30 years: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Since 1993 - for 30 years now - the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated every year on 3 December.
This year's theme is "United in action to secure and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities".
According to the Federal Statistical Office (2021 survey), 7.8 million people in Germany alone live with a severe disability, almost a tenth (9.4 per cent) of the total population. More than half (58 per cent) have physical disabilities, while slightly less than half (3.5 million) of people with a severe disability are in the 55 to 74 age group.*
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to affirm the full participation and equality of people with disabilities in all areas of life worldwide and to raise awareness of their needs. Various institutions and associations in Germany are committed to greater participation and inclusion, such as the German Disability Council, Aktion Mensch, Sozialhelden, the VdK social association and the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities.**
Innovation and inclusion go hand in hand
Since April 2021, experienced volunteer experts have been working in Baden-Württemberg on behalf of the Landesverband Selbsthilfe Körperbehinderter Menschen Baden-Württemberg e.V. (LSK) to promote participation and inclusion. With the aim of raising awareness, drawing attention to barriers and providing advice on construction projects, for example, the ambassadors are part of the LSK's state-wide accessibility competence network and are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free society at all levels of everyday life.
Particular attention is paid to the comprehensive implementation of accessibility in publicly accessible buildings such as town halls, schools, theatres and cinemas. With their support, sports facilities and swimming pools are also to become barrier-free and, for example, the redesign of barrier-free bus stops in public transport is to be promoted. They are focusing on the motto "Digital against handicaps: Let's use technology to overcome barriers - innovation and inclusion go hand in hand - accessibility 4.0".
In order to find out about technical innovations, the office of the Landesverband Selbsthilfe Körperbehinderter Menschen Baden-Württemberg e.V. visited REHAB 2023 together with members and the accessibility ambassadors. Sabine Goetz, Managing Director of the Landesverband Selbsthilfe Körperbehinderter Menschen Baden-Württemberg e.V., was enthusiastic: "At the last REHAB Karlsruhe, our state-wide accessibility ambassadors experienced ground-breaking technologies, pioneering solutions and new impulses that noticeably improve the quality of life and participation of people with disabilities. The experts themselves were unanimous: REHAB sends out a strong signal for an inclusive future, participation and digitalisation!"
Participation and self-determination through technical innovations
What role can modern technology, advanced innovations and customised aids play in enabling (more) participation? Experts agree that the right assistive technology is the basis for participation and a better quality of life. Examples of such technologies are aids for augmentative and alternative communication.
They can help many people with disabilities to participate in life. For people with cerebral palsy, ALS and spinal cord injuries, such assistive technologies enable them to communicate with their own voice, develop reading and writing skills and thus lead a more self-determined life. Modern aids based on electromobility, such as electric wheelchairs, braking and pushing aids for wheelchairs, electric add-on drives or electric mobility scooters, help people with limited mobility to move around independently. And these are just a few examples of the many aids that enable people with disabilities to enjoy a better quality of life.
REHAB Karlsruhe: Showcase for innovation and inclusion
Trade fairs such as REHAB Karlsruhe impressively demonstrate the possibilities and opportunities offered by new technologies for people with disabilities to improve participation and self-determination. "Rehabilitation is an anchor for people with disabilities and the basis for participation and quality of life. It's great that there are trade fairs like REHAB to ensure that new findings reach people quickly," emphasised Jürgen Dusel, Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities and patron of REHAB Karlsruhe 2023, in his welcoming address.
This year's 22nd European Trade Fair for Rehabilitation, Therapy, Care and Inclusion attracted 12,000 trade and private visitors to Karlsruhe to get personalised advice and find out about current trends and the latest assistive technology. Visitors were able to test and compare the new products directly. And thus find out whether the wheelchair, exoskeleton, handbike or dressing aid suits their individual needs. Numerous self-help groups were on hand to answer questions and provide qualified advice on personal issues relating to the condition, as well as on occupational and rehabilitation topics and help for relatives.
REHAB Karlsruhe 2025
The next REHAB is scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 May 2025. "We are already in the midst of planning for REHAB 2025, which will also cover the entire spectrum of the industry and is an important point of contact for visitors to keep up to date with the latest developments in the assistive technology market," announces Project Manager Annika Gehrmeyer.
Further information on the trade fair and the current registration status of exhibitors can be found online at www.rehab-karlsruhe.com.