Denise Bartels – That's how she rolls

When did you last laugh heartily and what about?

Denise Bartels: For about ten minutes ago about a dog video on Facebook.

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

Denise Bartels: Diving - just to feel the absence of gravity even more than while swimming. I have not dared so far because I am not sure if my Asthma would allow it.

Which person has influenced you most? And why?

Denise Bartels: The Dalai Lama - he exudes so much happiness and satisfaction.

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

Denise Bartels: I would campaign for encouraging the self-determination of people with disabilities. Especially so that nobody has to move into an asylum because the funding is easier.

What matters most to you?

Denise Bartels: Helping to spread the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was signed 2009 already but still it is not followed by all. Fundamental Rights apply for everyone not only the healthy people.

I would like to be ...

Denise Bartels: without pain (just to know how it feels).

Which questions would you like answered the most?

Denise Bartels: Why do certain specialists in charge without medical education decide over requests, although they are on the medical side like for example the request for the status of being seriously disabled or absorption of costs, instead of physicians? And why can those specialists refuse medical decrees?

What I finally want to say?

Denise Bartels: Patients with rare or non-visible diseases or disabilities have to be able to get access to appropriate medical treatment without being dismissed or not taken seriously.