time. That moment was filled with so much love, and it felt as though time stood still.

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

Svenja Gluth: The biggest challenge in my life was definitely my pregnancy. Due to my disability, I often worried about how everything would turn out and how my body would handle it. But in the end, it was such a beautiful time, and I was able to fully enjoy it.

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

Svenja Gluth: My wheelchair represents flexibility and freedom for me and is the most important assistive device in my life. I also never want to be without my traction device and modified car, as both provide me with so much more freedom and independence. I am simply grateful to have these devices in my daily life.

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

Svenja Gluth: Something like an exoskeleton, so that everyone – regardless of disability or illness – could walk, climb stairs, and run again.

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

Svenja Gluth: I hope that interacting with people with disabilities will become something completely natural in our society. That disability would be seen as simply a neutral characteristic that doesn't exclusively define a person, but is just part of one's personality. It would be nice if we could all meet each other with an open, respectful and unbiased attitude.

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?

Svenja Gluth: If nothing was impossible, I would love to travel far into the future and see the latest technologies and assistive devices.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Svenja Gluth: I'm not very good at whistling, but I played the flute for a long time.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Svenja Gluth: For me, REHACARE means discovering and trying out new assistive devices and technologies and, at the same time, having the chance to interact with so many wonderful people.

What's still on my mind...

Svenja Gluth: Remember: You are perfect just the way you are!