SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 14, 2025 – REHACARE 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion, and care, has launched a global community survey exploring the realities of self-determined living with assistive technology. The initiative is designed to gather first-hand perspectives from people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related limitations, as well as their relatives, to provide insight into both opportunities and barriers in everyday life.
A Platform for Real-World Experiences
Under the theme “How self-determined is living with assistive technology?”, the survey focuses on those who rely on prostheses, wheelchairs, hearing devices, or other assistive solutions. By capturing authentic experiences, the project aims to document how inclusion and participation are currently achieved — while identifying where systemic change is still needed.
The results will first be presented after REHACARE 2025 and then feed into a larger, representative study set to be published at REHACARE 2026. This study will combine data with real-life testimonials, providing actionable insights for policymakers, providers, and technology developers.
Industry Relevance and Market Context
The launch of the survey comes as demand for rehabilitation and assistive solutions continues to grow globally. Market analysts point to demographic shifts — including aging populations and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases — as driving factors behind expanded adoption of mobility aids, hearing solutions, and digital care platforms.
Key industry themes reinforced by the survey include:
- The role of patient feedback in shaping product innovation
- Integration of assistive devices into healthcare and long-term care systems
- Policy and funding frameworks that either enable or restrict accessibility
- Shifts toward holistic care models emphasizing independence and dignity
Stakeholder Engagement Beyond the Trade Fair
“Self-determination is a fundamental human right – but reality in everyday life often looks different,” stresses Hannes Niemann, Director of the international trade fair REHACARE. “With the current survey we want to give a voice to the community’s experiences and perspectives and set targeted impulses for politics, business and society.”
By framing inclusion not only as a healthcare issue but as a socio-economic priority, REHACARE positions itself as more than a trade exhibition. The platform acts as a nexus for collaboration between innovators, providers, advocacy groups, and political stakeholders.
Strategic Implications for Healthcare Providers and Innovators
For hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and technology providers, the survey’s findings are expected to highlight areas where care delivery and product integration can better align with patient needs. Hospitals implementing patient-centered rehabilitation models, for example, may draw on the survey’s insights to improve procurement and training around assistive devices.
Similarly, medical device manufacturers and digital health startups can leverage the community’s feedback to refine innovation roadmaps, strengthen market positioning, and engage with policymakers more effectively.
Survey Participation and Next Steps
The online survey, available worldwide, is anonymous and designed to take only a few minutes. Participants can also opt into a follow-up study that will dive deeper into lived experiences. REHACARE has previously signaled its advocacy role through initiatives such as its 2024 Open Letter to political decision-makers, and the new survey reinforces this long-term commitment.
The trade fair itself will take place from September 17–20, 2025, in Düsseldorf, Germany, bringing together people with disabilities, solution providers, associations, and policymakers under the guiding theme of “Self-Determined Living.”
Healthcare professionals, providers, and industry innovators are encouraged to learn more and participate in the survey at www.rehacare.de.