We are happy to be able to go one more year to one of the most important fairs in the world of rehabilitation, care, prevention and inclusion and share what we have seen and learned
We will start by talking about some data about this fair:
It is held once a year in Düsseldorf (every 2 years it includes more entities).
It is an information and communication platform for people with disabilities, dependent people, the elderly and chronically ill.
It is a meeting place for manufacturers of products and services in the sector, as well as for social associations, self-help groups and non-commercial institutions.
Provides information on the latest developments, products and services in the industry. From aids for mobility or for everyday life, communication techniques and solutions for living without barriers, to ideas for travel, sports and free time
Some of the group already knew the fair from other years, others were going for the first time, since we arrived from the airport we didn't stop, we went straight to the fair, 5 huge pavilions were waiting for us, the sizes ranged from 4.000 to 25.000 square meters! To give us an idea of the biggest pavilions they were the size of 5 Camp Nou stadiums!!
This year the fair had 50.612 visitors from more than 80 countries and 969 exhibitions.
There was a lot to see, but what is most impressive just arriving is the number of people with different disabilities attending the fairs, from older adults to small babies with parents seeing the best possibilities for their children. It's very exciting to see 2- or 3-year-olds driving manual or electric chairs and doing cute things specific to their age. This is where true autonomy begins!
It is very enriching to be able to see and try the products first hand, also the manufacturers were interested in our opinion and demands that we had as professionals. It is very interesting to take into account different points of view from both the manufacturer, the professionals and the user so that we can get a better product.
Unfortunately all these products are not marketed in our country, the Nordic countries clearly spend more and take into account support products, but it must also be said and emphasized that we are not bad, every year we have new products according to the demands we are making. And it is also true that many products are becoming more affordable for our market.
As for the previous years, we didn't see too much news, but small changes or improvements to existing products. This year we could say that it was the year of folding wheelchairs of all types, novelties in positioning material, some advances in robotics and the strong entry of Asian manufacturers into the European market.
In addition, we had the opportunity to meet or meet again with Dusseldorf for those of us who had already been, a small and charming city. It was very funny to meet people from the fair walking around the night, we invaded the city! Of course it must be said that most streets and public transport were miraculously adapted, despite being old. A special mention needs the delicious roasted braón and for dessert the apple strudel. One more reason to return to Dusseldorf!
But above all what we mentioned at the beginning, the richness of being there, of being able to see first-hand users using and testing products that really change the quality of life, and the ideas that came when several minds interested in getting the best of each product to give people with functional diversity the greatest possible autonomy.
Advances are made not every day, but every second and the possibility of being able to see, and experience all this we believe is invaluable. We arrive full of ideas and, as always, very eager.
We appreciate always having the support of some of the orthopedics that offer their services at ASPACE, this year we thank Gracare. We consider the possibility of sharing with them and other health professionals from other institutions very enriching.
Thank you Xavi Escanellas, Mireia de Gracare and Cristina from the Guttmann Institute for accompanying us during the fair!
Francisca Gimeno (Head of ASPACE Rehabilitation) and Tamara Biedermann (ASPACE Rehabilitation Physician)
