Veröffentlicht am: 27.09.2026 um 20:09 Uhr:
ca. 3 Minute(n) Lesezeit
REHACARE International: REHACARE 2026 Highlights Growing Demand for Accessible and Independent Living
» International Platform for Rehabilitation and Care
REHACARE INTERNATIONAL 2026 concluded in Düsseldorf after four days, bringing together the international rehabilitation, assistive technology and care sectors from September 23 to 26. Almost 1,000 exhibitors from 43 countries presented products and services covering rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion and care.
According to the organizers, 45,000 visitors from 101 countries attended the event. One third travelled from abroad, while 80 percent of respondents were trade visitors. Almost half of the professional attendees came to Düsseldorf with specific investment plans, and two thirds used the show to learn about new products and market trends.
A defining feature of REHACARE is the combination of different perspectives. Manufacturers and specialist retailers meet healthcare professionals, international partners, people who use assistive technologies and their families. This gives companies direct feedback on practical requirements and the everyday usability of their solutions.
Technology Designed to Support Independence
The exhibition reflected major developments affecting the industry, from demographic change and the growing importance of home-based care to rapid technological progress.
Innovations on display included robotics, exoskeletons, smart mobility solutions, digital care applications, assistance systems, artificial intelligence, adaptive fashion and modern assistive devices.
The focus extended beyond technology itself. A central question was how innovation can help people maintain their independence, reduce pressure on care services and create new opportunities for participation.
At the same time, the event highlighted that innovation alone is not enough. Effective solutions also depend on qualified advice and reliable access to appropriate assistive products and services.
Report Highlights Bureaucratic Barriers
These challenges were also addressed in the REHACARE Report 2026, presented at the start of the exhibition. The study focused on the experiences of more than 1,500 people with disabilities and relatives in Germany.
According to the report, 95 percent of respondents said assistive products had a positive impact on their lives. At the same time, 67 percent said they felt burdened by bureaucratic processes.
The findings underline a fundamental issue for the sector: needs-based provision depends not only on innovative products, but also on accessible services, effective advice and reliable structures.
Inclusion Beyond the Exhibition Stands
REHACARE also provided a platform for social and political debate. Content creators, activists and people with disabilities contributed their personal experiences to community formats, bringing the realities of independent living into the discussion.
Inclusive sport was another prominent element. Blind football and para table tennis were among the activities demonstrating the diversity and competitive nature of disability sport.
The political relevance of rehabilitation, inclusion and care was reflected in visits by Jürgen Dusel, Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities, and Matthias Heidmeier, State Secretary in North Rhine-Westphalia’s Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs.
REHACARE 2026 therefore positioned itself not simply as a product showcase, but as an international interface between business, healthcare provision, politics and the people who rely on assistive solutions in their everyday lives.
The next REHACARE is scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf from September 15 to 18, 2027. «
Source: Press release from Messe Düsseldorf dated 26 September 2026 / edited with the help of Copilot (AI)