Erik Machens – That's how he rolls

What makes you laugh?

Erik Machens: Expectations that are completely reversed.

What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?

Erik Machens: A headstand... That was a movement limit SO FAR, probably out of habit. But that also includes climbing a steep face with a wheelchair, a parachute jump and other daring plans. Some are in the works.

Which person has influenced you most? And why?

Erik Machens: An interesting question that I cannot answer unequivocally. I let many people impress me, perhaps inspire me, sometimes influence me – I don't think you can be choosy enough.

You have the chance to become the Commissioner for the Disabled. What would you do first?

Erik Machens: I'm not sure I want to do this job. But I think I would want to make a wheelchair sport subject compulsory at any regular school and encourage a lot of dialogue between people with disabilities and those who are firmly convinced that they don't have one through regular public discussions and participatory events.

Erik Machens: Disabled sports and especially wheelchair dancing as an enormously inclusive sport. Here the boundaries between disabled sport and sport are blown.

I would like to be...

Erik Machens: someone who tells or writes inspiring stories. But basically I'm very happy.

Which question would you like answered the most?

Erik Machens: Can discrimination – in general and without a focus on disability – actually be excluded in the long term?

What else I wanted to say...

Erik Machens: Many thanks to the organizers of REHACARE 2019, the team at the booth of DGUV and DRS and the visitors of the fair, which I got to know. I think I have become a big fan of the open, friendly and constructive-inspiring spirit of REHACARE! ...if I am allowed, I would like to draw your attention to the IPC World Championships in Wheelchair Dance in Bonn, Germany (29.11. - 01.12.2019). This will also be a big spirit!