Innovative technology and active dialogue promote participation:

Innovative technology and active dialogue promote participation: At REHAB 2025, professionals and people with disabilities disabilities experience what is possible

Karlsruhe, 19 May 2025 - How can digital assistance systems, modern wheelchairs and smart therapy devices improve the everyday lives of people with disabilities? REHAB Karlsruhe, one of the world's most important trade fairs for rehabilitation, therapy, care and inclusion, will provide the answers. From 22 to 24 May 2025, the trade fair will open its doors for the 23rd time and present hundreds of innovations to trade visitors and people with disabilities on 30.000 barrier-free square metres - hands-on, to touch and try out. Jürgen Dusel, Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to People with Disabilities, will also be visiting the trade fair as patron. Celebrity guests include actor Samuel Koch, Olympic champion Kristina Vogel, Paralympics winner Heinrich Popow and David Behre.

Almost 400 exhibitors from 16 countries will be showcasing new products and solutions - from wheelchairs suitable for everyday use, intelligent exoskeletons and communication aids to digital aids for care and therapy. Two new focal points in the programme will set the tone for care: „Mobile with a prosthesis" and „Stroke" - the latter will be co-organised by the German Stroke Foundation, among others.

„Taking part in REHAB enables us to keep an eye on the latest developments and technologies in the field of rehabilitation on the one hand, and to present our work and support options for people with disabilities and neurological diseases to a broad public on the other," emphasises Dr Thomas Urbach, member of the Federal Executive Board of the BDH Bundesverband Rehabilitation e. V. (German Rehabilitation Association).

^{As scheduled, REHAB Karlsruhe will open its doors for the 23rd time from 22 to 24 May 2025. Photo: Messe Karlsruhe / Jürgen Rösner}

^{Touch, try, exchange - that is the motto of REHAB, which will take place at Messe Karlsruhe from 22 to 24 May 2025. Photo: Messe Karlsruhe / Jürgen Rösner}

Technology that inspires: progress for more self-determination

Innovative communication aids for speech disorders and new digital assistive solutions such as voice-controlled mixed reality browsers or head and eye control systems show how digital assistance opens up new ways of participation.

Whether GPS-enabled insoles with fall sensors, myoelectric exoskeletons for paralysed hands or stair-climbing power wheelchairs - visitors can experience modern aids live. Intelligent care assistance systems or ‘Robots 4 Care’ show how technology can relieve the burden on carers.

REHAB also sets new trends in the area of mobility: with foldable electric wheelchairs, compact traction devices, brand new handbikes, clever accessories such as a wheelchair trailer coupling and sensor-based stair climbing aids.

Eleven themed marketplaces and inclusive hands-on programme

For better orientation, the trade fair is divided into eleven themed marketplaces - from „Barrier-free building and living” to „Therapy and practice” and „Leisure & travel”. A large test course invites visitors to actively experience the fair, while car fitters also offer test drives in vehicles adapted for the disabled. Two disabled sports associations and other players in inclusive sport will be helping to create a varied programme at the inclusive sports venue - with up to 18 hands-on activities on offer.

„REHAB has become the meeting place for people with physical and multiple disabilities,” says Jutta Pagel-Steidel, Managing Director of the Landesverband für Menschen mit Körper- und Mehrfachbehinderung Baden-Württemberg e. V. „You can find out about the latest aids without obligation, try them out, take part in the varied supporting programme and,

^{Poto 1: Messe Karlsruhe / Behrendt und Rausch}

^{Poto 2: Messe Karlsruhe / Jürgen Rösner}

Making self-help visible - enabling exchange

Numerous self-help organisations will also be presenting themselves in Karlsruhe. Peter Reichert, press spokesman for the Bundesverband Selbsthilfe Körperbehinderter e. V. (Federal Association of Self-Help Organisations for the Physically Disabled), emphasises: „Such events offer us a unique platform to raise awareness of the needs and rights of people with physical disabilities. The personal exchange on site is a great enrichment for many."

Prominent guests, strong impulses

As part of MOBITIPP Trends & Talks, Kristina Vogel talks about mental strength and training with the HandsOn-Cycle from HP Velotechnik. Cartoonist Phil Hubbe comments on the topic of disability with humour and offers a signing session. Samuel Koch will take the audience on an emotional journey through his book „Schwerelos” („Weightless”) and then take time to chat and sign autographs.

^{Former professional cyclist Kristina Vogel inspires as a speaker in the forum at REHAB.}

^{Photo: Messe Karlsruhe / Behrendt und Rausch}

^{Actor Samuel Koch is a welcome guest and speaker at REHAB Karlsruhe.}

^{Photo: Messe Karlsruhe / Behrendt und Rausch}

Another highlight of the forum programme will be the new Inklusionsfit-Talks with TV presenter Sven Voss, who will discuss successful inclusion strategies with experts. Bundesliga referee Christof Günsch will talk about inclusion in sport and his everyday experiences.

Society in transition - REHAB picks up on future topics

The trade fair reflects key challenges facing society: according to the Federal Statistical Office, 7.9 million people with severe disabilities were living in Germany at the end of 2023 - and the trend is rising. Almost 91 per cent of severe disabilities were caused by an illness, 58 per cent of people with severe disabilities had a physical disability: of these, 11 per cent had limited function in their arms and/or legs, and a further 10 per cent had limited function in their spine and torso. The number of people in need of care totalled 5.7 million. This figure is expected to rise to 7.5 million by 2055.

The provision of medical aids is also becoming increasingly important: according to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband), expenditure on statutory health insurance in 2023 rose to 11.2 billion euros with over 32 million supplies - a clear indicator of the growing demand.

In Germany, around 270,000 people are affected by a stroke every year, almost 200,000 of which are first-time strokes. According to the German Stroke Foundation Stiftung Deutsche Schlaganfall-Hilfe, strokes are the most common cause of acquired disabilities in adulthood. Around 60 per cent of stroke survivors remain dependent on aids, therapy and/or care one year after their stroke.