Session: Against all odds - Why endurance is a worthy challenge
Much is said today about diversity & inclusion, a topic women face on a daily basis. With a severe physical handicap one is facing unique and additional challenges in daily life, in society, as well as in the world of work.
At some point, when my handicap got worse over a period of 15 years, I was forced to give up my job. I was able to overcome this situation: I was fighting for a live changing surgery that reduced my spasticity and I spent countless hours on my workouts. Endurance was one of the main factors that helped me reach my goals. Finally I improved my health significantly and was also able to work again. It took me another year to find an employer who was willing to hire a person with a handicap. With further training and a high-tech orthosis for my paralyzed leg I am now able to walk again, after 15 years in a wheelchair. I still face challenges with my physical condition and not yet having equal rights, but my overall situation improved so much that it was worth the effort. This talk is about encouragement and motivation to hold on to a goal even if it is very hard to reach it.
Bio
I am a physicist, currently working as a medical developer in a software company. With my passion for problem solving I develop algorithms for a software product in diagnostics and documentation.
At the age of 13 I was rolled over by a cement mixer. The accident left me paralyzed incomplete. I was able to change my health condition to the better and love to encourage others to hold on to their goal or dream. I also like to raise awareness for the challenges that people with a handicap still face in their lives.