Photo: Numerous visitors at REHACARE 2024 seeking information on career-related topics at the info booths; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / Andreas Wiese

Work and inclusion – professional participation for people with disabilities

The next REHACARE: 17.09. - 20.09.2025 in Düsseldorf!

A workplace is more than just a place to work – it is a place of participation, self- realization and togetherness. But what does a workplace that is truly accessible to all look like? At REHACARE, you will find solutions that not only make everyday life easier, but also create new perspectives. From wheelchairs that meet the requirements of an active working life to software that makes everyday office life easier for blind people – here you can experience innovative solutions that break down barriers and enable professional participation. Experts also provide advice on topics such as occupational rehabilitation and the financing of barrier-free workplaces.

Photo: Various exhibitors and associations in the “People with disabilities and work” theme park at the REHACARE trade fair; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / Andreas Wiese

Occupational participation is the key to an inclusive society

People with disabilities have a right to equal opportunities – not only in working life, but in the entire labor market. Employers benefit from the diversity and unique perspectives that inclusion brings. But how can inclusion be implemented in the workplace? In addition to legal requirements, there is a wealth of advice, funding opportunities and practical solutions. At REHACARE, you will experience all of this: innovative approaches, inspiring examples and the opportunity to shape the path to greater inclusion together with others.

Inclusion in working life: Support through counseling and qualification

A job that is tailored to the individual needs of each person starts with a crucial step: the right advice. This is where the employment agency is an indispensable partner. It supports people with disabilities in their career orientation, helps them find training positions and opens up new prospects for retraining and further education through targeted support programs.

Advice for employees: Recognizing opportunities, developing potential

The world of work offers everyone the opportunity to get involved – provided the framework conditions are right. For example, people with disabilities can use the budget for training to learn qualified apprenticeships. Further training makes it possible to build on existing skills or prepare for new challenges. Especially in a rapidly changing world of work, such opportunities are an important key to professional success and personal satisfaction. Prerequisites such as access to the right information or support from specialists play a decisive role here.

Support for employers: diversity creates added value

The employment agency supports companies not only with advice, but also with financial support, such as integration grants or assistance with workplace adjustments. These measures make it easier for employers to break down barriers and utilize the potential of people with disabilities for their company. At the same time, these programs help to eliminate uncertainties and develop concrete solutions that benefit both the employees and the company. Together with the right advice, inclusion becomes an opportunity that focuses on diversity.

Regulations and legal requirements: A compass for employers

The legal framework in Germany provides clear guidance for occupational participation. But how can companies implement these requirements in practice and at the same time exploit their potential?

The legal foundation: SGB IX and more

The German Social Code IX (SGB IX) is a central basis for the rights of people with disabilities in working life. It obliges employers to create barrier-free workplaces and to employ people with disabilities. Companies that meet these requirements benefit from financial support, legal security and at the same time strengthen their social responsibility and corporate diversity.
German Pension Insurance also plays an important role: it supports vocational rehabilitation measures, such as retraining or the technical adaptation of workplaces, and helps employers to promote the integration of their employees.

Funding opportunities: Financing the change

Funding programs make the adaptation of workplaces financially feasible for companies. Grants for conversions, technical aids or training not only reduce costs, but also facilitate the implementation of inclusion. By employing people with disabilities, companies benefit from a diverse workforce that promotes creativity and innovation. In addition, targeted measures can help to avoid equalization levies. Take advantage of the funding and support for the first step towards an inclusive labor market.

Practical tips: How inclusion succeeds in everyday life

Implementing the regulations does not have to be a hurdle – with the right planning, it becomes an opportunity. Involving those affected themselves is an important step in developing practicable and sustainable solutions. The representative body for severely disabled employees (SBV) can also be a crucial interface that brings employees and employers together. Networks such as REHACARE also offer valuable suggestions and practical support.

Workplace design: a benefit for everyone

An inclusive workplace is much more than just barrier-free access – it is a place that meets the needs of everyone. Ergonomic furniture and modern technologies not only create accessibility, but also an environment that promotes well-being and productivity.

Photo: Close-up of a hand holding the remote control of an automatically adjustable desk chair. Taken at the REHACARE trade fair; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / Andreas Wiese

Ergonomic solutions: Good for health, good for the team

Height-adjustable desks, special chairs or ergonomic aids – all of these are not only beneficial for people with disabilities. Ergonomic workstations promote the health of all employees and create a pleasant, productive working environment. This "universal design" impressively demonstrates that inclusion not only helps individuals, but also strengthens the entire team.

Photo: a computer keyboard with colorful keys and large letters. Taken at the REHACARE trade fair; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / Andreas Wiese

Technology as the key to accessibility

Modern technologies open up completely new possibilities: Screen readers, voice controls or special keyboards flexibly adapt workstations to individual needs. These technical aids make accessibility not only feasible, but often easier than many people think. They help people with disabilities to make full use of their abilities and enrich the team with their individual strengths.

Photo: Shot over the shoulder of a man using a screen reader on his computer. Taken at the REHACARE trade fair; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf / Andreas Wiese

Best practice examples: Inspiration for all

A company has introduced and is continuing to develop software that makes communication easier for hearing-impaired employees – and the entire team benefits from this. A production company has equipped workstations with flexible lifting devices that make it easier for physically impaired employees to work. Social workshops also often have inspiring approaches to how workstations can be individually adapted.

These examples show: With creative solutions and an open attitude, inclusion becomes a success story.

Shaping the future together

Inclusion in the workplace is more than just a goal – it is an opportunity to make the world of work more humane and diverse. Companies that embrace diversity not only benefit from new perspectives and innovative ideas, but also from a positive working atmosphere and greater employee loyalty. For people with disabilities, professional participation means the opportunity to contribute their skills and lead a self-determined life.

REHACARE actively supports this change: with new approaches, helpful advice and inspiring examples of best practice. Be inspired and shape an inclusive future – for your company, your employees and our society.

Visit us at REHACARE 2025 and experience how professional inclusion can work!

Exhibitors from the field of professional participation for people with disabilities

Active participation in working life is one of the most important conditions for the inclusion of people with disabilities. Are you looking for aids for a barrier-free workplace or advice and support for professional inclusion in the primary labor market? At REHACARE 2024, exhibitors presented a wide range of solutions. Discover everything you need for a self-determined and barrier-free working environment and take the opportunity to talk to experts from all over the world. Take a look at our following product categories: